McMaster University’s legacy of producing exceptional talent continues to shine with Lianna Genovese, a distinguished alumna, securing a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Genovese’s remarkable journey, from her educational roots to her innovative startup, ImaginAble Solutions, stands as a beacon of empowerment and transformation, earning her a well-deserved place among the world’s brightest minds.
A graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical & Mechanical Engineering from McMaster University in April 2022, Genovese exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary expertise. Her academic foundation has been instrumental in driving the innovation behind ImaginAble Solutions, a company dedicated to revolutionizing assistive technology.
Genovese’s partnership with The Forge, an esteemed startup incubator and accelerator, was a pivotal moment in her journey. Since 2019, her association with The Forge has been marked by milestones that speak to her unwavering commitment to innovation. Genovese initially captured second place in The Forge’s Student Startup Competition, an accolade that showcased the immense potential of her venture.
What followed was a cascade of achievements, as Genovese’s ingenuity and dedication led to a series of awards, prizes, and recognition on both local and global stages. Her journey from competition runner-up to a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree is a testament to the transformative power of persistence and innovation.
Genovese’s collaborative efforts with The Clinic, another entrepreneurial hub at McMaster University, highlight her commitment to holistic entrepreneurship. The fusion of academic learning and practical application within this ecosystem has fostered an environment where Genovese’s groundbreaking ideas could thrive and flourish.
Integral to Genovese’s impact is her resolve to manufacture her devices at McMaster’s MMRI (McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute). This fusion of cutting-edge technology and academic rigor underscores her commitment to bringing her innovations to life while reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between academia and real-world application.
However, the true essence of Genovese’s journey is encapsulated in the origin story of ImaginAble Solutions. In 2018, Genovese met Elissa, a woman with Cerebral Palsy who had a deep passion for painting. Elissa’s condition gradually robbed her of this joy, driving Genovese to create Guided Hands™, ImaginAble’s flagship product. This assistive solution was designed to restore autonomy to individuals like Elissa, whose mobility challenges limited their creative expression.
The profound impact of Guided Hands™ became even clearer when Genovese encountered Bella, a young girl with Cerebral Palsy, at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Witnessing Bella’s transformation from limited mobility to artistic expression affirmed Genovese’s commitment to her mission.
“In that moment, I found my passion and knew I had to bring this product to the world and help others like Bella,” Genovese shared, reflecting on the pivotal encounter that spurred her into action.
This commitment led to the founding of ImaginAble Solutions in 2019, marking the inception of a journey dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live their envisioned lives.
As Genovese’s accomplishments continue to accumulate, the global community watches in anticipation of the transformative impact she will undoubtedly leave on the world. Her trajectory from McMaster graduate to Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree serves as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and unwavering dedication. Genovese’s story is an inspiration to aspiring innovators, underscoring that every profound innovation begins with a spark of empathy and the commitment to create positive change.
Watch ImaginAble Solution’s recent interview on CHCH News:
Learn more at imaginablesolutions.com