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Ontario Tech University Students Recognized for Health-Care Technology Projects at Catalyst Challenge

Justin Barber

10 Feb 2025 — 1 min read

Ontario Tech University concluded its annual Catalyst Challenge on January 31 in Oshawa, where student teams presented technology-based solutions for health-care problems. The event was hosted by Brilliant Catalyst, the university's entrepreneurship hub, in partnership with Lakeridge Health and the Partnership for Advanced Technology in Health Care (PATH), according to a university announcement.

The Catalyst Challenge is designed to encourage students from various disciplines to develop ideas addressing issues in health care using technologies such as artificial intelligence. Organizers stated that participants used the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Quadruple Aim model, which has been adopted by Lakeridge Health.

Nine student teams advanced to the final stage of the competition on January 31. Three teams were awarded $2,000 prizes to support development of their projects within the Brilliant Catalyst’s Business Incubator. According to the university, these teams will also receive mentorship, access to funding, and opportunities for further validation through a visit with Lakeridge Health’s leadership.

The Social Impact and Sustainability Award was given to Axis, described as an AI-powered physiotherapy tool using augmented reality motion tracking for musculoskeletal care. The Technical Innovation Award went to MedRoute, a project designed to connect patients to suitable medical facilities and professionals based on individual needs. The Market Readiness Award was presented to NavConnect, a hospital navigation app with accessibility features, which is planned for pilot testing at Lakeridge Health.

The university states all participants received an honorarium, funded by the Experience Ventures program. This program is supported by the Government of Canada and delivered in partnership with institutions including Ontario Tech University.

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