Gotcare and Swift Medical among the selected healthtech start-ups to receive funding from DIGITAL

Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies (DIGITAL) is investing $10.5 million across four projects from Canadian start-ups working on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare. 

 DIGITAL contributed $1.5 million to Toronto’s Gotcare, which connects patients with in-home and virtual care based on proximity, specialization, language, and cultural understanding. DIGITAL’s largest contribution is going to Swift Medical’s $9-million wound treatment project, half of which is supported by the innovation cluster’s funding. The Toronto-based firm is looking to drive the adoption, evaluation, and commercialization of its AI-powered wound assessment, decision support, and predictive care technologies.

Congratulations to all the recipients!

Gotcare is an alumnus of the EAHN™ program and presented at the OBIO®  Investment Summit. Swift Medical is an OBIO® member and an alumnus of the BDSP™, CAAP®, EAHN™, and WiHI programs.

AmacaThera doses first in-human study to evaluate AMT-143 for non-opioid treatment of post-operative pain

AmacaThera Inc, a clinical stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of advanced sustained release hydrogel formulations, has dosed its first human subject with AMT-143, the company’s lead asset in non-opioid acute pain management. AMT-143 is a local slow-release non-opioid local anesthetic that would leverage the AmacaGel platform to provide long-acting post-operative pain relief and is the first therapeutic product formulated to be delivered via AmacaGel, AmacaThera’s patented technology platform.

AmacaThera is an OBIO® member, an alumnus of all OBIO® programs, and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

MEMOTEXT, CAMH and OBIO® partner to support healthcare workers’ mental health through digital engagement

May 27, 2024 (Toronto, ON)  – MEMOTEXT Corp., a leading digital platform provider for patient engagement in North America, is thrilled to announce the successful completion of an evaluation project through OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) of its MTxBeWell program with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). This ground-breaking initiative represents a significant advancement in mental health support and paves the way for pre-procurement activities and reimbursement across Ontario.

With the support from EAHN™, CAMH has been able to offer the MTxBeWell program to its social workers and occupational therapists.

The MTxBeWell program is a validated, just-in-time adaptive intervention designed to engage individuals in their mental health journey. Co-created by Dr. Gillian Strudwick and Dr. Tracie Risling, this innovative SMS-based tool checks in with users and provides relevant mental health and resilience support based on individual needs. By leveraging personalized messaging, the program aims to enhance well-being and foster mental health awareness.

“Bringing accessibility-focused, real-time mental health supports to employees proactively is part of the MTxBeWell mission and we’ve been fortunate that this has shown such meaningful engagement,” said Amos Adler, CEO of MEMOTEXT.

Through this collaboration, over 160 CAMH clinical staff were provided access to the co-designed MTxBeWell program. Over a 12-week cycle, the SMS-based program delivered psychoeducation resources, curated digital mental health tools, wellness supports, mindfulness tips, and information about eligible mental health resources. By providing timely and relevant support, CAMH aimed to alleviate stress and burnout among its dedicated staff.

The majority of the clinical staff who reported one or more symptoms of burnout responded positively to and actively engaged with the program. The respondents were satisfied with the regular self-care reminders and the resources provided while being able to incorporate these activities in their workday. Overall, the program successfully achieved its goals using a simple, yet well designed implementation, leading to a positive recommendation from the users and the clinical team.

Dr. Gillian Strudwick emphasized the importance of engagement at the right time and in the right context. “We’re excited to bring this program to the employees of CAMH,” she said. “Supporting their mental health and well-being is crucial, especially given the challenges faced by healthcare workers.”

Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®, recognizes the urgency of addressing healthcare worker burnout: “In the past three years, burnout among healthcare workers has reached an all-time high,” she noted. “OBIO® is proud to support the collaboration between MEMOTEXT and CAMH to deploy a made-in-Canada solution, improving the well-being of those who tirelessly care for patients in need.”

About MEMOTEXT Corp.

MEMOTEXT Corp. is a digital health company committed to improving patient outcomes through personalized engagement. Their innovative solutions empower patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to make informed decisions and manage health conditions effectively. For more information about the MEMOTEXT BeWell program, visit MEMOTEXT’s website.

About the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

CAMH is Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental illness and addiction. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. For more information, please visit camh.ca.

About OBIO®

OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™). OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. For more information, please visit OBIO.ca and follow OBIO® on LinkedIn and X.

Contacts:

Amos Adler, M.Sc.
CEO
MEMOTEXT Corp.
amos@memotext.com

Hayley Clark
Manager, Media Strategy, Issues Management and CEO Communications
CAMH
media@camh.ca

Doriane Rey
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
OBIO®
dorianerey@obio.ca

Humber River Health, TeleVU and OBIO® partner to support revolutionary cardiac monitoring platform

Revolutionary AR/AI TelePresence and Remote Patient Monitoring platform improves patient care, streamlines processes, and enhances hospital efficiency

May 22, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – Humber River Health, in collaboration with TeleVU and OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), is proud to announce the successful completion of an innovative project that leverages two platforms working in synergy: TeleVU’s augmented reality (AR)/artificial intelligence (AI) TelePresence and BioVU Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). This groundbreaking initiative has revolutionized cardiac care, significantly improving patient outcomes, streamlining hospital workflows and optimizing healthcare resource allocation.

The Telepresence platform, equipped with smart glasses and connected devices, facilitates real-time and interactive communication between cardiac technologists and cardiologists.

The BioVU RPM platform has become an invaluable tool for cardiac technologists and cardiologists at Humber River Health, allowing them to monitor vital signs remotely, especially heart rate, for a comprehensive assessment of the functionality of cardiac devices implanted in patients.

“TeleVU was thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that showcased the transformative power of our digital ecosystem in reshaping the future of healthcare. Our TelePresence AR and Home Health Monitoring platforms are not just innovations; they represent a commitment to advancing health access, enhancing efficiency, and promoting collaboration in the medical field,” said Ryan De’Larami, Founder & CEO of TeleVU.

BioVU’s remote assessments reduced unnecessary in-person visits, improving patient satisfaction and clinic efficiency. With 86% of patients reporting satisfaction and 93% recommending the technology, BioVU also played a crucial role in early complication detection, leading to fewer ER visits and lower healthcare costs.

TeleVU’s TelePresence platform further streamlined workflows by enabling remote procedural assistance, optimizing time and expanding patient capacity for healthcare professionals. This collaborative effort not only empowered patients with a sense of security through continuous monitoring, but also promoted proactive health management to reduce ER visits and improve overall cardiac patient health.

“Integrating TeleVU’s telepresence technology into our workflow will propel us to new heights in delivering efficient, high-quality care,” said Dr. Irving Tiong, Humber River Health. “Innovations like BioVu place the patient at the centre of their care, empowering them with the tools to manage their health effectively. With BioVu, we can offer continuous monitoring and support for higher-risk patients, which not only enhances the quality of care but also instills confidence in both patients and physicians, as they know that monitoring and intervention are readily available even beyond the walls of the hospital.”

“The collaboration with TeleVU and OBIO®, and leveraging these innovative AR and AI technologies has enabled us to further enhance our cardiac care model,” said Dr. Douglas Ng, Humber River Health. “This partnership aligns seamlessly with Humber River Health’s commitment to driving innovation for improved patient experiences and outcomes.”

“OBIO® is thrilled to support this type of collaboration where cutting-edge technologies can improve both patient outcomes and hospital workflows, creating a more streamlined process for patients and providers,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “It’s exciting to see Canadian companies at the forefront of integrating innovations such as augmented reality into our healthcare system.”

The project’s success paved the way for a broader adoption of these technologies, which leads to enhanced patient care, streamlined workflows, and optimal allocation of healthcare resources.

About Humber River Health

Humber River Health is one of Canada’s largest community acute care hospitals, serving a population of more than 850,000 people in the northwest Greater Toronto Area. The multi-site hospital currently operates out of its Wilson Avenue acute care site, Finch, and Church Campus’ with over 4,000 employees, approximately 700 physicians, and over 500 volunteers. Humber River Health uses a custom combination of technology and clinical expertise to rebuild elements of care, making technology work for staff and physicians, giving them more time to spend with patients. With the support of its incredible teams, a strong will, and determination, Humber River Health is committed to Lighting New Ways in Healthcare. For more information, please visit hrh.ca.

About TeleVU™

TeleVU revolutionizes healthcare with AR and AI, creating a connected ecosystem for easy access to specialized care and top-notch medical education. In clinics, our smart glasses and IoT devices connect medical professionals, offering a hands-free and immersive experience. At home, our advanced handheld vital signs monitor empowers patients to measure, monitor, and share vital signs with their care team. This interconnected system breaks down geographical barriers, empowering frontline providers to deliver superior care and allowing specialists to reach more patients without travel. Welcome to a future of accessible and enhanced healthcare. For more information, please visit TeleVU.ca.

About OBIO®

OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™). OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. For more information, please visit OBIO.ca and follow OBIO® on LinkedIn and X.

Contacts:

Joe Gorman
Director, Public Affairs
Humber River Health
JGorman@hrh.ca

Ryan De’Larami
Founder and CEO
TeleVU™
CEO@TeleVU.ca

Doriane Rey
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
OBIO®
dorianerey@obio.ca

Mobio Interactive’s mobile health platform shows positive potential to support youth mental health

May 16, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – A mobile app developed by Mobio Interactive to deliver digital mental health support is showing promise in supporting youth mental health. A study conducted by the CHEO Research Institute and funded in part by OBIO® through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) program, found that the app assists patients who are waiting for care and provides early intervention-related support, leading to an overall improvement in psychological well-being.

Mobio Interactive’s platform is designed to provide and objectively measure clinically validated psychotherapy, including mindfulness training and music therapy. The impact of this scalable therapy on mental well-being is quantified using the participant’s mobile device camera and artificial intelligence, leading to personalization of therapy sessions and personal insights not previously possible.

The early-stage study demonstrated overall satisfaction with the platform, suggesting that it could provide support for youth waiting for mental health care. Patients reported trends toward improved mindfulness and emotional regulation, decreased depression and stress symptoms, and improved well-being, after engaging with Mobio’s platform.

Dr. Bechara Saab, CEO & Chief Scientist at Mobio Interactive, emphasized the global accessibility, stating, “Our technology means patients can use the platform to access important support while waiting for care – setting the stage for more successful outcomes.”

Dr. Gary Goldfield, Senior Scientist and clinical psychologist at the CHEO Research Institute, recognizes the potential impact of digital apps in providing mental health support: “While our sample size was small, our study suggests the potential digital support tools can have to offer early mental health intervention services for youth in need in a format they are accustomed to.”

Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®, commented on the significance of Mobio’s technology in revolutionising the patient journey, stating, “The promising outcomes from this evaluation underscore the app’s impact in supporting adolescents navigating extended wait times for mental health services. The success of the partnership between Mobio Interactive and CHEO is a testament to the ongoing support provided by the EAHN™ program, offering young Canadians a valuable resource in supporting their mental health needs when they need it most.”

About OBIO®

Founded in 2009, OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™). OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace.

For more information, please visit OBIO.ca and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About Mobio Interactive

Mobio Interactive is a digital health company that is meeting the exploding demand for efficacious mental healthcare with artificial intelligence-powered digital theragnostics.

For more information, please visit mobiointeractive.com.

About the CHEO Research Institute

The CHEO Research Institute is a global centre of excellence in pediatric research that connects talent and technology in pursuit of life-changing research for every child, youth and family in the CHEO community and beyond. The CHEO Research Institute coordinates the research activities of CHEO and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa. At the CHEO Research Institute, discoveries inspire the best life for every child and youth. For more information, visit cheoresearch.ca.

Media Contacts:

Michelle Tija
Chief of Staff
Mobio Interactive
michelle@mobiointeractive.com

Jennifer Ruff
Director of Communications
CHEO Research Institute
jruff@cheo.on.ca

Doriane Rey
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
OBIO®
dorianerey@obio.ca

Retispec announces collaboration and investment from Topcon Healthcare to help bring eye-based AI diagnostic tool to market

RetiSpec, Inc., an innovator in AI-powered eye diagnostics for brain health, and Topcon Healthcare, Inc. a leading provider of medical devices and software solutions recently announced that Topcon has invested in RetiSpec and the two companies are collaborating to bring the RetiSpec technology to market. The collaboration will bring neurology and eye care closer together.

The collaboration between Topcon Healthcare, Inc. and RetiSpec will accelerate the commercialization and scale of RetiSpec's first brain health indication in Alzheimer's disease. It will also help expedite development of additional AI-powered diagnostic solutions from the eye for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases and side effects of the new therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

Retispec is an OBIO® member, an alumnus of the BDSP™, CAAP®, H2BB™, HealthMINT™ and WiHI programs, and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

KEEP wins ‘Home Healthcare Innovation Award’ in 2024 MedTech Breakthrough Awards

KEEP has received the "Home Healthcare Innovation Award" at the 8th Annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies, and products in the global health and medical technology market. This award underscores KEEP’s effective approach to enhancing the management of specialty medications in the home through advanced technology.

KEEP is an alumnus of our CAAP® program and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

Enhanced Medical Nutrition's new project to bring protein products with special nutritional requirements

Enhanced Medical Nutrition’s has secured strategic funding to bring new protein products for Canadians with special nutritional requirements. Through Protein Industries Canada project, Enhanced Medical Nutrition, Acenzia, and Gruppo Nutrition will bring a wide-range of new protein-rich products to the market and help Canadians tackle health challenges. Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters.

Enhanced Medical Nutrition is an OBIO® member, an alumnus of all our programs, and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

Atorvia named inaugural recipient of U of T Mississauga’s Blue Ticket program

Atorvia, Ottawa-based company developing novel treatments that target the molecular causes underlying kidney damage, was named the inaugural winner of the Blue Ticket competition at the University of Toronto Mississauga’s SpinUp wet lab incubator. Sponsored by pharmaceutical company Merck, the Blue Ticket program aims to empower the next generation of global health innovators. Atorvia will receive a free one-year membership to SpinUp, an up-front cash prize and mentorship from scientific, and business leaders at Merck.

Atorvia is an alumnus of our HealthMINT™ and WiHI Seed programs, and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

Efficiency Unleashed: AI-enabled Patient Scheduling Platform Transforms Medical Imaging

May 9, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – Patient scheduling can be a manual, time-consuming process for healthcare providers. The process can create a backlog of orders for booking staff to schedule appointments, resulting in patients and physicians waiting weeks or even months for an appointment. The wait time challenge is further impacted by an increasing demand for medical imaging services over time, and by a shortage of health human resources in the healthcare system.

With support from OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (‘Sunnybrook’) successfully completed a 12-month evaluation of NextUp Care’s AI-enabled Intelligent Patient Scheduling Platform (‘Platform’) for booking ultrasound exams.

NextUp Care’s Platform was integrated as a project into the hospital’s radiology information system to ensure seamless connectivity. The evaluation showed that the Platform’s scheduling and optimization algorithms eliminated manual workflows and proactively scheduled the earliest available appointments for patients. Within the first four days of deployment, 526 appointments were booked using the automated system and to date, over 5,000 appointments have been booked on the Platform.

This automation allowed booking staff to shift their focus to other activities, such as managing urgent appointments with multiple dependencies and responding to patient enquiries with a 50% reduction in the response times for incoming calls. Staff reported very positive feedback, indicating the effectiveness of algorithmic scheduling for booking ultrasound exams.

Sunnybrook and NextUp Care are exploring a continued partnership to potentially deploy the Platform for other modalities (e.g., MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine) and to enable e-messaging  for patients and physicians in 2024-2025.

Wayne Li, NextUp Care’s CEO noted that, “by facilitating this collaboration with Sunnybrook, EAHN™ made it possible for us to implement and integrate our Platform in a world-class healthcare facility. Sunnybrook has been a fantastic partner and we look forward to working with them to advance algorithmic scheduling within the health system.”

“We’re excited about the potential this innovative tool has to improve booking efficiencies within Medical Imaging, saving teams’ time and improving patient satisfaction,” said Lisa Merkley, Co-Director of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. “The partnership with OBIO’s EAHN™ and NextUp Care has provided Sunnybrook with support and expertise as we evaluate the technology.”

“Accessing medical imaging services is a known pain point in the Canadian healthcare system, leaving patients with long wait times and healthcare workers overburdened,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “This collaboration between Sunnybrook and NextUp Care exemplifies the kind of impactful work the EAHN™ program aims to support; innovations that can provide value to the system and to those it supports”

About NextUp Care

NextUp Care is automating healthcare – one appointment at a time. Our Intelligent Patient Scheduling Platform (‘Platform’) is an AI-enabled software solution that enables healthcare providers to automate and optimize scheduling for advanced medical imaging services (MRI, CT, Ultrasound). The Platform can algorithmically schedule patients without manual intervention and instantly send e-notifications to physicians and patients. NextUp Care is committed to improving access to care in the healthcare system.

About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.1 million patient visits the hospital sees each year, through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada’s premier academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook, through its 10 programs, specializes in caring for high-risk obstetrics, critically ill newborns and adults, offering specialized rehabilitation and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions, and traumatic injuries. The hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada’s war veterans.

About OBIO®

Founded in 2009, OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™). OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. For more information, please visit OBIO® and follow OBIO® on LinkedIn and X.

Contacts

For more information, please contact:

Wayne Li
CEO
NextUp Care
wli@nextupcare.com

Danette Beechinor and Lisa Merkley
Co-Directors of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
danette.beechinor@sunnybrook.ca
lisa.merkley@sunnybrook.ca

Lisa Di Prospero
Director, Practice-based Research and Innovation
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
lisa.diprospero@sunnybrook.ca

Doriane Rey
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
OBIO®
dorianerey@obio.ca

USask’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization receives $30 million from Government of Canada

USask’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) will receive $30 million in construction funding to strengthen Canada’s preparedness for emerging infectious diseases and to become Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research. This funding for VIDO supports building a new animal housing facility and upgrading key areas to containment level 4 (CL4), the highest level of containment. VIDO has some of the most advanced high-containment research and development capacity in the world, aimed at protecting the health of Canadians and Canada’s agriculture sector. 

VIDO presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

Nanostics receives funding from the University of Alberta Innovation Fund to propel adoption of the ClarityDX Prostate test

Nanostics Inc., a precision health company developing diagnostic tests with its ClarityDX® platform technology, recently announced that it received an investment from the University of Alberta Innovation Fund (UAIF) to help propel adoption of Nanostics' ClarityDX® test in North America. The ClarityDX Prostate test, launched in Canada in September 2023, is available to patients from Nanostics' accredited clinical laboratory in Edmonton, Alberta.

This innovative blood test, which uses biological data, clinical information, and machine learning models to generate a risk score for aggressive prostate cancer, marks a significant advancement in prostate cancer screening. It provides critical support to men and their healthcare providers in making more informed decisions about whether additional screening is required following a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test result.

Nanostics Precision Health presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

Membio's bioreactor technology acquired by ABEC

Membio’s bioreactor technology has been acquired by ABEC, a leading global supplier of stainless steel and single-use integrated solutions and services for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. When brought to market, this technology will give customers a significant advantage in manufacturing their cellular products.

Membio is an alumnus of our BDSP™ and WiHI programs.

KA Imaging's inCiTe 3D X-ray Microscope to support orthopaedic research at the University of Waterloo

X-ray equipment manufacturer KA Imaging has announced the installation of a unit of the inCiTe™ 3D X-ray Microscope at the University of Waterloo. The inCiTe™ 3D X-ray Microscope is the first commercial system that utilizes BrillianSe™, a patented high spatial resolution amorphous selenium (a-Se) detector exclusively developed by KA Imaging Inc.

The new system is installed in the new Orthopaedic Mechatronics Laboratory, co-led by Dr. McLachlin and Dr. Naveen Chandrashekar. It supports interdisciplinary research interests in studying bone and joint tissue mechanics and interfaces at the microstructural level.

KA Imaging is an OBIO®member, an alumnus of our BDSP™, CAAP®, EAHN™ and H2BB™ programs, and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

Front Line Medical Technologies achieves CE marking for transforming aortic occlusion

Front Line Medical Technologies Inc., an innovator in trauma care medical devices, recently announced the attainment of CE marking for its COBRA-OS (Control of Bleeding, Resuscitation, Arterial Occlusion System). This milestone broadens their innovative medical device's market presence.

Front Line Medical is an alumnus of our EAHN™ and WiHI programs.

Forcen closes $8.35 million CAD in funding to develop its touch-tech for robots

Toronto-based robotics sensing company Forcen has closed an $8.35 million CAD funding round as it looks to scale up its prototype production facilities. The all-equity round closed in February and was co-led by Brightspark Ventures and BDC Capital’s Deep Tech Venture Fund with participation from Garage Capital, MaRS IAF, and returning investors including EmergingVC. Forcen will use the investment to support more customers and continue developing its force sensing technology for robots.

Forcen is an alumnus of our CAAP® program.

Voyce, Hamilton Health Sciences and OBIO® Showcase Breakthrough in Patient Care Through Language Access Technology

Partnership exemplifies the power of technology-enabled accessible language services in healthcare, ensuring patients receive care in their language of choice.

April 23, 2024 (Hamilton, ON) – In a significant advancement for patient care, Voyce, a leading provider of real-time medical interpretation services, together with Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), is proud to announce their successful collaboration in enhancing communication for non-English speaking patients.

Voyce was adopted with the support of OBIO’s Life Sciences Critical Technologies & Commercialization (LSCTC) Centre of Excellence after a successful evaluation was completed through the Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) program. These interpretation services ensure that every patient, regardless of their native language, receives the care and understanding they deserve.

OBIO® evaluates new technologies through EAHN™ and implements successful solutions using critical technologies through the LSCTC Centre of Excellence. EAHN™ is supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and LSCTC is supported by the Government of Ontario.

“OBIO® continues to provide vital supports for our health tech leaders that enable innovators to advance new and groundbreaking healthcare technologies. Strengthening our healthcare institutions and healthcare technologies will lead to better outcomes and care for Canadians,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

“Our government is proud to support the development and commercialization of critical technologies in our growing life sciences sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Thank you, Voyce and Hamilton Health Sciences, for your leadership in implementing cutting-edge medical technology to enhance patient care and for producing life-saving solutions celebrated across the world.”

Through Voyce’s state-of-the-art platform that integrates 5G technology, HHS will be able to offer remote video and audio interpretation services in over 240 languages, including sign language, to support effective communication between patients and their care providers.

“The availability of Voyce’s platform is a huge step forward in helping Hamilton Health Sciences provide better access to healthcare for all patients. The ease of access to hundreds of languages and sign language in near real-time is a major enabler for the exchange of vital health information between patients and their care providers,” shared Ted Scott, Vice President of Innovation and Partnerships at Hamilton Health Sciences. “Voyce ensures that everyone in the room is on the same page when it comes to understanding a patient’s needs and plan of care. The platform is also being extended into the hospital’s research and education activities so that we can better understand the healthcare needs of our non-English speaking community. We are thankful to OBIO® for helping us accelerate the adoption and implementation of this technology at HHS.”

This partnership, facilitated by the EAHN™ and LSCTC programs, fosters the adoption and evaluation of new health technologies across Canada, and marks a pivotal step in deploying technology solutions that cater to Canada’s diverse linguistic landscape.

“The adoption of the Voyce platform exemplifies the power of innovation in bridging language barriers and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for everyone,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “By supporting the integration of Voyce’s real-time interpretation services at Hamilton Health Sciences, we are fostering a more inclusive healthcare system in Ontario.”

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated; it offers profound benefits including improved patient comprehension, satisfaction, and outcomes. At the click of a button, patients, nurses, and doctors can access a medically qualified human interpreter through Voyce devices within HHS’ facilities.

“By prioritizing patient-centered language and cultural competence, our interpreters play an integral role in upholding our partners’ commitment to providing equitable and inclusive healthcare services,” said Andrew Royce, CEO of Voyce. “Our commitment to quality education supports our partnership with Hamilton Health Sciences on our mutual goal of enhancing patient care and serving as a model for excellence in healthcare interpretation across Ontario.”

By enabling language-accessible care, this initiative not only respects but also embraces the Hamilton region’s diverse patient population of 2.3 million, ensuring that every patient feels heard, understood, and valued.

“We aim to have Voyce in all patient-facing areas across HHS,” said Tim Dietrich, Vice President, Quality and Performance at Hamilton Health Sciences. “It is currently available in all in-patient, emergency and diagnostic imaging areas, and we are planning for implementation in all ambulatory settings. So far, our teams and patients have utilized Voyce more than 9,000 times accessing 85 distinct languages and dialects.”

This partnership between Voyce and HHS, championed by OBIO’s EAHN™ and LSCTC programs, represents a step forward for healthcare inclusivity in Canada. By prioritizing effective communication, this initiative ensures that everyone, regardless of language, receives the quality care they need and deserve.

About Hamilton Health Sciences

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is a community of 18,000 staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers that proudly serves southwestern Ontario residents. HHS also provides specialized, advanced care to people from across the province.

It is the only hospital in Ontario that cares for all ages, from pre-birth to end-of-life. HHS offers world-leading expertise in many areas, including cardiac and stroke care, cancer care, palliative care and pediatrics.

About OBIO® 

Founded in 2009, OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™). OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace.

For more information, please visit obio.ca and follow OBIO® on LinkedIn and X.

About Voyce

Voyce is a technology-driven company deeply committed to helping people in need facing language barriers, enabling them to communicate and get help when they need it the most. Voyce’s professional and qualified language interpreters provide medical interpretation across a variety of technology and telehealth platforms in 240+ languages and dialects, including American Sign Language. Across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and globally, Voyce supports millions of conversations each year, giving patients and providers the confidence to communicate effectively.

For more information visit www.voyceglobal.com and follow Voyce on LinkedIn.

Contacts:

Wendy Stewart
Communications Advisor
Hamilton Health Sciences
stewartwen@hhsc.ca

Liam Afonso
Creative Director
Voyce
liam.afonso@voyceglobal.com 

Doriane Rey
Manager, Marketing & Events
OBIO®
dorianerey@obio.ca

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Morphocell Technologies announces completion of US$40 Million Series A financing

Morphocell Technologies Inc., a Montreal-based biotechnology company in the cell therapy space, recently announced the closure of a US$40 million Series A funding round. The funding is set to fuel the company’s groundbreaking journey towards a first-in-human clinical trial of the first cell therapy issued from its tissue engineering platform, aimed at transforming liver disease treatment globally.

Morphocell Technologies is an alumnus of our CAAP® program and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.

Rocket Doctor selected for the inaugural cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator

Rocket Doctor, a technology-driven digital health platform and marketplace that empowers healthcare providers to break down the barriers that prevent patients from accessing care, has been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First North America. The program will provide 10 weeks of hands-on mentorship and technical project support to start-ups using AI in their core service or product. Selected start-ups will collaborate with a cohort of top peer founders and engage with leaders across Google.

Rocket Doctor is an alumnus of our BDSP™ and CAAP® programs, presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit, and is a beneficiary of our Life Sciences Critical Technologies & Commercialization (LSCTC) Centre of Excellence.

HDAX Therapeutics and Noa Therapeutics' CEOs selected among the 2024 Termeer Fellows

The Termeer Fellowship Program recently announced the class of 2024 Termeer Fellows – a group of fifteen visionary leaders who are passionate about transforming patient care through innovations. The fellows will receive leadership programming, mentorship, and access to a network of industry leaders.

 Congratulations to the selected leaders! Shout-out to Nabanita Nawar, CEO and Co-founder, HDAX Therapeutics and Carla Spina, CEO and Co-founder, Noa Therapeutics!

HDAX Therapeutics and Noa Therapeutics are OBIO® members and alumni of our BDSP™ and WiHI programs.