Tech Roundup #23 - Kent Imaging, WoundCentrics Propel Wound Care Forward & More!

Kent Imaging and WoundCentrics recently joined forces to enhance wound care with SnapshotNIR, enabling better vascular assessment and personalized patient-centric care plans. This partnership not only benefits patients but also expands physicians' research capabilities, aiming to elevate the standard of wound care and improve outcomes across various patient care domains.?

SnapshotNIR's non-invasive, portable device provides rapid, actionable data to support treatment planning and validate efficacy, ultimately enhancing patient care. Read more here.?

Here’s more that caught our eye this week in our #techroundup.

• Inference Labs (Co-founders Ron Chan & Colin Gagich ), a Hamilton, ON-based startup, has secured $2.3 million in pre-seed funding to advance its mission of democratizing AI inference. Co-led by Digital Asset Capital Management, Mechanism Capital, and Delphi Ventures, the round saw participation from notable investors including Big Brain Holdings and Seed Club Ventures . With its focus on decentralized AI, the startup aims to revolutionize the field by creating an open-source AI inference market, emphasizing accessibility and security in the AI landscape.
• Canadian material science startup Bioform Technologies (Co-founders Jordan MacKenzie & Mark Martinez ) has secured $5 million in seed funding from Brazilian VC Suzano Ventures , aiming to develop sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. Utilizing renewable materials and leveraging pre-established industrial processes, Bioform's technology rapidly produces wood pulp-reinforced hydrogels, offering high-performance plastic alternatives with reduced carbon footprints. With the funding, Bioform plans to accelerate product development, establish a demonstration facility, and expand its team and capabilities.
• The 加拿大多伦多大学 , in collaboration with the University Health Network, the Hospital for Sick Children, and Sunnybrook Research Institute, had launched a new Entrepreneur-in-Residence program funded by the Government of Ontario. Aimed at boosting the commercialization of medical innovations and regenerative medicine research, the program will leverage the expertise of entrepreneurs to support projects with high potential for clinical impact and spin-off company formation. With a $300,000 grant from Intellectual Property Ontario, the program aims to translate academic and hospital-based medical innovations into the commercial arena, contributing to economic growth and expanding clinical impact globally.
• Local entrepreneurs from Winnipeg, Manitoba, shone at the National Startup Global Pitch Competition's regional qualifier. Carbon Lock Tech , led by Kevin Danner , took home first place and $3,000 cash, while Ori.Gatou Creative Solutions Inc. , co-founded by Diogo Iwasaki and Rosana Iwasaki , won the People’s Choice Award with a $1,000 cash prize. Carbon Lock Tech focuses on clean-tech solutions for carbon removal and sequestration, while Ori.Gatou Creative Solutions Inc. specializes in marketing tech for CGP companies and grocery stores.
• In the recent CELS - Canadian Entrepreneurs in Life Science Showcase, several startups voiced their frustration with limited investment opportunities in Canada and highlighted the significance of exploring Silicon Valley. They emphasized the invaluable introductions made at the showcase, the positive reception toward risk-taking and innovation, and the speed of market adoption. With the next Connection Silicon Valley event slated for May 14th to 16th, female founders are encouraged to seize the opportunity to expand their networks and access global capital. Click to register.

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