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This year's OBIO Investment Summit was a success! Our CEO, Jayeish Singh, enjoyed networking with some of this city's greatest minds. He also enjoyed a great discussion with the Minister of Economic Development, the honorable Victor Fedeli, regarding the importance of growing our healthcare supply chain—also, special thanks to MP Han Dong and Minister Filomena Tassi for our continuous growth. OBIO has been actively involved in our footprint and, by extension, our technological advancement. The summit brought together budding Canadian health science entities and investors all under one roof.

We are delighted to welcome Doug Woolridge to the Able Innovations team as our Chief Strategy Officer! With over 30 years of experience driving growth and transformation for organizations of all sizes, Doug brings invaluable expertise that will help propel Able Innovations to the next level. "With a track record of transforming organizations, I believe Able Innovations' ALTA Platform™ will transform patient transfers, lowering cost and healthcare provider injuries, and increasing patient care and dignity,” said Doug. We are thrilled to have Doug's strategic leadership to guide us as we continue developing and deploying our game-changing solution. As Managing Partner of Terranova Advisors, Doug has developed a stellar reputation as a versatile corporate leader skilled in strategy, M&A, growth management, corporate finance, and digital transformation. He has a proven track record of driving operational excellence and strategic growth for global technology services firms, management consultancies, fintech startups, and more. A few highlights from Doug's impressive career include serving as an executive and advisor for industry-leading companies like Cognizant, Prodigy Labs and EPAM.  He has also been instrumental in funding and scaling several successful technology startups.  Doug is passionate about enhancing business value through innovation - a vision that aligns perfectly with Able Innovations' ethos. All smiles with the ALTA Platform™. From left to right: Philip Chang, CTO; Doug Woolridge, CSO; Jay Singh, CEO and Prateek Mishra, Operations & Business Development Manager Beyond his corporate leadership experience, Doug possesses a strong professional network spanning multiple sectors on a global scale. His diverse experience includes roles in technology services, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more. Doug also holds several respected designations including the NACD Directorship Certification. We are excited to leverage Doug's network and experience to further accelerate Able Innovations’ growth trajectory. Further, his commitment to innovation and operational excellence makes him a perfect fit for our team!  Connect with Doug Woolridge

We’re very proud to announce that Able Innovations is a beneficiary of the 2019 AGE-WELL Strategic Investment Program accelerator. The SIP is designed to support innovative post-discovery solutions (e.g. technologies, services or policies) aligned with AGE-WELL’s mission and vision. With the crucial support of principal investigator Dr. Bruce Wallace of Carleton University and the AGE-WELL SAM³ Hub (Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory) at Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital in Ottawa, we have been able to receive funding to develop a test system to measure and evaluate safe force thresholds on delicate tissue. This will allow us to conduct precise safety evaluation of our lateral-transfer device and processes, and verify its safe interaction with delicate human skin and tissue. In order to examine the shear forces and normal forces our device could exert on delicate skin and tissue, a test system will be developed and employed. This system includes a complex array of sensors and data acquisition monitors on a test mannequin configured in a manner to collect relevant interface information. This information will be used to determine the optimal form-factor design of the transfer mechanism and provide crucial data on its safety. This program provides vital support to meet a major milestone in our product development process, that is, demonstrating that our technology is safe to use in transfers of vulnerable and frail individuals. Safety of new technologies is of utmost concern in the procurement process for health innovations. As such, completion of this objective opens the doors for Able Innovations, and we aim for this project to be a major catalyst in fostering new partnerships with healthcare facilities, where we hope to begin validation studies with our beta-prototype in an appropriate setting in early 2020. This is a major step towards realizing our advanced transfer technology that will save costs and improve healthcare outcomes, and we graciously thank AGE-WELL NCE, Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital, Carleton University, and Dr. Bruce Wallace and the SAM3 Hub for collaborating with us and helping to make our exciting vision a reality. Click here to read more about our project and the other 2019 Strategic Investment Program projects.

Last week, Able Innovations had the pleasure of participating in the 5th Annual National AGE-WELL Conference in Moncton, New Brunswick. The theme was "Exploring the Future of Technology & Aging." AGE-WELL NCE Inc. is a federally funded Network of Centres of Excellence. Established in 2015, the organization connects stakeholders nationwide to drive forward Canadian research and innovation in the field of technology and aging resulting in solutions that make meaningful differences in the lives of Canadians. Since its inception, the AGE-WELL has made tremendous progress in this mission, and has grown to over 250 researchers at 42 universities and research centers across Canada, with nearly 400 partnerships. With Canada on pace to join the ranks of “super-aged” countries by 2025, AGE-WELL’s mission and vision is more important now than ever. Able Innovations is truly honoured to be a part of this network, and we look forward to continued collaboration with AGE-WELL to realize our own products that will improve the quality of life of older adults and their caregivers. With Able Innovations formally joining the network in early 2019, this was the first AGE-WELL National conference we’ve attended, and we must say, we’re quite impressed! The conference kicked off with a “Drinks and Demos” Networking Reception, which afforded the opportunity for AGE-WELL’s partnered startups to present their solutions to conference attendees. Able Innovations and Dr. Bruce Wallace, the Principal Investigator for our AGE-WELL Strategic Investment Program project, presented our effortless transfer technology to delegates and detailed our progress made to-date and future plans. With (some) humility, we can proudly say our technology garnered significant enthusiasm from attendees. The conference opened with remarks from the Chair of AGE-WELL, Mimi Lowi-Young, and the Honorable Dorothy Shepherd, minister of Social Development in New Brunswick. Following this was a keynote from former astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk, who detailed the future challenges of healthcare in deep-space, and how they relate to developments here on Earth today. Next was the first round of Innovation Talks, featuring presentations by Researchers and their partnered older adults or caregiver on their respective projects. Next was the first Poster Session, featuring research presentations from all aspects of the AGE-WELL network. There, Dr. Bruce Wallace presented the preliminary results of our AGE-WELL SIP Project, Test system to measure and evaluate safe force on delicate tissue, currently in progress in collaboration with Bruyere Research Institute, Carleton University, and the Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM3) Hub. The day continued with three "Lunch 'n' Learns" covering topics such as scaling solutions, collaborative design, and innovation policies. Following this were events featuring AGE-WELL's Highly Qualified Persons, who are researchers pursuing excellence in the fields of aging & technology. Overall, the conference was an extremely positive experience. It afforded Able Innovations the chance to connect with passionate, talented, and committed individuals who are working across the nation to improve the wellbeing of Older Adults and caregivers through the promise of emerging technologies. AGE-WELL's early support of Able Innovations has been invaluable, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the network.

#technology #aging #agewell #techforgood

Press Release: OBIO's Early Adopter Health Network advances technologies to address pressing challenges in the healthcare system as featured in Financial Post and Business Wire We are proud and excited to announce our partnership with Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital and OBIO to advance our technology. Over the last 2 years, Able has worked closely with Bruyère and its researchers to understand challenges faced by front-line staff and how transformative technology can address them. Able Innovations thanks OBIO for facilitating the alliance through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN). We appreciate OBIO’s continuous support towards scaling the ALTA Platform™ throughout the Canadian healthcare system. The partnership will serve as a model for facilities, as they look to reduce the level of burden and injuries caused to front-line staff - ultimately making caregiving more sustainable for all. Able strives to relieve healthcare facilities and staff from the lasting effects of the pandemic by optimizing patient transfer.

Able Innovations is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network , a federally-funded organization that works directly with leading healthcare operators across the country to identify their biggest challenges and match them with Canadian-made, innovative solutions. By partnering with CAN Health, companies gain access to real healthcare environments where they can implement their market-ready solutions, gain valuable feedback from end-users, and scale across the Network and beyond. This partnership is an important and exciting milestone in Able Innovation's growth trajectory, and we are grateful for the many doors it will open for us. CAN Health has built a stellar reputation by supporting companies and commercializing several product launches through the unique power of its private-public partnerships. Further, they have noted an impressive 80% success rate of a product being purchased after the CAN Health project. The Network tackles market access barriers for innovators, fast-tracks the procurement of solutions for health organizations, and serves as an integrated marketplace for actively advancing technology and healthcare. Working with CAN Health will further cement the value of Able’s technology in the Canadian health sector and drive our growth. The ALTA platform™ is a cutting-edge solution for lateral patient transfers – creating efficiencies when patients are moved from a laying down position. By using the ALTA platform™ for patient transfers, care facilities and hospitals reduce the risk of injury to staff and patients, reduce the number of staff required to move an individual patient, and reduce the amount of time it takes overall for each transfer. Additionally, through collaborations with healthcare providers within the CAN Health Network, Able Innovations will be able to demonstrate the effectiveness and value of the ALTA platform™, leading to faster adoption and scalability in Canada. Able is excited to work with potential partners in the healthcare industry to ensure our product continues to fit their needs and requirements and to build synergies in how the ALTA platform is used and adopted. Read more about our partnership here .

Able Innovations’ CEO & Co-Founder Jay Singh , was recently interviewed by host Jen Callahan  on Skeleton Crew: The Rad Tech Show  to discuss our innovative patient transfer technology, the ALTA Platform ® , and the vision to transform standard practices in healthcare facilities. Some key takeaways from this insightful conversation includes:  Able Innovations’ automated device uses advanced robotics to fully take over the patient transfer process with just the push of a button. This not only prevents career-ending injuries for healthcare staff, but also improves efficiency and the patient experience. While patient transfers have relied on manual techniques that haven't changed much in 70-80 years, Able’s technology provides a modern solution, only requiring a single-operator, automating the most physically-demanding tasks for nurses, technicians, and other frontline staff. Collaboration with frontline healthcare professionals has been instrumental in developing practical features and workflows. Able Innovations aims to address all needs and challenges raised rather than just delivering a "new technology".  This first-of-its-kind robot smoothly glides underneath patients to move them securely between surfaces in under two minutes. Patients feel a great sense of dignity during the transfer process, while staff are safeguarded from injuries such as: sprains, back injuries, shoulder dislocations etc.  The ALTA Platform ®  spans inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic imaging, surgery centers, aged care, and more - essentially anywhere safer, easier transfers are needed. MRI compatibility and other capabilities are actively in development. Able Innovations’ vision is for automated transfer technologies to become the universal standard of care. We want to enable healthcare staff to dedicate more time to quality patient interactions rather than physically-intensive demands. Jay Singh’s full interview with Skeleton Crew: The Rad Tech Show is available here . Thank you for tuning in!

As proud members of the Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange , Able Innovations presented our ALTA Platform™ to numerous world-class clinicians, staff and key opinion leaders at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. It was great to see the enthusiasm and excitement across the board for our technology - with many describing it as “refreshing”. Able's Jayiesh Singh and Sebastian Martinez had fantastic discussions with Mayo staff regarding the positive impact of our technology. Of particular interest was our technology’s ability to reduce the risk of injury to frontline staff and patients, enhance clinical efficiencies, and restore dignity to patients at a vulnerable point in their care journey. Being members of the Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange allows us the opportunity to collaborate with world class subject matter experts, gaining top quality insights and connections as we look to enter the U.S. market. Our participation is timely as this further strengthens our position that the ALTA Platform™ is the new standard of care for patient transfers.

Left to right: Jayiesh Singh-CEO Able Innovations, Prateek Mishra-Operations & Business Development Manager Able Innovations, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario We are fortunate to live in a society with leadership in place that values and supports innovation. The team here at Able Innovations is happy to see our hard work acknowledged by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario ( FedDev Ontario ), as we received a repayable investment of $797,031 through the Business Scale-Up and Productivity stream. With this funding, we will purchase new equipment to advance our manufacturing processes as well as to fund the creation of critical jobs. As a result, this support is benefitting both the growth of our business in addition to the well-being of the technology manufacturing ecosystem in Canada. We want to take a moment to thank our federal government, specifically the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, for taking the time to assess the merit of our business and taking real steps towards supporting entrepreneurs that are innovating to create a real impact in our society. At Able, we believe in using technology for good, and it brings us great joy and honour to feel supported by our government in this pursuit. Find our more here : Official Government of Canada news release

Eased travel restrictions allowed the Able Innovations team to meet with many U.S. partners and collaborators in Chicago last month. The team had the chance to connect with several key leaders in the healthcare space who are closely involved with the issue of patient transfer. When visiting Edward Hines VA Hospital in Chicago, the team was able to witness the scale of operations first-hand and better understand the applicability of the ALTA Platform ™ in such settings. Hallways that stretched as long as 2km between wards validated the need for recent features of the ALTA Platform ™ such as transport assist. Able Innovations is deeply grateful for the time and energy everyone put forth to make the visit a success. Most notably, the team would like to thank: Matthew Knight for his support in navigating the inner-working of facilities including the various stakeholders involved in patient handling; collaborators at MATTER Chicago who engaged the team with interested healthcare facilities and the Trade Commissioner Service at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago for enabling their trust in Able to connect them with strategic investors.

Able Innovations is pleased to announce that Dr. Guy Fragala, a champion in the field of Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM), has joined our advisory board! As one of the founders of the SPHM Movement in North America, Guy brings decades of experience and expertise that will be invaluable as we continue to innovate, and advance safe patient transfer practices within the healthcare sector.  "As one of the founders of the Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Movement in North America, I continue to work with bright young innovators seeking better solutions to reduce occupational risk to caregivers and improve outcomes for patients. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the excellent team at Able Innovations to evolve safe patient handling technology to the next level” said Fragala.  Throughout his illustrious career, Guy has worked tirelessly to integrate patient and caregiver safety technologies into healthcare delivery. He spent the majority of his professional career at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, where he served in various capacities including Professor and Director of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. Guy is a well-respected voice in the healthcare industry. He has assisted leading medical equipment companies like Stryker, Hill Rom, Arjo, Joerns and Midmark in bringing their innovative solutions to market.  An international expert in applying ergonomics principles to the healthcare setting, Guy has lectured around the world. He has authored over 100 publications, including the influential book "Ergonomics: How to Contain On-the-Job Injuries in Healthcare." His contributions to the field of safe patient handling have been recognized with numerous honors and awards. He received the National Advocacy Award for Improved Caregiver Safety and the Bernice Owen Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Research Award. At Able Innovations, we are committed to continuous improvement and growth with regards to  robotics for safe patient handling, to reduce injuries for both patients and caregivers. Guy's deep expertise in this area will be invaluable as we work to take safe transfer solutions to the next level. We are thrilled to have him on our advisory board! Connect with Guy Fragala

Article: Advocate Aurora Health chooses finalists for 2021 Health Tech Venture Challenge Able Innovations was founded to help our front line staff- who now, more than ever, need recognition and support. Advocate Aurora Health and Matter.Health have teamed up to launch the 2020 Health Tech Ventures challenge. This year’s focus is to grow and sustain the culture of well-being for busy clinicians and accelerate solutions that address worker burnout. From a competitive field, we are honored and excited to make it to the finals of this competition. Our solution offers a unique approach to reduce burnout by focusing on reducing repetitive strain and dependency. We hope to use this opportunity to continue to innovate with Advocate Aurora Health to make a real positive impact on the day-to-day operations of our staff.