PROVA Innovations and ImaginAble Solutions, The Forge clients, have been selected as winners of the Arthritis Society’s inaugural Arthritis Ideator Awards, each taking home $50,000 to support developing their innovative ventures. The Arthritis Ideator Program is an integral part of the Arthritis Society’s bold Innovation Strategy.
Matthew Rosato, president and founder of PROVA Innovations pitched their WithinStride® ‘Smart’ in-soles that aid in gait rehabilitation for people with early- and mid-stage knee and hip osteoarthritis. The Hamilton-based innovative startup was selected as one of the top three projects by a panel of industry experts, including Vikram Vij (chef and owner of Vij’s restaurants, author and former Dragons’ Den investor), Mohamad Fakih (award-winning restauranteur, business leader and philanthropist), Ronald Reuben (founder, CEO and Chair, Medicom Group), Nick Yardley (orthopedic surgeon and Board member, HaloHealth), and Trish Barbato, (President and CEO, Arthritis Society).
“Our team is delighted to receive the Arthritis Ideator Award and to be recognized as a top innovator in the Arthritis Space,” said Rosato. “We look forward to working with the Arthritis Society to bring our innovation forward and help change the lives of over 4 million Canadians living with Osteoarthritis.”
Lianna Genovese, a McMaster University student in her final year in the biomedical and mechanical engineering program and the founder of ImaginAble Solutions pitched their Guided HandsTM assistive device that guides hand movements to enable people with limited hand mobility to write, draw and access technology. ImaginAble Solutions won the People’s Choice Award chosen by popular vote.
“I am beyond extremely excited and honoured that Guided HandsTM won the People’s Choice Award!” exclaimed Genovese. “The ImaginAble Solutions team is sending lots of love and gratitude to all those who voted and who will now share our impact for people living with arthritis!
The program identifies and partners with leading ideators and innovators who are working on solutions to improve the lives of people with arthritis. Submissions were received from across Canada, with four ideators receiving the notable Arthritis Ideator awards.
Watch Matthew Rosato’s winning pitch:
Watch Lianna Genovese’s best-voted pitch: