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QEII Foundation’s Innovation Den
Pushing medical innovation forward
When you combine passion, innovative thinking, and funding, life-changing ideas turn into real transformational change. That’s what the QEII Foundation’s Innovation Den is all about.
This event brings forward some of the brightest, local scientists simmering on brilliant ideas to push healthcare change forward. Modeled after the popular series Dragons’ Den, four aspiring innovators will live-pitch their business concept and product idea to a panel of Den Judges who collectively will decide the $200,000 winning project. Locally driven projects will be evaluated on several key factors including a clear objective with measures in place for evaluation, scalability potential, and overall ability to advance clinical care and patient outcomes.
The Den will be electric with positive energy and bold aspirations, as a room full of innovative thinkers gather to celebrate science and changing lives.
MEET YOUR 2026 WINNERS & FINALISTS
DR. AMY TROTTIER - 🏆Winner, Grand Innovation Award
This project transforms how hereditary blood cancers are diagnosed: using nail clippings instead of traditional skin biopsies and combining this with whole genome sequencing.
This innovation could reduce testing time and increase access. If implemented as a new standard of care, the project could completely reshape hereditary cancer testing.
DR. ABRAHAM NUNES - 🏆Winner, People’s Choice Award
By analyzing large-scale patient data and developing clinical guidelines for Nova Scotia, this project looks to expand access to life-changing ketamine treatment for patients living with severe, treatment-resistant depression.
By improving access to care, this could reduce suicide risk, restore quality of life and bring equitable mental health support to thousands.
DR. IVAN WONG - 🎖️Finalist
This project aims to transform the diagnosis and treatment of hip and shoulder conditions by developing a radiation-free, real-time 3D imaging solution.
Through a unique clinical trial at the QEII, the project has the potential to reduce repeat surgeries, improve long-term mobility and establish a new standard of care for orthopaedic patients.
DR. JOHN SAPP - 🎖️Finalist
This project hopes to improve survival from cardiac arrest using innovative approaches to treat ventricular tachycardia: a lethal arrhythmia in patients with heart scarring.
By strengthening local capacity for the procedure, and analyzing different treatment outcomes in men and women, this project could improve outcomes, reduce complications and advance care.
For more information on the QEII Foundation’s Innovation Den, please contact dianna.macdonald@qe2foundation.ca
2026 INNOVATION DEN CHAIR/HOST & JUDGES
CHAIR/HOST
JENNIFER LAPLANTE
Jennifer LaPlante is Deputy Minister of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions for Nova Scotia, with a strong focus on digital innovation, data, and AI. She is recognized for advancing practical, technology-driven approaches that support better decision-making and improved digital services. She also serves as a member of the QEII Foundation’s Board of Directors, contributing her expertise to support the Foundation’s mission and strategic priorities.
JUDGES
DR. KAREN CROSS
Dr. Cross is a Halifax-based surgeon, entrepreneur, and health innovation leader. She is CEO and Co-founder of MIMOSA Diagnostics and is focused on advancing wound care and improving access to care through technology.
DON GRANT
Don is the Managing Director of Cuna del Mar, an ocean-focused investment firm working in regenerative aquaculture. A lawyer, founder, and investor, he brings deep experience in investment, business growth, and scaling ventures that address major challenges in food systems and ocean sustainability.
CHRISTINE POUND, ICD.D
Christine is a Partner at Stewart McKelvey in Halifax, where she advises Canadian and international clients on mergers and acquisitions, banking and financing, corporate governance, and infrastructure projects. She is known for her practical approach, leadership in complex transactions, and strong contributions to governance and community service.
JEFF LARSEN
Jeff is Assistant Vice-President, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Dalhousie University in Halifax and serves as site lead for Creative Destruction Lab Atlantic. He leads efforts that expand academic research into real-world impact by connecting it with startups, industry, and investment, with a focus on innovation and commercialization in health and other emerging sectors.