12/05/2025
Ottawa, Ontario — Monday May 12, 2025
Core Innovation, powered by the CHEO Research Institute, is proud to announce the launch of its latest Invention Studio Session cohort. This program brings together a diverse group of Canadian early-stage health technology companies committed to addressing critical gaps in health care, empowering patients and caregivers, and improving the delivery and accessibility of care.
For many start–ups, working directly with end-users and clinicians to refine their innovations can be a major hurdle. The Invention Studio Session with Core Innovation offers a unique solution – a six month intensive program to help health tech founders understand and tackle their biggest barriers. By integrating regulatory strategy, clinical validation, and market engagement early, we help unlock the path to sales and adoption. This approach ensures that health tech startups don’t just innovate—they scale, secure funding, and get adopted into health care systems.
“Introducing new technologies in a hospital setting is often difficult. Through this program, we’re creating a stronger pathway for health care innovators to bring great ideas to life for the benefit of patients. We can proudly say—we’re doing that here now,”
— Dr. Matthew Bromwich, Director of Core Innovation at the CHEO Research Institute.“As the founder and CEO of a neurotech start–up that has scaled and partnered with clinics across Canada and the U.S. to improve concussion recovery, I know firsthand the barriers small companies face—and how to overcome them. By equipping startups in this program with the tools and support they need, we’re helping bring innovative solutions directly to patients,”
— Ashleigh Kennedy, Invention Stream Lead, Core Innovation at the CHEO Research Institute.
Participating Companies:
Cassidy e-Care Solutions
Digital health company
Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Cassidy e-Care Solutions is specializing in innovative self-management solutions for individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Founded in 2020, the company’s mission is to empower people living with diabetes to live healthier lives through AI-powered solutions that simplify daily management. disease.
D2Type
AI-powered diabetes management
A multilingual, AI-based platform supporting lifestyle tracking and personalized care, with live coaching and clinical backing. D2Type is on a mission to prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes through AI-powered, personalized lifestyle coaching. They empower individuals at risk to take control of their health and support organizations in reducing the cost and burden of chronic disease.
Fertilead Inc.
Male fertility innovation
A patent-protected device that improves sperm preparation for IUI and at-home use, aiming to increase conception success rates. Their mission is to enrich fertility treatment options for couples with male infertility.
Axon Health
Remote monitoring for mental health and addiction
A digital platform addressing gaps in mental health and addiction care by supporting measurement-based care with over 400 clinical assessment tools. Axon Health is on a mission is to enhance the quality and accessibility of mental health and addiction care, ensuring that providers can deliver personalized and data-driven support to their clients in recovery.
RESPECT
Predictive analytics for palliative care
The RESPECT algorithm, which stands for Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-life in the Community Tool, is a predictive model developed collaboratively by Bruyère and The Ottawa Hospital in Ontario, Canada. Its primary purpose is to estimate the survival time of frail older adults living in the community, thereby aiding in the timely identification of individuals who may be approaching the end of life.
Independance Robotics
Assistive robotics for daily living
Developing robotic technologies to support independent living for individuals with mobility or cognitive impairments. Independance Robotics is on a mission to improve the Quality of Life for individuals with limited mobility.
Engram Innovations
AI-powered mental health support
Engram Innovations is enhancing the lives of individuals with cognitive impairment through their unique virtual companion, Kiera. Powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) and, Kiera engages users in conversations designed to inspire reminiscence and provide meaningful companionship. By addressing loneliness and fostering connection, Engram Innovations aims to improve the quality of life for seniors and individuals living with cognitive challenges.
Movealytics
AI-powered clinical support
Movealytics offers an AI-powered virtual motion assessment tool that analyzes 2D videos to deliver clinically relevant insights for health care providers. This innovative solution enhances decision-making, improves accessibility to care for patients outside traditional motion labs, and aims to streamline standard care processes.
For more information about Core Innovation, visit Core Innovation – CHEO Research Institute