Making Impact Podcast

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Vangelis Vergetis, co-founder of Intelligencia. Vangelis has spent the last 15 years in healthcare, particularly on the interface between life sciences, technology, and data science. Prior to founding Intelligencia, Vangelis spent about a dozen years as a consultant at McKinsey and at Hakluyt, working with clients across different areas within healthcare. He is a board member and member of the executive committee at the Alliance for AI in Healthcare (AAIH), and a member of the advisory board for Cornell’s department of Computer & Information Science (CIS). Intelligencia helps bring novel therapies to patients faster and more efficiently by applying Data Science to drug development. Based on a unique wealth of proprietary and expertly curated data, Intelligencia has been pioneering the use of Machine Learning algorithms to assess, quantify, and reduce the risk of clinical development. 0:59 - Vangelis’s background & origin story 3:24 - Focusing on risk & drug development 7:20 - The question of building the product vs buying the product 10:15 - The main value proposition and benefits for utilizing Intelligencia 13:12 - The ultimate impact that Intelligencia is having on patients & their journeys 15:49 - Where Intelligencia is as a startup 18:18 - What impact Vangelis is looking to make in the industry Resources Intelligencia: https://www.intelligencia.ai/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: www.odaia.ai/making-impact/intelligencia-uses-artificial-intelligence-to-provide-data-clarity-for-pharma-bridging-the-gap-between-innovation-and-risk-reduction Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Hassan Jaferi, Chief Executive Officer at Bitnobi Inc. and Co-Director of UTEST at Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners. Hassan is a commercialization professional that helps researchers and scientists develop their products for commercial markets – through patents, licenses and entrepreneurial ventures. He wants to ensure that commercialized products benefit people around the world. Bitnobi was founded in March 2016 at York University with the full support of Innovation York and Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners. Bitnobi's patented system was designed and developed by big data, cloud computing and cybersecurity experts who identified the problem of sharing Big Data across varying data infrastructure with different types of users. Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP) is a member-driven not-for-profit organization which was created in 2008 (at that time under the name “MaRS Innovation”) by Toronto’s top universities, institutions and research institutes, and the MaRS Discovery District. Their mandate is to bring the members’ most promising research breakthroughs to market. 0:50 - Hassan’s background & origin story 2:38 - Types of innovations worked on at UofT & technologies that stand out 7:09 - Exciting projects transferring out of UpfT in healthcare and life sciences 10:35 - Why Bitnobi was started & the pain points it helps solve 15:00 - The future vision for Bitnobi and additional opportunities 18:30 - Examples of collaboration in the life sciences perspective Resources Bitnobi: https://www.bitnobi.com/ TIAP: https://tiap.ca/ Referenced Hypercare Episode: https://www.odaia.ai/making-impact/transforming-the-communication-landscape-in-healthcare-with-hypercare Connect With ODAIA Blog: www.odaia.ai/making-impact/filling-business-gaps-with-technology-founded-in-academic-research Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Milos Popovic, Director of the KITE Research Institute at UHN Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and Professor with the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. The research arm of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, KITE, is a world leader in complex rehabilitation science and is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with the effects of disability, illness and aging. KITE’s areas of focus include prevention, restoration, enhanced participation and independent living. Researchers are actively engaged in developing new treatments, devices and products as well as gathering evidence that guides changes to policy and public opinion. 1:57 - Milo’s origin story & background 6:52 - Developing technology that solves physical challenges in the human body 12:21  - The unexpected journey to entrepreneurship 19:40 - Current projects at Toronto Rehabilitation Insitute (KITE) 27:40 - How Milos would like to make impact with his work Resources KITE: https://kite-uhn.com/ Mindtech Global: https://www.mindtech.global/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: www.odaia.ai/making-impact/the-transformative-innovations-of-rehabilitation-science-and-neuroprosthetics Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Ketaki Desai, VP of Business Development at Ontario Centre of Innovation & Board of Director Member for Brainstage, Inc. OCI builds bridges between sectors, sparking vibrant collaborations that lead to the creation of products and jobs that make a real impact in the lives of Ontarians — now and into the future. OCI helps ensure Ontario is where next happens. They accelerate job creation through innovation, commercializing game-changing research by connecting industry and academia. 1:40 - Ketaki’s origin story & background 8:04 - Developing a new model for undergraduates to gain research experience 10:21 - Founding a startup after identifying a problem 15:37 - Working in the education technology sector followed by health tech & manufacturing analytics 19:40 - Building the vision out from research to commercialization as an investor 22:44 - Diversifying investments for returns & bringing in the right talent 27:49 - Current initiatives: the market readiness fund & advanced technology networks 35:03 - Ketaki’s vision for making impact Resources Ontario Centre of Innovation: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ Mentioned Companies: Elarex: https://elarexinc.com/ Nanology Labs: http://www.qurcan.com/ Inteligex: ttps://www.inteligex.ca/ Hyivy Health: https://hyivy.com/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: www.odaia.ai/making-impact/bringing-research-to-reality-a-strategic-vision-for-innovation-in-life-sciences-through-varied-experiences Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Viraj Mane, co-founder of Lactiga. Lactiga is an award-winning, venture-backed biotherapeutics company developing novel biologics to treat and prevent infections with a focus on improving the quality of life in patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Viraj earned a PhD in Human Genetics from Baylor College of Medicine then completed two postdoctoral fellowships at the U.S. FDA and the University of Maryland spanning immunology, virology, drug delivery and nanotechnology. His leadership of Lactiga’s research and intellectual property programs has led to 3 issued patents, registered trademarks, an NIH Emergency Award, several additional awards, and Sponsored Research Agreements with multiple research institutions. Lactiga is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel biologics to tackle even the most severe mucosal infections in immunodeficient patients. They are unlocking the full therapeutic value of human milk to create the next generation of anti-infectives that can battle even the world’s most dangerous pathogens.Their technology targeting mucosal infections has the potential to address unmet medical needs in patients of all ages. 1:08  - Introduction to Lactiga & Their Origin Story 6:31  - Going From the Initial Idea to Creating a Business 9:46 - Education & Donations Around Milk Banks 17:10 - The Importance of Networking and Connections in Business 19:50 - Patents & the Venture Capital Process 22:40 - Where Lactiga is as a Company Now 25:25 - Funding Announcement for Lactiga 30:20 - Other Uses for Breast Milk Being Utilized 34:07 - The Future Vision for Lactiga Resources Laciga: https://lactiga.com/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: www.odaia.ai/making-impact/how-lactiga-is-using-human-milk-antibodies-to-change-the-lives-of-patients-living-with-immunodeficiencies Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Amol Deshpande, Senior Director, Ecosystem-Health Sciences at MaRS Discovery District. Amol combines a clinical background of 25 years in chronic pain with evidence-based decision making, including domain knowledge in cannabis in chronic pain and QI projects to improve pain medicine and a strategic process to help navigate the healthcare space. MaRS Discovery District is a launchpad for startups, a platform for researchers, and a home to innovators. They support over 1,400 Canadian science and tech companies that are tackling some of society’s greatest challenges, providing them with tailored resources at every stage of their growth, from startup to scale-up. They focus on the four sectors — cleantech, health, fintech, and enterprise software — where the potential is greatest to build high-impact companies that strengthen the economy. MaRS brings together the innovation community to grow the economy and make an impact. From advisory services to connections to talent, capital, customers and They also provide access to the MaRS ecosystem, a curated community of entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, academics and government partners. 1:12 - Introduction to MaRs and Amol’s Origin Story 3:38 - Bringing new technologies into the healthcare industry as a start-up 5:11 - Challenges in implementing new technologies 9:20 - Identifying solutions to healthcare problems & bringing them into the ecosystem 14:50 - Breaking down the silos between regionalism 20:25 - Challenges in retaining talent in the industry 23:00 - Upcoming initiatives at MaRS 27:02 - Amol’s ultimate vision for the ecosystem Resources MaRs: https://www.marsdd.com/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: http://www.odaia.ai/making-impact/the-path-to-nurturing-the-canadian-health-sciences-ecosystem-with-mars-discovery-district Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Priti Chawla, Board & Executive Director of Obesity Matters. Obesity Matters works to empower their community, allowing them to share their thoughts, reduce the feelings of isolation and frustration and provide credible resources. With Obesity Matters, Priti hopes to redefine obesity through the lens of empathy and compassion, shifting to a positive narrative, and helping more people live their best lives. Priti is a visionary, research-driven business leader, community builder, and strategist who is advancing an advocacy platform for people living with obesity and mobilizing the quality of care they receive. Having seen weight bias and discrimination play out in her own life, Priti understands the delicate psyche of those who are struggling with body image issues and experiencing obesity stigma. She learned that fad diets do not work, that weight management is not about merely having the willpower to avoid high-caloric foods, and, most importantly, that her self-worth is not determined by the number on a scale. 1:08 - Introduction to Obesity Matters 6:00 - The different types of stakeholders in the community of Obesity Matters 10:12 - Top 10 predictions of what the future might look like initiative 14:00 - Challenges in changing biases and policies in society 17:58 - Diet culture and commercial weight loss programs 22:54 - Education around weight & nutrition 27:25 - Eat Play Love initiative 29:50 - The future vision for Obesity Matters Resources Obesity Matters: https://obesity-matters.com/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: www.odaia.ai/making-impact/the-future-of-weight-acceptance-where-health-and-happiness-are-at-the-forefront-with-obesity-matters- Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Albert Tai, CEO of Hypercare, a platform that connects healthcare colleagues through real-time scheduling, on-call management, and secure messaging on any device. Hypercare understands the pain points of healthcare workflow that prevents clinicians from providing the high-level care that they want to their patients. We discuss how Albert saw the need for improved communication in the healthcare industry and the impact that it was having on patients. He shares how he created a solution to solve these painpoints so that providers can have more effective communication. 1:24 - Introduction to Hypercare 5:30 - Technology in the Healthcare Industry 9:10 - Finding a solution to the communication problems in healthcare 13:24 - How Hypercare is making impact in hospitals 19:18 - Expanding Hypercare into new settings and locations 20:48 - The vision & future of Hypercare 24:17 - New integrations to improve communication Resources Hypercare: https://www.hypercare.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypercare/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hypercare/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: https://www.odaia.ai/making-impact/transforming-the-communication-landscape-in-healthcare-with-hypercare  Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Liam Kaufman, co-founder of Winterlight Labs, a revolutionary platform that uses speech patterns to detect early signs of brain disorders. Winterlight has developed a tablet-based assessment that is fast, objective, and stress-free. By analyzing speech alone, they can detect cognitive impairment associated with dementia and mental illness. Their assessment can be used in life science research, senior care and clinical settings. 1:22 -  Introduction to Winterlight Labs 3:12 -  Using technology for early diagnosis 4:05 -  Using technology for early diagnosis 5:37 -  Reducing the effects of Alzheimer's 7:21 -  Can preventative measures stop degeneration of Alzheimer’s? 7:54 -  How technology can be used to prevent and detect early Alzheimer’s diagnosis 9:03 -  Using Winterlight Labs technology in Pharma 11:03 - Identifying Accessibility Challenges for Patients 13:02 - Monitoring early signs of Alzheimer’s at all ages 15:42 - Using Winterlight Labs technology to support other therapeutic areas 17:14 - How Winterlight Labs will be used in the future of digital health Resources Winterlight Labs: https://winterlightlabs.com/ Connect With ODAIA Blog: https://www.odaia.ai/podcasts/revolutionary-technology-for-detecting-early-signs-of-alzheimers-through-speech-patterns-with-winterlight-labs  Website: https://www.odaia.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/odaiaintelligence/ Contact Us: https://www.odaia.ai/contact

The Making Impact Podcast series highlights life science thought leaders, startup founders, and innovation hubs, who are creating and innovating, from all around the world. From drug discovery, to the final stage of getting life-saving and life-altering therapeutics and treatments into the hands of patients, these leaders are truly changing the healthcare industry. Hosted by Helen Kontozopoulos, Co-founder of ODAIA, and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Computer Science at The University of Toronto, explores new technology and initiatives that are making a huge impact in communities, both locally and globally.