WeUsThem Inc. has won the second Health Challenge Pitch Event, which focused on mental health. The Halifax-based advertising agency has developed imTeen, a technology that empowers youth to track and take care of their health by self-monitoring signs of common mental and physical illnesses.
WeUsThem is headed by Ashwin Kutty and Fatem Alshazly. As well as winning $100,000, the company also won the chance to have its technology adopted by the Nova Scotia Health Authority.
The health care system's needs are changing, as are the technologies that improve the accuracy medical practitioners require to make concise, life-saving diagnoses and treatments for patients, host organization Volta said in a statement.
“The submissions that were received are incredibly impressive and the fact that these are medtech companies from our Atlantic Provinces proves that we have the knowledge, expertise and resources to develop world-class healthcare solutions right here, for our patient population,” said Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy, Vice-President of Research, Innovation and Discovery at Nova Scotia Health.
During the virtual presentations, Nova Scotia Health said the department has greatly increased its virtual provision of mental health services during the pandemic. The department’s crisis line has seen a 35 percent increase in demand compared to last year. The boost to online care has enabled NS Health to continue providing the bulk of its services during the pandemic. A new website has also been launched providing new self-management tools to those suffering with mild to moderate conditions.
The three other presenting companies included:
Dispension Industries (Dartmouth)
Founded by President Corey Yantha and brothers Matthew and Brad Michaelis, Dispension’s MySafe kiosks allow authorities to distribute opioids to registered users in a controlled manner, with the aim of preventing overdoses.
Real Time Medical Inc. (Dartmouth)
RTM has developed its own proprietary radiology workflow management and quality-assurance software platform called AICloudSuite. The company was formed by radiologists Greg Butler, David Koff, and Nadine Koff.
Tranquility Online Inc. (Halifax)
Founded by CEO Joel Muise in 2017, Tranquility’s website and app offer an automated, digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy; a form of psychotherapy designed to cultivate self-awareness and short-circuit harmful patterns of thought.
In June, Halifax-based Adaptiiv Medical Technologies won the first Health Challenge pitch event, which was dedicated to products that could help cancer patients.
Along with Volta and Nova Scotia Health, the organizing partnership includes BioNova, QEII Foundation, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
The program will award $300,000 in three upcoming health challenges. The subject of challenge No. 3 will be announced by Nova Scotia Health soon.
Health and life sciences companies interested in applying must be based in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador.
