The Forge clients Hyivy Health, Imaginable Solutions and Prova Innovations were finalists in the AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge held virtually on October 7, 2021. The challenge supports and recognizes top startups in Canada’s technology and aging sector. Six finalists were asked to pitch and answer questions from an expert judging panel on how their technology-based solution can positively impact older Canadians and / or caregivers.
Rachel Bartholomew, founder and CEO of Hyivy Health developing a connected smart rehabilitation device for women who have pelvic health complications, won the grand prize at the challenge and took home $25,000 in cash toward her startup plus in-kind prizes. The device provides a quantifiable data set on the pelvic floor and three different therapies from multiple sensors and mechanical functions to help keep track of progress and provide more effective, comfortable rehab experiences from home. The cash prize will support Hyivy Health to expedite its research and trials on menopausal women and the effects of aging on their pelvic health.
ImaginAble Solutions, led by Lianna Genovese, a biomedical and mechanical engineering student in her final year at McMaster University, received the runner-up prize of $10,000 and an intellectual property services prize from Bereskin & Parr. Imaginable Solutions pitched a device called Guided Hands™, which enables people with limited fine motor skills to paint, draw, write, and use a tablet or computer.
Also pitching in the final round of the challenge was Matthew Rosato, the founder and president of Prova Innovations that specializes in wearable technology solutions for in-home GAIT training and rehabilitation. PROVA’s focus is to help patients with a brain injury, neurological disorder, degenerative disease, or mobility issue regain function through the promotion of neuroplasticity and neuromotor recovery.
Read the press release from AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge to learn more about the challenge and finalists.