The FIVE FINALIST TEAMS who will compete for the Hakim Family Innovation Prize, the first Marika Zelenka Roy Innovation Prize, and the Bereskin & Parr Innovation Prize are:
OsteobotiX
OsteobotiX is developing cutting-edge robotic technology for orthopaedic fracture surgery eliminating the need for X-rays. They aim to empower surgeons to perform procedures that are not only safer and more efficient but also remarkably precise. The OsteobotiX team is composed of expert and experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeons and robotics scientists who together identify clinical needs and develop de novo solutions.
Hamidreza Khodashenas, Research Assistant, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre(RI-MUHC)
Dr.Amir Hooshiar, Assistant Professor, Director of Surgical Performance Enhancement and Robotics (SuPER) Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Dr.Gregory Berry, Associate Professor, Chair of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Dr.Rudolf Reindl, Associate Professor, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Dr.Alexandra Bunting, Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
UNICORN BY ENTOBOT INC.
Unicorn is the world’s first disposable surgical robot designed for ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) surgery, promising to transform minimally invasive procedures. This robot addresses the limitations of existing systems by offering enhanced precision, reduced trauma, and accelerated patient recovery. Utilizing advanced soft robotics technology, Unicorn revolutionizes surgical access and techniques with its micro-camera providing real-time visual feedback, ensuring safer and more efficient operations. Developed by ENTobot Inc., this project aims to significantly improve surgical outcomes in ENT care with its groundbreaking approach.
Salar Taki, Research Assistant, Surgical Performance Enhancement and Robotics (SuPER) Centre, RI-MUHC
Dr. Amir Hooshiar, Assistant professor and Director of Surgical Performance Enhancement and Robotics (SuPER) Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Amir Sayadi, Ph.D. Student, Experimental Surgery, McGill University
Dr. Renzo Cecere, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Dr. Nader Sadeghi, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Camille Caron, Medical Liaison, ENTobot Inc.
iSurgical Solutions
iSurgical Solutions aims to give patients with glaucoma the personalized, adaptable care they deserve. Their surgical device is an adjustable glaucoma drainage device that provides patients with adaptable management of their glaucoma. They provide patients with constant adaptation to their glaucoma treatment based on current intraocular pressure. Their goal is to treat patients based on their unique needs, and to redefine the standard of care in glaucoma management.
Dr Harrison Watt, MD; Co-Founder, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, McGill University
Dr. Ali Salimi, MD, MSc; Co-Founder, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, McGill University
Nanofacile inc.
Nanofacile specializes in streamlining the R&D process for nanomedicines. Our 'Nanomedicine in a Box' technology facilitates the encapsulation of therapeutic agents, such as mRNA, into lipid-based nanoparticles. This innovation accelerates the transition from laboratory research to clinical application, enhancing patient care."
Ruben Rodrigo Lopez Salazar, Ph.D. CEO and Founder of Nanofacile, Alumni Postdoctoral Fellow RI-MUHC, Pathology
Chaymaa Zouggari, Fundraising Specialist, Nanofacile
Capcyte Biotherapeutics
Capcyte Biotherapeutics wants to address the problem of hemocompatibility of prosthetic vascular grafts used in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. These implants are made of bioinert materials that do not promote healing, leading to costly surgical re-intervention or limb amputation. With their technology, they will bring implants in the realm of regenerative medicine by directing the healing process directly at the implant surface through the capture of progenitor cells found in our blood.
Marc-Antoine Campeau, Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemical Engineering, McGill University
Hugo Level, PhD student, Chemical Engineering, McGill University
Corinne Hoesli, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, McGill University