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On November 20, 2024, the CHEO Research Institute hosted the Bears’ Den pitch event in Ottawa, where four innovative local start-ups presented their healthcare solutions to a panel of seasoned judges. This event, organized by Core Innovation, focused on cutting-edge medical technology that aims to enhance today's healthcare systems.
The panel of judges included Suzanne Grant from the Capital Angel Network, Blake Farquharson from RBCx, and Marie-Ange Janvier of CHEO. They provided critical feedback and asked challenging questions to the entrepreneurs to help refine their pitches.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of Leynek Medical’s ReneCare Platform as the 2024 CHEO Bears’ Den winner. The platform is designed to support cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers by integrating seamlessly into clinical workflows. It features a user-friendly app that enables patients to monitor their symptoms, mood, and diary entries while receiving tailored medical guidance related to their symptoms. This proactive approach enhances patient engagement and monitoring, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes in cancer care. As the winning start-up, Leynek Medical secured a $25,000 investment to advance the adoption of its solution in hospitals and clinics.
William Jones, CEO of Leynek Medical, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating that participating in the CHEO Bears’ Den was a phenomenal experience that helped him connect with industry leaders and investors. The funding will enable him to accelerate the delivery of this important technology to those who need it most.
Additionally, the event featured a "Fan Favourite" award determined by audience votes. AIHearu, a company that developed voice recognition software for individuals with speech impairments, won this accolade. Initially created by two technologists for a family member with cerebral palsy, AIHearu's software learns individualized speech patterns, allowing for clearer communication. The company aims to broaden accessibility with their technology.
The other two contenders at the event were miRoncol and Dicerra. miRoncol is focused on a blood-based test that utilizes PCR and miRNA technology to detect over twelve cancer types. Dicerra has developed a safety reporting platform that promotes anonymity and non-punitive reporting, drawing from aviation safety culture to improve health and safety reporting in healthcare settings.
The Bears’ Den event underscores Core Innovation’s commitment to driving healthcare innovation. Guided by Dr. Jason Berman, CEO and Scientific Director of the CHEO Research Institute, the initiative aims to empower innovators to commercialize their health technologies effectively. With support from a diverse team led by Dr. Matthew Bromwich, the organization helps bridge the divide between research, healthcare, and business sectors, facilitating the growth of Canadian health-tech industries.
The CHEO Research Institute is recognized globally for its excellence in pediatric research and serves as a vital platform connecting talent and technology to pursue transformative research for children, youth, and families. With a mission to inspire the best possible lives for children and youth, the institute continues to foster innovation through collaborative efforts in health and research. For further details, individuals are encouraged to visit the CHEO Research Institute's website.
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