Celebrating Women Leaders Making a Difference in the Health Science Industry

January 11, 2023 (Toronto, ON) – Following a competitive application process, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) is pleased to announce the eight successful awardees of the inaugural Women in Health Initiative’s (WiHI) Business Leadership Program (“Program”).

“OBIO’s Women in Health Initiative is designed to increase the participation and advancement of women in the health and life sciences sector,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President & CEO of OBIO®. “This is especially critical at the leadership level where women can serve as role models, attract a more diverse workforce and change workplace policies to ensure greater inclusivity. This program supports the realization of these goals.”

More than 50 promising candidates from a range of early-stage Ontario life science companies developing therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics or digital health technologies were considered.

Each candidate was assessed based on their educational and professional background, their impact on their company, their contributions to the ecosystem and the skills and background they collectively bring to the Program. “It was a very difficult decision to select only eight recipients from this incredibly talented pool of individuals. We are looking at alternative ways to support all those who applied,” added Dr. Campbell.

The successful applicants (each of whom receive a $50K wage subsidy) will participate in OBIO®’s networking events and contribute as mentor leaders to a community for women’s professional development, further supporting workforce development in a sector where women are underrepresented.

The initiative is funded with support from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Increasing the involvement of women in the health and life sciences sector will diversify perspectives and ideas to increase innovation. With these eight award recipients, OBIO’s WiHI Business Leadership Program is demonstrating how investing in women’s potential can lead to a strong and diverse community. This in turn will contribute to a growing economy that works for everyone,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada congratulates the eight successful applicants, and we look forward to the amazing work you will develop and foster for years to come.”>

“The OBIO® Board and staff offer heartfelt congratulations to these eight talented women and commend all of those who applied to the Program,” said Dr. Campbell. To learn more about the awardees of the inaugural WiHI Business Leadership Program, click here.

On Thursday, January 26 at the MaRS Discovery Centre in Toronto, OBIO® is hosting a networking session that includes a panel discussion featuring the Program awardees. For more information or to register, click here.

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About OBIO®
Founded in 2009, OBIO® is a not-for-profit membership-based innovation organization engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies that position Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. OBIO® advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health care system and government.  For more information, please visit www.obio.ca and follow OBIO® on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About FedDev Ontario
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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

For more information:
Doriane Rey
Manager, Marketing & Events
Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
dorianerey@obio.ca

Enhancing Patient Care Delivery Through Supply Chain and Procurement Improvements

December 2, 2022 (Ottawa, ON) – Health care organizations nationally and internationally face an enormous challenge to deliver increased levels of service more efficiently and cost effectively. Global supply chain constraints and lengthy, complex procurement processes contribute to this challenge while providing an opportunity to evaluate potential solutions. With support from OBIO® through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), CHEO, a pediatric healthcare and research centre in Ottawa, is working with PolyUnity Tech Inc. to evaluate PolyUnity’s 3D printing / Additive Manufacturing as a Service (AMaaS) solution.

PolyUnity’s AMaaS solution will be evaluated for its ability to enable healthcare providers and their networks to design, access and produce what they need to address procurement and supply chain requirements on demand. Offering scalability across different regions and centres, including rural and remote areas, the results are a reduction in the time, cost and complexity of the traditional health care procurement processes, enhanced supply chain resiliency, and a reduced carbon footprint.

In using PolyUnity’s AMaaS solution, CHEO is exploring the use of additive manufacturing / 3D printing at its facility.

“Through the EAHN™, we have the opportunity to quickly evaluate and implement 3D printing solutions at the scale we need,” said Mark Absil, Manager of CHEO’s Clinical Engineering Department and clinical lead for the project. “We anticipate this process will enable us to save time and costs, which is important in today’s health care sector.”

Recently, three protector products created by PolyUnity were produced on-site to prevent damage to CHEO stretchers, bring them back into service, and further extend their useful lifespan.

“PolyUnity is driven by its purpose to Improve Healthcare Experiences. Our i3D.Health solution represents an exponential advancement in health-tech innovation, which includes digital product design, digital inventory and Additive Manufacturing (e.g. 3D Printing), ” said Mark Gillingham, President, PolyUnity Tech Inc. “These innovations are poised to achieve significant positive results across a healthcare organization’s financial, operational, and environmental operations, as well as realizing improved patient outcomes. We are pleased and excited to have been selected to work with CHEO and OBIO’s EAHN™ on this world class opportunity.”

“OBIO® is delighted to support this EAHN-funded evaluation between CHEO and PolyUnity, which will help healthcare organizations rethink how they tackle supply-chain and procurement issues,“ said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®.  “We are especially pleased to welcome PolyUnity as the first company from Atlantic Canada to go through the EAHNTM program, which represents an important step in helping bring pan-Canadian innovations to the healthcare industry.”

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™) to provide solutions. 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 or contact Bibaswan Ghoshal, Director, Market Acceleration, OBIO®.

About CHEO

Dedicated to the best life for every child and youth, CHEO is a global leader in pediatric health care and research. Based in Ottawa, CHEO includes a hospital, children’s treatment centre, school and research institute, with satellite services located throughout Eastern Ontario. CHEO provides excellence in complex pediatric care, research and education. We are committed to partnering with families and the community to provide exceptional care — where, when and how it’s needed. CHEO is a partner of the Kids Come First Health Team, a network of partners working to create a high quality, standardized and coordinated system for pediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families. Every year, CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Ruff, Manager of Communications, CHEO Research Institute.

About PolyUnity Tech Inc.

PolyUnity is a Canadian healthcare technology company with a driving purpose to “Improve Healthcare Experiences”. Their mission is to partner with healthcare organizations and use agile manufacturing to provide efficient, less expensive solutions that reduce frustrations. PolyUnity’s i3D healthcare solutions significantly reduces the cost and complexity traditional healthcare procurement, builds supply chain resiliency and reduces its carbon footprint. It enables healthcare providers and their networks to design, access and produce what they need on-demand. Visit PolyUnity for more information and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

For more information, please contact Mark Gillingham, President, PolyUnity Tech Inc.

OBIO® Appoints New Chair & Board Members to Plan for the Future of the Healthcare Innovation Sector

TORONTO, December 1, 2022 – OBIO®, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new chair of its board of directors, Frank Florio, as well as the addition of three new members, Dr. Wendy Naimark, Naheed Kurji and Anne Woods.

Mr. Florio, an accomplished healthcare and life sciences industry executive, is passionate about cultivating and commercializing healthcare innovations. In his role as SVP, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Commercialization, he leads the efforts of Canadian SME Myant Inc. in commercializing their Digital Health Platform and innovative Wearable Technology solutions based upon Textile Computing™ in the cardiovascular health market. Prior to this, he held several executive roles at BD over 16 years, and advised and mentored start-ups in the healthcare industry. Mr. Florio holds an MBA from Queen's University Smith School of Business, an undergraduate degree from Wilfred Laurier University and an ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Dr. Naimark is co-founder and CTO of Ripple Therapeutics, a spin-out of Interface Biologics, that is based on a discovery that fundamentally changes the way drugs can be sustainably delivered. Prior to her return to Canada, Dr. Naimark led the clinical development of a novel drug eluting scaffold at 480 Biomedical (founders included Dr. Robert Langer from MIT). She began her industry career in drug delivery at Boston Scientific in the group which developed the TAXUS® Drug Eluting Stent. Dr. Naimark earned her PhD in Biomaterials from the University of Toronto and began developing her career in local drug delivery at Caltech during her post-doctoral fellowship. Dr. Naimark is an inventor of over 30 patents in the local drug delivery field.

Mr. Kurji is the co-founder, president and CEO of Cyclica, a neo-biotech that is unlocking the protein universe to discover the medicines of tomorrow. Mr. Kurji is also co-founder and director of EntheogeniX Biosciences, a psychedelic-inspired biotech company for mental health, he chairs the board of the Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AAIH) and serves as a member of the Life Sciences Advisory Group for Global Affairs Canada. Mr. Kurji holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Business, an undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa, and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT.

Ms. Woods is the managing director of healthcare and life science at Silicon Valley Bank Canada where she brings a combined 25 years of experience in both capital markets and life sciences. Her role allows her to contribute to the growth of the ecosystem in Canada by providing unique access and insights into markets, companies, and investors. Ms. Woods holds a BSc from McGill University, a MA from the University of Guelph and is a CFA Charterholder.

Mr. Florio, Dr. Naimark, Mr. Kurji and Ms. Woods will serve alongside a board of directors with experience and expertise in areas critical to OBIO’s mission to advance the commercialization of early-stage Canadian health science companies by strengthening the ecosystem through advocacy and programming.

“The appointment of Mr. Florio, Dr. Naimark, Mr. Kurji and Ms. Woods is exciting news for OBIO®. All four appointees bring a wealth of experience and insight that will help OBIO® deliver on our mission. We look forward to the guidance each of them brings to OBIO® as we enable Canadian health science companies to raise capital, develop their workforce and facilitate adoption of innovation in the healthcare system,” says Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®.

OBIO® members will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Florio, Dr. Campbell and the rest of the Board at the upcoming OBIO® Annual General Meeting on December 8, 2022. This will be followed by a public meeting and reception open to all OBIO® members, their colleagues and extended network. To register, click here.

Grand River Hospital partners with TAMVOES Health to empower patients during their healthcare journey

As part of furthering innovation and research at Grand River Hospital (GRH), GRH will team up with local start-up TAMVOES with help from OBIO® to implement a tool that has been designed to help patients manage, track and share their health information, appointments and care plans.

The TAMVOES health management platform is designed to empower patients during their healthcare journey and it will be piloted at GRH to see whether it helps to enhance communication across the healthcare continuum. The platform’s goal is to help patients share their healthcare journey without repeating their story to different individuals.

OBIO® is working to advance health technology innovation and commercialization by providing funding for these studies through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) designed to help healthcare organizations access innovations that can impact the patient’s journey.

“This EAHN™ project with Grand River Hospital will test the TAMVOES platform through a study in one of its cancer clinics to measure the benefits of the tool for cancer patients and their caregivers,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO, OBIO®. “We are excited to support innovative work that has the potential to lead to an improved patient journey and are pleased to support both TAMVOES and Grand River Hospital.”

“While taking care of two family members battling cancer, I realized there were inefficiencies in the healthcare system as information is stored in silos and, there is strong discontinuity of care. We are very grateful for the EAHN’s support and the opportunity to work with Grand River Hospital to implement this technology in the clinical setting and make strides to enhance the patient experience.” – Jessica Lunshof, TAMVOES President and Co-Founder. Demonstrating the usefulness of the TAMVOES health management platform in managing patient health information and increasing the ease of communication between the patient and their healthcare team may lead to improved patient satisfaction.

“Connecting with the tech community is critical to Grand River Hospital becoming a world-class health system. This opportunity with TAMVOES is in line in both spirit and success – and aligns so well personally to Jessica’s family’s care journey” – said Paul McIntyre-Royston, CEO of Grand River Hospital Foundation.

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™) to provide solutions. 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.

About TAMVOES

TAMVOES Health Inc., is a Canadian female-led health technology start-up based out of Waterloo, Ontario, that empowers users to manage their health information all in one easy-to-use platform. The TAMVOES Health management platform securely stores and shares important health documents, keeps loved ones informed and tracks important vitals.

About Grand River Hospital

Grand River Hospital is one of Ontario’s largest community hospitals with an outstanding team of 5,000 dedicated health care workers and volunteers.  We provide services and support to more than 840,000 residents at our two campuses and satellite locations in Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington. We take pride in the ways we collaborate with our health system partners, our region’s academic and innovation communities, and diverse community stakeholders as we work toward providing a world class experience for patients, families and team members.

Our programs include cancer and renal (kidney) services; care for the most seriously ill and injured adults; services for mothers, newborns and children; emergency care; mental health and addictions; and care for older adults including rehabilitation.  Learn more about our programs here.

Contacts:

For more information about OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), or if you are interested in joining the Network, please contact:

Bibaswan Ghoshal
Director, Market Acceleration
bibaswanghoshal@obio.ca

For more information about TAMVOES Health Inc, please contact:

Jessica Lunshoff
Co-Founder and President,
jess@tamvoes.com

For more information about Grand River Hospital, please contact:

Carla Girolametto
Director of Innovation, Research
carla.girolametto@grhosp.on.ca

Oncoustics AI and UHN Awarded OBIO® Early Adopter Health Network Grant to Trial Point of Care Liver Assessment Solutions in Clinic

September 14, 2022 (TORONTO, ON) – Oncoustics (www.oncoustics.com), the world’s leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) based analytics for processing raw ultrasound signal to do tissue characterization, real-time diagnostics and non-invasive surveillance, announced that, in association with University Health Network (UHN), they have been awarded an Early Access Health Network (EAHN™) Grant to trial the OnX Liver Assessment Solutions in UHN clinics. The grant, which is funded by the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), enables Oncoustics and UHN to pilot and further develop the innovative technology that Oncoustics has developed and is deploying.

Oncoustics is a unique and innovative player in the medical AI space today. Creating and deploying AI solutions for low-cost surveillance and diagnostics for disease detection, early intervention and treatment monitoring, Oncoustics uses artificial intelligence applied to raw ultrasound signals to automatically differentiate healthy versus diseased tissues. The first product, the OnX Liver Assessment Solution, while still in investigational use only, has demonstrated a 95% AUROC at detecting liver cirrhosis in a 5-minute point of care exam.

Working with Dr. Mamatha Bhat’s teams at the Liver Transplant Clinic at UHN’s Ajmera Transplant Centre and Dr. Jordan Feld’s teams at the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, the Oncoustics team will collect data on the use and clinical values provided by its OnX Liver Assessment Solution. “The technology we developed and continue to build on is unique in that we mine the raw sound signal to do tissue characterization at point of care,” said Beth Rogozinski, CEO of Oncoustics. “The clinical value of this is far reaching: this can enable fast and efficient point of care assessment, diagnostics and surveillance, all of which can decrease costs, and advance early detection of disease states, thereby promoting personalized medicine. Patients have the additional value of being able to get all of their assessments done in one department and in a single visit.”

“I’m a proponent of non-invasive testing to detect liver disease and I’ve long been an advocate of applying machine learning to improve assessments in our clinic and in my research,” said Dr. Bhat. “Oncoustics combines both of these and their innovative tools promise to be invaluable resource that I can carry in the palm of my hand.”

OBIO® EAHN™ creates a collaborative ecosystem in Canada where health technology companies and health organizations can work together to develop, test, refine, adopt, and disseminate novel technologies across the health system. “The Oncoustics/UHN partnership represents the ideal of what we’re working to do at EAHN™,” said Bibaswan Ghoshal, Director of Market Acceleration for the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization. “By supporting this partnership, we’re advancing Canadian health innovation and helping to accelerate it to market so patients and our health systems can benefit.”

The Oncoustics/UHN partnership will be supported for just under one year and reports and publications of the program and results will be made available to the public.

About Oncoustics:

Oncoustics (www.oncoustics.com) is creating and deploying advanced AI solutions for low cost, non-invasive surveillance, diagnostics, and treatment monitoring of diseases with high unmet clinical need. Unlike other players in the space, Oncoustics does not do image recognition alone. Instead, they apply AI to raw ultrasound signals from readily available handheld ultrasound devices to rapidly differentiate healthy versus diseased tissues. There’s a wealth of information in these raw signals and this approach reveals novel biomarkers and insights that can go beyond what can be seen by the human eye. Initially, targeting liver disease, the Oncoustics platform is expandable to any anatomical area of the body that ultrasound can image and the company has several follow-on liver products are in development and clinical data on other organ indications including prostate, kidney, breast and thyroid diseases and cancers.

The Oncoustics platform is hardware agnostic and enables a whole new level of access to care with the benefits of ease of use, affordability, and optimizing current clinical workflow.

The Oncoustics solutions for ultrasound, including liver and prostate applications, will be submitted for regulatory approval in the United States (FDA 510(k)), Canada (Health Canada medical device license) and the European Union (CE Mark). The OnX Liver Assessment Solution has not been cleared for clinical use and is For Investigational Use Only.

For further information, please contact:

Beth Rogozinski, CEO Oncoustics
brogozinski@oncoustics.com
www.oncoustics.com

Increasing the Adoption of Canadian Innovations and Focusing on Women’s Leadership/Accroître l’adoption des innovations canadiennes et mettre à l’honneur le leadershipdes femmes

­­ *The French version follows the English version / La version française suit la version anglaise*

 Strengthening the Health Science Industry by Increasing the Adoption of Canadian Innovations and Focusing on Women’s Leadership

TORONTO, July 11, 2022 – The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is excited to announce the expansion of Canada’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) and the launch of its new Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) to train women to further ensure their participation and career success in the health science industry. Both initiatives are supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of a new $10-million investment in OBIO®.

“OBIO® is continuing to foster innovators of new and innovative Canadian technologies while supporting the full and equal participation of women in our economy by offering programs that set women up for a successful career,” said the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Agency for Southern Ontario. “Our Government is committed to supporting the health of Canadians and our healthcare innovators, and helping women entrepreneurs reach their full potential in this important industry.”

Today’s announcement, builds on an additional $10 million in FedDev Ontario support, provided to OBIO® since 2015, to assist high-potential health and life sciences companies to grow, scale up and attract global investment.

Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®, is thrilled with the continued growth of OBIO’s programs and other initiatives. “We are delighted to expand EAHN™ and provide Canadian health technology companies with an opportunity to partner with healthcare organizations. EAHN™ was developed to evaluate and facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that improve patients’ lives while providing solutions to healthcare system challenges. We are also very proud to highlight that through WiHI, OBIO’s latest initiative, we will work to ensure the career success of participating women in the health science industry by drawing on our in-house training expertise and extensive network of professionals, advisors and companies.”

Expansion of Canada’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™)

EAHN™ brings together health technology companies and healthcare organizations in a collaborative health system to evaluate, refine, adopt and procure Canadian-made technology solutions. This new funding will be leveraged to grow and expand the network by creating opportunities for companies and healthcare organizations across the entire healthcare ecosystem, from tertiary care and community hospitals to primary care, long-term care organizations and homecare. 

Launched in early 2020, EAHN™ partners Canadian companies’ innovative, market-ready health technologies (from medical devices and diagnostics to therapeutics and software platforms, including artificial intelligence) with healthcare organizations and supports them from evaluation to adoption and procurement planning. Through EAHN™, OBIO® provides project management and financial support to evaluate technologies in a real-world setting and facilitate their broad adoption into the healthcare system.

“EAHN™ provides Canadian health science companies access to local markets allowing them to grow here in Canada, create jobs, attract capital and expand globally,” says Gail Garland, former President and CEO of OBIO®. “Since its launch in 2020, EAHN™ has become an aggregator of health science innovations that benefit patients, address healthcare system challenges, and contribute to economic growth. I am honoured to have led the creation, implementation and expansion of this ecosystem building program.”

“EAHN™ gave us the opportunity to evaluate our novel ultrasound technology in a real-world setting,” says Joe Eibl, CEO of Flosonics Medical, which partnered with Health Sciences North in Sudbury to conduct an accelerated study on the use of FloPatch. “Our successful participation in the program was a catalyzing event as we introduce FloPatch to the North American market.”

“We are committed to adopting state-of-the-art healthcare solutions, and our EAHN™ partnership has given us the opportunity to work with the most advanced innovations developed by the Canadian health science community,” says Dr. Alan Forster, Executive Vice-President and Chief Innovation and Quality Officer, The Ottawa Hospital. “It is vital for us to collaborate across the ecosystem and support this network to ensure we achieve our goal of excellent patient care.”

Launch of OBIO’s Women in Health Initiative (WiHI)

Women are under represented in the bioeconomy workforce, particularly in senior roles, and the sector needs support to foster inclusive economic growth. OBIO’s WiHI will help women enter the health science industry, move into senior management roles, and leverage their talent to become leaders.

“WiHI continues OBIO’s longstanding focus on women entering and advancing their careers in business development roles in the health science industry,” says Gail Garland, former President and CEO of OBIO®. “Building the talent pipeline by continually supporting and building a community around women’s professional development contributes to the growth and economic development of this industry.”

Driven by OBIO’s unique capacity to advance its mission through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia and government, WiHI will expand Canada’s health science innovation ecosystem by supporting workforce development for women.

"The quality of programming devised and funded through OBIO® has played a vital role in the growth and development of not just our HealthTech company, but also our entire team,” says Pooja Viswanathan, CEO at Braze Mobility. “I am thrilled to learn about the new program specifically designed to support women leaders and scientists to equip them with the skills they need to succeed.”

About OBIO®
OBIO®, founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based innovation organization 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. OBIO® advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system, and government. For more information, please visit www.obio.ca and follow OBIO® on Twitter at @OBIOscience.

About FedDev Ontario
For more than 12 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the
Federal Economic Development Agency
for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Contacts:
Doriane Rey
Manager, Marketing & Events
Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
dorianerey@obio.ca

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Accroître l’adoption des innovations canadiennes et mettre à l’honneur le leadership des femmes pour renforcer le secteur des sciences de la santé  

TORONTO, le 11 juillet 2022 – investissement de 10 millions de dollars en faveur d’OBIO®.

« OBIO® continue de stimuler les technologies canadiennes nouvelles et novatrices tout en soutenant la pleine et égale participation des femmes en tant qu’acteurs économiques en leur offrant des programmes qui les préparent à une carrière réussie », a déclaré l’honorable Helena Jaczek, ministre responsable de FedDev Ontario. « Notre gouvernement est déterminé à soutenir la santé des Canadiens et les innovateurs en soins de santé, ainsi qu'à aider les femmes entrepreneurs à atteindre leur plein potentiel dans cette importante industrie. »

L'annonce d'aujourd'hui fait suite à un investissement supplémentaire de 10 millions de dollars de FedDev Ontario accordé à OBIO® depuis 2015 pour aider les entreprises à fort potentiel dans le domaine de la santé et des sciences de la vie à se développer, étendre leurs activités et attirer des capitaux à l'échelle mondiale.

Maura Campbell, présidente-directrice générale d’OBIO®, se réjouit de la croissance continue des programmes et autres initiatives d'OBIO® : « Nous sommes ravis d’élargir le réseau EAHNMC et d’offrir aux entreprises canadiennes spécialisées dans les technologies de la santé l’occasion de s’associer à des organismes de santé. Le réseau EAHNMC a été conçu pour évaluer et faciliter l’adoption de technologies de pointe qui améliorent la vie des patients et apportent des solutions aux défis du système de santé. Nous sommes également très fiers de souligner que grâce à l’Initiative de promotion des femmes dans le secteur de la santé, nous favoriserons la réussite professionnelle des participantes en mettant à profit notre expertise interne en matière de formation et notre vaste réseau de professionnels, de conseillers et d’entreprises. »

Expansion du réseau Early Adopter Health Network (EAHNMC)

Le réseau EAHNMC réunit des entreprises spécialisées dans les technologies de la santé et des organismes de santé au sein d’un système collaboratif dans le but de favoriser l’évaluation, l’amélioration, l’adoption et l’acquisition de solutions technologiques conçues au Canada. Ce nouveau financement sera mis à profit pour développer et élargir le réseau en ouvrant des débouchés pour les entreprises et les organismes de santé dans l’ensemble de l’écosystème des soins de santé, notamment pour les établissements de soins tertiaires, les hôpitaux communautaires, les organismes de soins primaires, les organismes de soins de longue durée et les soins à domicile.

Lancé au début de l’année 2020, le réseau EAHNMC rassemble des entreprises canadiennes proposant des technologies de la santé innovantes et commercialisables (en particulier des équipements médicaux, des outils de diagnostic, des dispositifs thérapeutiques et des plateformes logicielles, notamment fondées sur l’intelligence artificielle) et des organismes de santé, et leur fournit de l’aide en matière d’évaluation, d’adoption et de planification des achats. Dans le cadre du réseau EAHNMC, OBIO® apporte une aide à la gestion de projet et un soutien financier pour évaluer les technologies en situation réelle et faciliter leur adoption dans le système de santé.

« Le réseau EAHNMC permet aux entreprises canadiennes des sciences de la santé d’accéder à des marchés locaux afin de prendre de l’expansion ici, au Canada, de créer des emplois, d’attirer des capitaux et d’étendre leurs activités à l’échelle mondiale », a expliqué Gail Garland, ancienne présidente-directrice générale d’OBIO®. « Depuis son lancement en 2020, le réseau EAHN™ s’est imposé comme un acteur à même de rassembler des innovations en sciences de la santé qui profitent aux patients, répondent aux défis du système de santé et contribuent à la croissance économique. Je suis honorée d’avoir piloté la création, le déploiement et l’expansion de ce programme de développement de l’écosystème. »

« Le réseau EAHNMC nous a permis d’évaluer notre nouvelle technologie d’échographie en situation réelle », a expliqué Joe Eibl, directeur général de Flosonics Medical, qui s’est associé à Horizon Santé-Nord à Sudbury pour mener une étude accélérée sur l’utilisation du capteur FloPatch. « Notre participation réussie au programme a été un levier décisif dans le cadre du lancement de FloPatch sur le marché nord-américain. »

« Nous nous sommes engagés à adopter des solutions en santé de pointe, et notre partenariat avec le réseau EAHNMC nous donne la possibilité de mettre à profit les innovations les plus pointues conçues par la communauté canadienne des sciences de la santé », a déclaré le Dr Alan Forster, vice-président exécutif et chef de l’innovation et de la qualité à l’Hôpital d’Ottawa. « Il est essentiel que nous collaborions avec l’ensemble de l’écosystème et que nous appuyions ce réseau afin d’atteindre notre objectif d’excellence des soins aux patients. »

Lancement de l’Initiative de promotion des femmes dans le secteur de la santé

Les femmes sont sous-représentées dans la main-d’œuvre de la bioéconomie, notamment aux postes de direction, et le secteur a besoin d’être soutenu pour générer une croissance économique inclusive. L’Initiative de promotion des femmes dans le secteur de la santé aidera les femmes à se lancer dans ce secteur, à accéder à des postes de direction et à valoriser leur talent pour devenir de véritables chefs de file.

« L’Initiative de promotion des femmes s’inscrit dans la droite lignée de l’action menée de longue date par OBIO® pour inciter les femmes à se lancer et évoluer dans le secteur de la santé à des postes à responsabilité », a expliqué Gail Garland, ancienne présidente-directrice générale d’OBIO®. « Le fait de développer le vivier de talents en appuyant et en consolidant en permanence une communauté par le perfectionnement professionnel des femmes contribue à la croissance et au développement économique de ce secteur. »

Portée par la capacité singulière d’OBIO® d’œuvrer à sa mission en collaborant avec des acteurs de l’industrie, des investisseurs, des établissements du monde universitaire et les pouvoirs publics, l’Initiative de promotion des femmes dans le secteur de la santé permettra d’élargir l’écosystème canadien de l’innovation en sciences de la santé en contribuant au perfectionnement professionnel des femmes.

« La qualité des programmes conçus et financés par OBIO® joue un rôle essentiel dans la croissance et le développement non seulement de notre société de technologies de la santé, mais aussi de toute notre équipe », s’est réjouie Pooja Viswanathan, directrice générale de Braze Mobility. « Je suis ravie de ce nouveau programme, spécialement conçu pour aider les femmes d’influence et scientifiques à acquérir les compétences dont elles ont besoin pour réussir. »

À propos d’OBIO®
Fondé en 2009, OBIO® est un organisme sans but lucratif de type associatif, qui se consacre à l’élaboration de stratégies, de programmes et de politiques et à la promotion de l’innovation afin de favoriser la commercialisation des technologies de la santé qui feront du Canada un chef de file sur la scène internationale. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements sur OBIO®, veuillez consulter le site www.obio.ca et suivre le compte @OBIOscience sur Twitter.

À propos de FedDev Ontario
Depuis plus de 12 ans, le gouvernement du Canada, par l’intermédiaire de FedDev Ontario, s’emploie à développer et à diversifier l’économie du Sud de l’Ontario au moyen de possibilités de financement et de services aux entreprises qui appuient l’innovation et la croissance dans la région la plus peuplée du Canada. L’Agence a obtenu des résultats impressionnants, comme en témoignent les entreprises du Sud de l’Ontario qui créent des technologies innovantes, améliorent leur productivité et font progresser leur chiffre d’affaires, ainsi que le développement économique des collectivités de toute la région. Apprenez-en davantage sur l’impact de l’Agence dans le Sud de l’Ontario en consultant ses projets majeurs, L’actualité économique du Sud de l’Ontario, et en suivant les comptes de médias sociaux de FedDev Ontario : Twitter, Facebook, Instagram et LinkedIn.

Monica Granados
Attachée de presse
Bureau du ministre responsable de
l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Personnes-ressources pour les médias :
Doriane Rey
Chef du marketing et des événements
Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
dorianerey@obio.ca

OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) and the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team Launch a Project with AI Platform Goji Voice to Improve Patient Experience

TORONTO, ON – June 9, 2022 – The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) and the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team (CKL FHT) are launching a project in Ontario through OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) to improve the patient and provider experience, and enhance health outcomes via Goji Technology Systems’ innovative artificial intelligence (AI) virtual assistant platform, Goji Voice.

With Goji Voice, clinicians can easily and seamlessly record their interactions with patients using their computers or mobile devices. This allows them to easily capture the entire conversation rather than taking notes or communicating through a computer screen, which can negatively affect the patient-clinician interaction. Goji Voice then converts the recorded conversation into text and makes it available to the clinician, who can quickly review the notes, highlight key points and add new information.

Once the clinical notes have been captured in the system, Goji Voice allows clinicians to save them directly into their medical systems through a simple integration offered by Gojitech. Goji Voice also captures clinical insights, reminders and actions such as follow-ups, tests, orders and more. This way, the clinician no longer needs to manually track notes or actions. Goji Voice is built with robust privacy and security safeguards required for adherence to jurisdictionally applicable legislation/regulations (e.g., PHIPA in Ontario, HIPAA in the US and GDPR in Europe), and stores and maintains data residency in local jurisdictions to provide the utmost data protection.

Gojitech and CKL FHT are excited about the progressive deployment and evaluation of Goji Voice at several clinical locations. Aligned with the quadruple aim of healthcare, the OBIO-funded project will assess Goji Voice’s impact in restoring face-to-face interaction between clinicians and patients, the quality of its clinical documentation automation, the value of recorded and transcribed encounters for clinicians, and the utility of codified data for analytics.

This announcement continues to reflect OBIO’s commitment and momentum to “bringing Canadian innovation to Ontario’s health system and the world,” by expanding the EAHN™ program to include primary care organizations such as Ontario’s Family Health Teams.

“Primary health care is a vital part of Ontario’s healthcare system, as we help to reduce hospital admissions and reduce health complications through prevention, access, early intervention and education. Our adoption of digital technologies has had a positive impact, but at times it has also led to an increased time spent on administration and non-direct clinical care. We hope that innovative solutions like Gojitech’s will contribute to overcoming clinician burnout due to digitization, improve the quality of time spent on clinical care, enhance the accuracy and breadth of data for analytics that lead to better planning and decision making, and ultimately, provide better and more efficient access to patient care,” says Aasif Khakoo, Executive Director, City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team.

“We are thrilled to be selected by OBIO® and the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team to showcase our technology and its value to clinicians at CKL FHT. We are confident that Goji Voice will improve patient care by enabling CKL FHT clinicians to focus more on their patients and less on their computer screens. We are impressed with and thankful to OBIO® and the CKL FHT for their passion to transform healthcare through adopting Canadian innovation. Without the vision of organizations like CKL FHT and OBIO®, innovation adoption in Ontario can be challenging and sometimes feels out of reach,” says Roe Sivanandan, President and CEO of Gojitech.

“We are very pleased to support the partnership between the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team and Gojitech, which represents the first EAHN™ project in a family health team,” says Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “Our vision for EAHN™ is to collaborate across the ecosystem and grow a network that will ensure excellent patient care, which means expanding beyond the hospital setting.”

OBIO® Expands Programming to Prepare Talent for Entering the Health Science Industry

New wage subsidies available to eligible employers

TORONTO, ON – April 28, 2022 – The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is excited to announce the expansion of its Health to Business Bridge™ Program (H2BB™) with support from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development as part of a new $1.9 million investment in OBIO®.

Since 2017, OBIO® has successfully orchestrated and delivered the H2BB™ program to prepare professionals to transition into the health science industry by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to get up to speed quickly and build a solid foundation in the field. This new funding will enable OBIO® to help companies attract and retain talent with a background in health science and those transitioning into the industry. OBIO® will also support health science companies to facilitate new hiring and ensure a smooth transition for personnel entering the sector by providing a wage subsidy grant to each company.

“We need to be prepared to meet and capitalize on the increased demand for industry-ready talent in Ontario as we recover from the pandemic,” says Maura Campbell, CEO and President at OBIO®. “This new funding will allow us to bring the successful model of H2BB™ training programs and bootcamps to a wider pool of talent and employers.”

Through H2BB™, OBIO® has provided industry-specific training to the rapidly growing health science and technology industry to more than 300 individuals.

“OBIO’s H2BB™ will deliver training to new entrants into the workforce, empowering them with the skills they need to transition smoothly into key roles in scaling companies like ours,” says Frank Florio. Vice President, Strategy & Business Development at Myant. “As the health science industry in Ontario continues to mature, we remain challenged to find the right talent and will rely on this important program.”

“Like many industries, employers in Ontario’s health sciences sector continue to face a shortage of skilled workers needed to grow their businesses,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “The Health to Business Bridge Program will connect talented workers with the training needed to join growing companies and earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.”  

“It is vital that scaling life sciences companies attract, train and retain the talent they need,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “OBIO’s program complements what we are looking to accomplish with Ontario’s Life Sciences Strategy.”

To learn more about H2BB™ and the OBIO® Job Board and Talent Network, visit www.obio.ca/obioh2bb. 

OBIO® Secures Funding to Support Health Science Innovators to Build Their Business Capacity in Ontario

TORONTO, ON – April 26, 2022 – Today, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) is pleased to announce it has secured another round of funding for its Business Development Skills Program (BDSP™), with a $5.45 million investment from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and the Skills Development Fund. The program was first launched in May 2021 to provide funding to health science companies to support the intellectual property commercialization of Ontario innovations. With this new funding, OBIO® will continue to address the need for innovative training solutions to help companies gain the critical skills they need to build a global business based in Ontario.

“The BDSP™ is unique in that it focuses on enhancing the strategic business development capabilities of management teams in health science companies,” says Maura Campbell, CEO and President at OBIO®. “By providing mentorship and training for key team members, including senior management and C-suite, Ontario companies will be better positioned to attract significant investment, create highly-skilled jobs and grow a business-savvy health science labour force.”

In its first year, the BDSP™ enabled 84 Ontario-based companies to transform their teams through intensive mentorship and training to develop the skills necessary to take their business to the next level.

“OBIO’s BDSP™ has given Cyclica the opportunity to invest in our team’s growth and take our business development skills to the next level. The funding we received has allowed us to acquire and translate knowledge that we believe will have demonstrable impact on the company by transforming our thinking,” says Naheed Kurji, President & CEO at Cyclica. “Learning is a lifelong journey, and I cannot overstate the benefits to our business by being able to provide continuous opportunities to my team.”

Through the BDSP™, OBIO® helped more than 350 employees to receive training specific to the rapidly growing health science and technology industry. Participating companies hired more than 300 new team members and collectively raised over CAD $100M in investment funding. OBIO® is now accepting applications for its next cohort.

"Ontario is a global health sciences leader and we need to ensure innovators have the tools they need to take their businesses to the next level,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “This OBIO® program will ensure Ontario remains at the cutting edge of health sciences technology for years to come.”

“Life sciences innovation is often driven by entrepreneurs that can benefit from a deeper understanding of how to scale and grow their businesses. It is critical that they have access to the best business development advice,” says Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “OBIO’s Business Development Skills Program will give Ontario-based life sciences entrepreneurs practical skills development and advice that will help them succeed.”

OBIO® is now accepting BDSP™ applications for 2022-2023.
To learn more and apply, visit www.obio.ca/bdsp.

OBIO’s Fifth Annual Investment Summit Attracts Record Number of Global Investors

TORONTO, ON – February 14, 2022 – More than 120 global investors with an impressive book of US$58 billion to spend converged virtually from February 9-11 at the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization’s (OBIO®) Investment Summit and Early Technology Showcase to hear from 50 of Canada’s most promising health science companies and 10 of Canada’s leading research institutions.

“Over the three days of the summit we showcased Canadian science and innovations to the world,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, OBIO® CEO. “Thank you to all participants, keynotes and panellists for your expertise, thought leadership and support for investment in the Canadian health science ecosystem. We look forward to building on this year’s success and seeing everybody back next year.”

“Ontario is home to a thriving health science sector and plays a vital role in the global industry,” said the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Supporting this key sector is a priority for the Government of Canada, as it grows the competitive domestic life sciences sector in Canada, leading to innovative healthcare discoveries and creating good jobs and resilient economic growth in southern Ontario.”

“Ontario is home to the largest life sciences sector in Canada, and one of the leading life sciences sectors in North America,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Supporting the growth of this sector will help our economic recovery, strengthen our pandemic resilience, and, most importantly, build a stronger and healthier Ontario.”

“Nurturing the ecosystem that supports Canada’s best health science innovators is key to success,” said Dr. Sir Michael Houghton, Nobel Prize Winner & Director of the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta, who spoke on the first day of the three-day Summit. “Events like this go a long way towards supporting the growth of a strong and competitive domestic life science sector securing Canada’s ability to deliver healthcare solutions to Canadians and the world. The OBIO Investment Summit will greatly help the emergence of a world-class private biotech industry in Canada.”

Investment in Canada’s biotech, medtech, life sciences and healthtech industry is supported by an ecosystem of partners many of whom have participated in the annual OBIO Investment Summit and Early Technology Showcase since 2018. Included amongst these partners are Canada’s research institutions, universities, technology incubators, start-ups, scientists, and multinationals all of whom are collaborating on the development of world-class healthcare technologies. OBIO® looks forward to bringing our partners together at future summits as we welcome the world to invest in Canadian healthcare innovations.

About OBIO®

The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization 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. OBIO® advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system and government.

For more information, please visit www.obio.ca and follow OBIO® on Twitter @OBIOscience.

About FedDev Ontario

For more than 12 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving their productivity, growing their revenues, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects.

Global Investors to Bring as Much As US$52B In Capital to Fund Canadian Healthcare Innovations

This week, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO), a membership-based not-for-profit organization, is set to bring investors from around the world to its annual OBIO Investment Summit (OIS) and Early Technology Showcase (ETS), which showcases Canada’s leading innovations in health sciences, including biotech and medtech. According to OBIO’s analysis, the registered investors have approximately US$52 billion combined in unallocated and available funds to invest during the summit.

“We look forward each year to connecting with entrepreneurs at the Summit, learning of the opportunity for their business and being able to share some of our experience and insight from 20+ years of building great life sciences companies.

As part of its annual OBIO Investment Summit which takes place virtually starting February 9 to Friday, February 11, 2022, over 50 emerging Canadian companies will be in attendance, looking to bring their breakthrough innovations to market as part of Canada’s thriving health sciences technology industry.

“OBIO is welcoming over 100 global investors to their 2022 annual Investment Summit who will have the unique opportunity to access the best Canadian innovations in this sector,” says Dr. Maura Campbell, CEO of OBIO. “The summit has built on its strengths each year since 2018, and to date 101 companies have gone on to successfully raise over $1 billion in investment to boost Canada’s economy and its health sciences industry.”

The summit showcases investable companies, including the Early Technology Showcase, which this year, highlights 10 of Canada’s leading health research institutions presenting their latest breakthrough technologies, from mental health and cancer detection to AI and stem cell therapies. Together, the OIS and ETS bring together global investors, high potential Canadian companies, and top Canadian research institutions with the goal of bringing venture capital investment to Canada.

“The OBIO Investment Summit is a great venue for a preselected group of Canadian life sciences companies to showcase their technologies and connect to a diverse group of global investors and potential partners,” says Jacki Jenuth, Partner at Lumira Ventures. “We look forward each year to connecting with entrepreneurs at the Summit, learning of the opportunity for their business and being able to share some of our experience and insight from 20+ years of building great life sciences companies.”

For more information on the lineup of companies presenting at the 2022 OBIO Investment Summit or to register for attendance, visit www.obioinvestmentsummit.com.

Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization welcomes Dr. Maura Campbell as incoming CEO

Outgoing CEO Gail Garland to consult with OBIO® for successful transition
of not-for-profit

TORONTO, ON – February 1, 2022 – Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is pleased to announce and welcome Dr. Maura Campbell as its new chief executive officer. Founder and outgoing CEO, Gail Garland, will continue to work with OBIO® in a consultant capacity to ensure a successful transition.

Dr. Campbell was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for OBIO® in March 2021 and brings with her over 30 years of experience in managing successful biotech companies. Most recently, Maura was the Vice President of Intellectual Property and Contracts for Turnstone Biologics and had a significant role in the company’s seed, and Series A, B, C and D financings, in addition to executing two large pharma-licensing deals, raising over US$370 million in the six years since the company was incorporated in Ontario in 2015.

“From my vantage point on the OBIO® Board of Directors, I was inspired by Gail’s vision and the contributions OBIO® has made advocating for a health science ecosystem that encourages companies to stay and grow here in Canada,” says Campbell. “As the incoming CEO, I look forward to continuing to work with industry and the entire OBIO® team as we push forward in our goals to successfully support the many Ontario-based innovations looking to grow the health science industry in the province.” 

Founded in 2009 under Garland’s leadership, OBIO® has grown into a premier health sciences institution that advances solutions to achieve health and economic benefits for Canadians by building domestic and global networks, attracting investors to Canada, and implementing activities and programs to address industry needs in the areas of capital attraction, workforce development, technology commercialization and market access.

In 2010, OBIO® led the pan-Ontario development and implementation of the Ontario Bioscience Economic Strategy Team (OBEST®), a collective mandate which outlines the health science industry’s strategic vision for sustainability, growth and long-term prosperity. With industry collaboration and participation in numerous consultations and summits over the ensuing years, OBIO® has helped to advance strategic imperatives to establish anchor companies, address the issues of scaling companies and facilitate the procurement of innovative technologies. 

Today, the OBIO® team of experienced industry professionals delivers a suite of seven best-in-class programs, including the OBIO Investment Summit, which brings international attention to the Canadian health science industry; the Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN), which partners health technology companies with health organizations to evaluate their technology and gain access to domestic markets; and the Business Development Skills Program (BDSP), which provides senior management teams with the necessary skills to scale and grow their companies in Ontario. 

“I am grateful to OBIO’s Board, our many members and adherents who provided our strategic direction and kept us focused on industry priorities while advocating alongside us,” says Garland. “I am proud of all that we have accomplished and know that Maura’s extensive leadership experience will propel OBIO® forward in its goals. I look forward to working in conjunction with Maura as she transitions to her new role as CEO.”

About OBIO
The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of Canadian human health technologies positioning Ontario as a leader in the international marketplace. OBIO advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system and government.

For more information, please visit www.obio.ca and follow OBIO on Twitter @OBIOscience.

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Glassen, Account Manager

BlueSky Communications

eglassen@blueskycommunications.com | 647-309-0141

OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network advances technologies to address pressing challenges in the healthcare system

BRUYÈRE HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH ABLE INNOVATIONS TO ADVANCE
AN INNOVATIVE PATIENT BED TRANSFER PLATFORM WITH SUPPORT
FROM OBIO

October 25, 2021 – TORONTO, ON – As Canada’s healthcare system continues to be impacted by the added burden of COVID-19, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) to provide solutions. Through the EAHN, OBIO facilitated a partnership between Bruyère, an EAHN member located in Ottawa, and Able Innovations Inc., a Canadian medical technology company, to evaluate Able’s automated patient transfer system – the ALTA Platform™.

“OBIO recognizes the urgency of addressing challenges that the healthcare system is currently facing, and the need for advancing technology evaluations to provide meaningful solutions,” says Gail Garland, President and CEO of OBIO. “The EAHN was developed to evaluate and scale cutting-edge technologies that improve patient care while providing solutions to issues in the healthcare system that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, such as busy hospitals, staff burnout and shortages.”

The ALTA Platform solves what is a highly labor-intensive and repetitive task for hospital staff by enabling a single operator to perform patient lateral bed transfers, which will eliminate the source of numerous injuries, while creating a more dignified care experience for patients and care providers.

“The pandemic has really impacted hospitals and the entire healthcare system, and we see that technological advancements such as the ALTA Platform can help to address some of the increasing challenges we’re facing,” says Paula Doering, Senior Vice-President, Clinical Programs, Chief Nursing Executive and Allied Health Professionals. “We are happy to partner with Able Innovations to evaluate the ALTA Platform. We believe that with this type of technology we can improve the patient experience, reduce injury for our teams, and create more time in the day for our staff to focus on other aspects of patient care.”

The successful evaluation at Bruyère Hospital of the ALTA Platform will help accelerate technology uptake in healthcare settings – that’s why OBIO is expediting an EAHN Committee to review the evaluation findings and determine the value of innovative patient bed transfer technologies for all stakeholders, as well as to advance system-wide adoption and dissemination.

“It is our mission to make care-giving sustainable through technology. In Bruyère and OBIO we have found partners that share our values,” says Jayiesh Singh, CEO of Able Innovations. “We are excited for our partnership with Bruyère hospital and OBIO to serve as a launchpad for making our technology available to providers and patients across Canada and globally at a time it is needed the most.”

For more information about OBIO’s EAHN, or if you are interested in being part of the EAHN network, please contact Dr. Jeff Aramini at jeffaramini@obio.ca.

About OBIO
OBIO®, founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based innovation organization 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. OBIO advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system and government.

About Able Innovations Inc.
Able Innovations Inc. is solving the painful and labor-intensive process of patient transfers by developing technology that enables effortless, hands-free, safe and dignified transfers. Their ALTA Platform™, is capable of automated transfers of supine individuals who need to be moved laterally (ex. Bed to stretcher, imaging table) in healthcare facilities.

About Bruyère Hospital
Through the people it serves, the specialized care it provides and the research it conducts, Bruyère plays a critical role in the Ottawa region’s health care system. It offers a wide range of services in the community, from hospital programs to long term and primary care, and supportive and independent living for seniors and vulnerable populations. In addition, Bruyère is transforming care through strengths in research, education, collaboration, and innovation.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Bojana Duric, BlueSky Communications
bduric@blueskycommunications.com
289.981.7710

Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization and Ontario Tech Talent Partner to Strengthen Biomanufacturing Capacity in Canada

October 21, 2021 – TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, and Ontario Tech Talent (TALENT™), a workforce development organization affiliated with Ontario Tech University, are proud to announce their partnership to strengthen the talent pipeline of the Canadian biomanufacturing sector.

Biomanufacturing is a key area of Canada’s health sciences sector and the ongoing pandemic has accentuated the urgent need for increased manufacturing capacity for vaccines and innovative therapies to eradicate Covid-19. The demand for a biomanufacturing-ready workforce with the expertise and skills required to meet the needs of the sector continues to increase.

Within this partnership framework, OBIO and TALENT will partner to address this growing demand by identifying key biomanufacturing roles and providing skills training and verification through a program of alternative credentials, such as micro-credentials that are intended to fill the talent pipeline with personnel equipped with the high-demand and emerging skills required for Canadian companies to compete globally.

“The strategy developed between OBIO and TALENT enables an adaptable response to the evolving workforce needs of the biomanufacturing sector in Canada. The partnership builds on OBIO’s deep industry understanding and track record of preparing professionals for the health science business” said Gail Garland, President & CEO, OBIO “and TALENT’s expertise in verifying skills and developing accredited programming, making them the ideal partner for us.”

“TALENT is thrilled to tap into the deep industry expertise of the OBIO team as we develop a portfolio of micro-credentials in biomanufacturing that ensure scaling companies can access the talent that they need. Our goal is to enable individuals to be able to rapidly and effectively develop sufficient competency in high demand skills so that they can be redeployed to address the growing number of vacancies in this sector” said Rachel Sumner, Executive Director of Ontario Tech Talent.

“We are excited that OBIO and TALENT are working together to increase the pool of highly-skilled talent in biomanufacturing. We need more qualified personnel in the Canadian health science industry and hiring the right talent continues to be a challenge for us as we expand our biomanufacturing capabilities. This new partnership will help us train the next generation of workers and grow our team faster to address our global scale-up”, commented Brent Stead, CEO at Specific Biologics.

About OBIO

OBIO®, founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based innovation organization 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. OBIO advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system and government.

About Ontario Tech Talent (TALENT™)

TALENT is bold, connected, and empowered to meet global digital transformation head on. As an ecosystem of learners and employers, we are building resiliency into key economic sectors, enabling organizations to evolve and individuals to thrive. We are transforming together and for the future, in step with emerging needs and for a lifetime of meaningful employment for all. Find out more at www.ontariotechtalent.ca.

For more information and/or if you are a biosciences organization that would like to get involved, contact:

Rachel Sumner
Executive Director
TALENT™
rachel@ontariotechtalent.ca

Doriane Rey
Manager, Marketing and Events
Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
dorianerey@obio.ca

OBIO Announces Expansion of Early Adopter Health Network Partnerships

OCTOBER MARKS THIRD EAHN™ COHORT SELECTION TO COMMERCIALIZE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

September 29, 2021 – TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is proud to announce the growth and expansion of its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) partnerships, together with the upcoming selection round of its new cohort.

With more than 18 healthcare members and 11 innovation organization partners from across Canada, the EAHN™ has grown into Canada’s premier health science market acceleration program since its launch in early 2020. Now, OBIO® will be hosting its third cohort network day in October, where innovative companies will meet with healthcare organizations prior to launching new EAHN™ projects later this year.

“We are delighted to expand the EAHN™ with the engagement of so many leading healthcare organizations and with the support of our innovation organization partners,” said Gail Garland, President & CEO of OBIO®. “Growing and maintaining a robust and globally competitive domestic health science industry ecosystem here in Canada requires partnerships and collaborations to get the job done.”

Through the EAHN™, which is supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario, OBIO® provides project management and financial support to evaluate technologies in the real-world setting and facilitate their broad adoption into the health system. They connect leading-edge, scaling health science companies with healthcare organizations, providing an opportunity for innovators to access local markets before expanding globally, as well as a strong reason to anchor themselves in Canada.

Driven by OBIO’s unique capacity to pair commercial-ready technologies with clinical end-users who want to deliver improved care at any health institution, the goal for the EAHN™ is to become early adopters of homegrown medical technology and help streamline the procurement process. Through a collaborative and comprehensive approach, EAHN™ addresses both the “push” and “pull” factors of what industry has developed and what burdened hospitals are trying to address. This allows the EAHN™ to catalyze change by delivering improved patient care more efficiently while opening the door to a new health-care economy that benefits Canadians and Canadian companies alike.

OBIO® would like to thank and recognize the following organizations for their involvement and support in the EAHN™:

EAHN™ Healthcare Members:

• Baycrest

• Bruyère

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

• Hamilton Health Sciences

• Health Sciences North

• Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare

• Joseph Brant Hospital

• Kingston Health Sciences Centre

• Michael Garron Hospital

• North York General Hospital

• Southlake Regional Health Centre

• St. Mary’s General Hospital

• The Ottawa Hospital

• Unity Health Toronto

• University Health Network (UHN)

• West Park Healthcare Centre

• Winchester District Memorial Hospital

• Women’s College Hospital

EAHN™ Innovation Organization Partners:

• Carleton University

• Clinical Trials Ontario

• Invest Ottawa

• Life Sciences British Columbia

• Montréal InVivo

• Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine

• Ryerson Biomedical Zone

• SOSCIP Consortium

• StarFish Medical

• Stem Cell Network

• Synapse Life Science Consortium

For more information about OBIO’s EAHN™, or if you are interested in being part of the network, please contact Dr. Jeff Aramini at jeffaramini@obio.ca.

About OBIO®

OBIO®, founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based innovation organization 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. OBIO® advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system and government.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Bojana Duric, BlueSky Communications
bduric@blueskycommunications.com
289.981.7710

Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization Supports Advancement of Women in the Business of Health Science With Six-Day Bootcamp

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS FROM EMPLOYED AND UNEMPLOYED WOMEN LOOKING TO ENTER OR ADVANCE IN THE HEALTH SCIENCE INDUSTRY
DUE FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

August 5, 2021 – TORONTO, ON – As health science companies gear up for post-pandemic growth, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) is working towards positioning women to meet the demand for top talent with its second six-day bootcamp, Women in the Business of Health Science. The training, conducted from August 23 –30, addresses the knowledge and skills required to secure business-oriented roles in the health science industry. The bootcamp, which covers topics such as marketing, sales, strategy, business development, project management and operations, is open to employed and unemployed women looking to enter or advance their careers in the health science industry who meet the eligibility criteria and submit their application on/before Friday, August 13. The program is free of charge for qualified participants.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the barriers women face across all industries and by April 2021, more than 16,000 women had dropped out of the labour force completely. To address some of the challenges encountered by women and to support their reentry into the workforce, the bootcamp provides participants with professional development mentorship in career advancement strategies or in job search preparation, such as resume and interview coaching.

“As Canada shifts into higher gear post-COVID-19, we want women to be prepared to meet and capitalize on the increased demand for talent,” said Gail Garland, President and CEO, OBIO. “We know that women benefit from the knowledge and skills acquired during our bootcamp because 75% of participants secured positions within three months of completion. OBIO is ideally positioned to help both women and health science companies grow during our post-pandemic recovery.”

About OBIO

OBIO®, founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based innovation organization 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. OBIO advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system and government.

Contact

Doriane Rey
Manager, Marketing & Events
Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
dorianerey@obio.ca

OBIO Shares Results of Pilot Launch of New Technologies That Help Manage Covid-19

Innovative Canadian medtech projects enabled through Early Adopter Health Network

June 1, 2021 – TORONTO, ON – While the race to eradicate Covid-19 continues, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization in Ontario, is sharing results of the pilot launch of its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN) introduced last year. Four projects with novel technologies were adapted to address challenges with Covid-19, ranging from healthcare operations to disease/patient management to improvements in diagnosis or treatment.

“The goal for the EAHN is to become early adopters of homegrown medical technology and help streamline the procurement process to help busy hospitals and health care providers deliver improved patient care,” says Gail Garland, President and CEO of OBIO. “The companies in our program were able to pivot their technologies in real-time to help address some of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and more efficiently pair them with clinical end users.”

The four projects enabled through the EAHN include:

KA Imaging

KA Imaging’s Reveal 35C is the world’s first x-ray detector that provides three different images (a standard digital radiograph, as well as bone and soft tissue images) and can be used bedside to better visualize the lungs, particularly among COVID-19 patients. The improved diagnostic imaging can be a game changer in the ICU to assess whether patients with pneumonia need a ventilator, or how the disease evolves, and can be easily deployed to a community hospital or in-clinic.

“With the support of the EAHN, we were able to test Reveal in a clinical setting, enabling the radiologist to diagnose pneumonia with more confidence,” says Amol Karnick, President and CEO of KA Imaging. “The same facility has already received two extra systems to increase imaging capacity, proving that early adopters are critical to how quickly new technologies are implemented.” 

Synaptive Medical

Patients with COVID-19 may have neurological and cardiopulmonary issues requiring repeated MRI and CT scans. Given the virus’ half-life of 72 hours on plastic or metal, the surfaces of these machines can become contaminated, exposing health care workers and other patients to infection. Synaptive, with its partners, have designed a single-use drape that can be safely disposed of after each scan, an innovation that can prevent potential COVID-19 contamination and protect against other air-borne viruses.

“OBIO’s program provides us with an opportunity to design, test and validate our MRI drape solution in a real-world clinical scenario, with the collaboration of our partners at UHN,” says Cameron Piron, President of Synaptive Medical. “The ability to work with Ontario’s leading health organizations through the EAHN provides companies like Synaptive Medical with a base of Canadian customers and experiences that strengthen our global value proposition.”

Flosonics Medical

FloPatch, the world's first wireless, wearable Doppler blood flow device, helps medical personnel assess and monitor blood flow for critically ill patients by sending data remotely to mobile devices using low energy Bluetooth, which is critical in a pandemic context. The low-cost, ultrasound sensor adheres to a patient’s neck, providing hands-free blood flow assessments and important clinical insight for patients in the emergency department, operating room, general medical floor and intensive care units.

“Through the Early Adopter Health Network, with support from Health Science North Research Institute, we were able to test FloPatch and advance the technology to market by facilitating engagement with hospitals here in Ontario.” said Andrew Eibl, COO of Flosonics Medical.

Ironstone Product Development

Ironstone’s Revoxa™ system increases the efficiency of oxygen delivery to COVID patients nearly tenfold, meaning an oxygen tank that would typically last less than a day could last more than a week. If deployed, the technology could make an incredible difference in places such as India, where access to oxygen is currently rationed on a triage basis.

“The support from OBIO’s program was invaluable in advancing this technology to clinical use,” says Joel Ironstone, President of Ironstone Product Development. “The funding helped us conduct a trial to demonstrate the technology’s ability to drastically reduce oxygen consumption while delivering the same or potentially improved support to hypoxic patients, allowing us to contribute positively to the pandemic effort.”

OBIO has undertaken years of consultation with industry and the health system to develop EAHN. Health science companies and health care organizations who want to be a part of EAHN should send proposals or requests for more information to OBIO at info@obio.ca.

About OBIO

OBIO®, founded in 2009, is a not-for-profit, membership-based innovation organization 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. OBIO advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health system and government.

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Glassen, Account Executive
BlueSky Communications
eglassen@blueskycommunications.com | 647-309-0141

Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization Secures Funding for Business Development Skills Program to Support Canadian Health Science Companies

May 25, 2021 – TORONTO, ON – The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the need for innovative training solutions to meet the increased demand for highly-skilled business development professionals in the health science industry. Today, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) is pleased to announce the launch of its Business Development Skills Program, with a $5.25 million investment from the Ministry of Labour and the Skills Development Fund, to address these workforce challenges and help access funding that accelerates the growth of health sciences companies in the province.

“Successful fundraising is critical for health science companies to grow their business and create – and keep – new jobs in Ontario,” says Gail Garland, CEO, OBIO. “As these companies raise investment capital, they move further along the intellectual property commercialization pathway, with the ability to expand operations and add skilled employees that can help them reach their next growth target.”

According to a survey conducted last year by OBIO of more than 250 employers in Ontario’s health science industry, 83 per cent of industry leaders say access to financing should be a priority focus to speed up opportunities for health science companies to succeed. Yet finding highly-qualified business development professionals that have the necessary specialized skills to drive successful funding is a major challenge, with half (54 per cent) of industry leaders and supervisors saying they frequently face difficulties when hiring people into these roles. This skills gap will continue to jeopardize the pace of growth of health science companies during – and after – the pandemic.

“The challenges of the last year have shown us how important it is to keep our homegrown health science talent here,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “OBIO’s program will move us one step closer to that goal, so that innovative companies with fresh ideas will know it’s possible to grow and thrive in our province. This sector is full of potential, and with this specialized training and mentorship, I believe we have what it takes to be a leader.”

In fact, a recent Nanos poll conducted on behalf of OBIO revealed that the majority (87 per cent) of Canadians support government spending for medical innovation and manufacturing in Canada, while 74 per cent feel it is important that healthcare providers in Canada use medical innovations developed here in Canada.

"Companies that take advantage of OBIO’s Business Development Skills program will have the opportunity to commercialize their technology right here, in Ontario,” says Maura Campbell, VP Intellectual Property & Contracts, Turnstone Biologics. "The program will ensure they have access to the talent, skills and support they need to fulfill this objective."

OBIO’s Business Development Skills Program is currently accepting applications and the program will run from June 2021 to March 2022. To apply, visit www.obio.ca/bdsp.

OBIO Introduces New Job Board and Talent Network to Support Growing Health Science Companies

April 1, 2021 – TORONTO, ON – OBIO® (Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization) is proud to announce the launch of the OBIO Job Board and Talent Network. Created in response to the growing needs of health science companies, the OBIO Job Board and Talent Network will ensure that OBIO member companies will be poised for a strong recovery after the pandemic and on the path to a brighter future.

“Since 2017, OBIO has been delivering programming to develop the health science industry workforce. By working closely with employers, we are able to support their evolving needs for talent. To help our member companies find the skilled employees they require, OBIO created the OBIO Job Board. The new job board is designed to meet the unique needs of the health science industry as they grow and scale their companies,” said Gail Garland, President and CEO of OBIO.

The Job Board provides access to an automated career page and talent network designed to allow companies to easily post jobs, connect with, review, and manage talent all in one place. OBIO members also have access to a talent database filled with a growing list of qualified career job seekers looking to work in the health science industry which will help companies find the right candidate to speed up the hiring process.

To launch the Job Board and Talent Network, OBIO hosted Sean Silcoff, an award-winning business writer and reporter with The Globe and Mail, for a discussion on the future of talent development in the Canadian economy and how Canada can be competitive globally.

Sean Silcoff shared his observations on how Canada’s leading emerging health science companies could position themselves to grow by developing and investing in experienced corporate leaders. Sean also discussed the talent gaps that early-stage companies need to address and drew from his past reporting to discuss how Canada is faring at building a globally competitive health science ecosystem in Canada.

To see the OBIO Job Board, visit careers.obio.ca.

OBIO Announces new Chair of the Board of Directors, Dr. Maura Campbell

OBIO is pleased to announce that Dr. Maura Campbell, Vice President, Intellectual Property and Contracts, Turnstone Biologics, was appointed as Chair of the OBIO Board of Directors.

“I am very pleased to have a leader of Maura’s calibre and experience as the Chair of the OBIO Board of Directors,” said Gail Garland, President and CEO, OBIO. “Maura is the first female Board Chair at OBIO and her depth of knowledge, her track record in the health science industry, and her energy all make her uniquely positioned to help guide OBIO as we continue to build the health science industry. Over the past 12 months, OBIO has launched the Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), published two industry-leading reports on the state of the health science industry including Leading the Pack: Accelerating the Success of the Canadian Health Science Industry, and held the 2021 OBIO Investment Summit which featured over 80 global investors and over 50 companies from across Canada.”

“I am honoured to join OBIO as the Chair of the Board of Directors,” said Dr. Maura Campbell. “I am excited to bring my experience in technology transfer and the management and commercialization of intellectual property to help further OBIO’s success,” said Dr. Campbell. “As a thought leading organization, OBIO’s work is truly building the health science industry and it is my privilege to be a part of OBIO’s efforts to support technology commercialization, workforce development and market acceleration in the health science industry.”

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the OBIO Board of Directors,” said Dr. Jeremy Bridge-Cook, Chief Scientific Officer and VP R&D, Spartan Bioscience, and outgoing OBIO Board Chair. “OBIO has done incredible work to support the growth of the health science industry in Canada. With the leadership and enthusiasm that Maura brings, I am confident that OBIO’s work will continue to drive even more success for health science companies. I look forward to what comes next.”

Dr. Maura Campbell – biography

Dr. Maura Campbell is Vice President, Intellectual Property and Contracts at Turnstone Biologics. Maura has spent more than 30 years in technology transfer and the management and commercialization of intellectual property (IP). She has business management experience in all key sectors of biotech, including private and public companies, universities and research institutes, and government-funded public sector research organizations (National Centre of Excellence [NCE]).

Maura helped spin out Turnstone Biologics from IP developed at three Ontario academic institutes in 2015.  Maura has had an active role in the Company’s Series A, B and C financing, raising a total of over $90 million (U.S.). Previously, Maura was with VBI Vaccines where she served as Director, Intellectual Property. Prior to this she was with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) as a Senior Research Program Manager, where she oversaw the oncolytic vaccine project commercialization.

Earlier in her career, Maura was the Director of Intellectual Property for PainCeptor Pharma Corporation, the Manager of Technology Transfer & Commercialization for the OHRI, and the Manager of Technology Transfer at the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems NCE. She has also served as an IP consultant to a number of Canadian start-ups including Neurochem, Conjuchem, Aonix, AMRIC and Sussex Research Labs.

Maura received a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Ottawa, and an M.Sc. and a B.Sc. in biochemistry from Queen’s University in Kingston.