Winners, judges and donors at the inaugural QEII Foundation Innovation Den in 2023
Impact highlights from our 2023 Innovation Catalyst Fund grant recipients
In November 2023, the QEII Foundation’s inaugural Innovation Den brought forward some of the brightest, local scientists spearheading brilliant ideas to push healthcare change forward. Modeled after the popular series Dragons’ Den, six finalists pitched their health-related business concepts and product ideas to a panel of Den judges based on scalability, evaluation and overall impact on clinical care and patient outcomes.
The result? $200,000 in funding through the Innovation Catalyst Fund, generously supported by QEII Foundation donors who believe in the power of healthcare innovation.
These initiatives, spanning from advanced patient care tools to breakthrough medical devices, are reshaping the healthcare landscape. As we gear up for the second annual Innovation Den event on November 14, here’s a snapshot of the notable achievements and impact milestones of our 2023 grant recipients.
Stretcher Lift System
2023 grant recipient: Dr. Stephen Beed
Innovation Catalyst Fund award: $20,000
The Stretcher Lift System addresses a critical need in operating rooms: the safe and efficient movement of patients. This portable, mechanical lift system simplifies patient transfers, minimizing the risk of injury to both patients and healthcare staff.
According to Dr. Beed, the Innovation Catalyst Fund grant played a crucial role in the creation and testing of a working prototype of the lift component.
“We would have been unable to complete the design, engineering analysis and then construction of a working prototype without these funds,” says Dr. Beed. “At a crucial point in our evolution, the transition from idea to prototype: these funds made it possible.”
As Dr. Beed explains, successful patent applications have been filed – marking a significant step towards commercialization for the Stretcher Lift System.
Pain Coach App
2023 grant recipient: Dr. Emily Johnston
Innovation Catalyst Fund award: $10,000
The Pain Coach app is a groundbreaking mobile app designed to enhance pain management for patients undergoing hip, knee, and shoulder surgeries. By tailoring pain management plans to individual needs, the app aims to reduce reliance on opioids and improve patient outcomes.
Donor support is helping advance the app’s development and prepare for a major clinical trial. This fall, an interventional study will launch which will enroll 1,000 hip, knee and shoulder arthroplasty patients over the next year.
It’s a pivotal milestone for grant recipient, Dr. Emily Johnston, who acknowledges the powerful impact made possible by QEII Foundation donors and the Innovation Den event.
“I am so grateful for the platform to tell my story, sharing what has become my life’s work,” says Dr. Johnston. “Innovation in health care is an ever-evolving process and the support I have received has been essential to getting us to our next clinical trial.”
CancerPEP
2023 grant recipient: Dr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge
Innovation Catalyst Fund award: $10,000
CancerPEP (Patient Empowerment Program), led by Dr. Gabriela Ilie and Dr. Rob Rutledge, is a comprehensive home-based program designed to empower cancer patients with personalized support over six months. Through education, research and healthy living, this research-proven program enhances life after a life-altering cancer diagnosis.
According to Dr. Gabriela Ilie, their Innovation Catalyst Fund grant played a major role in developing a user-friendly website and marketing efforts to enhance program accessibility. Recent milestones for the program include new partnerships with key cancer support organizations – ultimately facilitating referrals and support for new CancerPEP participants.
“To the generous donors who made these grants possible, we extend our deepest gratitude,” says Dr. Ilie. “Your support has had a profound impact on our ability to improve the lives of cancer survivors.”
FIVAFlow
2023 grant recipient: Ben Garvey
Innovation Catalyst Fund award: $10,000
FIVA™Flow is a real-time flow monitor for intravenous (IV) infusions. The device ensures accurate flow rates and alerts when an IV bag is empty, improving both safety and efficiency in medical settings.
As recipient Ben Garvey explains, the Innovation Catalyst Fund grant was instrumental in supporting FIVAFlow’s regulatory efforts, particularly in the US, which is essential for expanding the device into new potential markets.
“We have immense gratitude to the donors who made these grants possible,” says Ben. “Support like this keeps us moving forward towards our ambitions to change the standard of care for IVs globally.”
Bre-Z Chamber
2023 grant recipient: Sara Fedullo and Dr. David Hodgson
Innovation Catalyst Fund award: $50,000
The Bre-Z Chamber is a pocket-sized inhaler device designed to improve medication delivery for patients. With the ultimate goal of addressing the common issue of improper inhaler use, Dr. Hodgson and Sara Fedullo are on a mission to make treating asthma and respiratory conditions a lot easier.
According to the duo, their $50,000 Innovation Catalyst Fund grant accelerated manufacturing and performance testing for the Bre-Z Chamber, bringing the device significantly closer to market readiness.
“We are incredibly grateful for the donors who have supported medical innovation in this province,” says Sara. “Their help has a ripple effect that will benefit many, starting with the entrepreneurs, all the way to the patients whose lives we hope will become better as our idea reaches the shelves.”
The Better Ring
2023 grant recipient: Dr. Jennifer Johnston
Innovation Catalyst Fund award: $100,000
Dr. Jennifer Johnston was the inaugural and top-prize winner of our $100,000 Innovation Catalyst Fund grant, fueling her innovation of The Better Ring. This revolutionary contraceptive ring offers a non-hormonal, reusable solution — doubling as an emergency contraceptive.
Dr. Johnston shares that these crucial funds supported research studies, patent filings, and preparation for regulatory testing of The Better Ring.
“Donations like these are critical to advancing innovation and improving health outcomes,” she explains.
Recent studies and significant additional funding have set the stage for future human trials and, ultimately, commercialization; a point of pride and excitement for the family physician who is returning to the 2024 Innovation Den as an official judge.
“The more we can do locally, the better we can help patients in Nova Scotia and, hopefully, beyond,” says Dr. Johnston. “I’m incredibly grateful for this grant.”
The future is bright
In working with our 2023 recipients to report back on the impact achieved this past year, it’s become clear that these are so much more than just one-time grants. They’re a pivotal opportunity to fast-track the design, development and implementation of innovative concepts and ideas, ultimately challenging the status quo and providing access to funds that otherwise wouldn’t be available to our healthcare teams.
Thanks to our lead donors, John Hunkin and Susan Crocker, and other generous supporters, the Innovation Catalyst Fund will be available to some of medicine’s brightest minds for the next decade – with our next grants awarded on November 14, 2024.
The gratitude and thanks expressed by every grant recipient to date showcases the profound and transformative effect philanthropy has on healthcare innovation. As we prepare for our 2024 event, we’re grateful to every donor whose investment makes these breakthrough opportunities possible.
Learn more about our 2024 Innovation Event or support the Innovation Catalyst Fund now.
