2020 Praxis Prize
What: The Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and Innovation Factory are proud to announce the inaugural Praxis Prize. $25,000 will be awarded to innovators working on cutting edge products, with a clearly articulated clinical application, focused on improving the lives of individuals living with spinal cord injuries. The Praxis Prize will support entrepreneurs and researchers working on innovation interventions that will improve health outcomes.
Who Applied: Ontario-based entrepreneurs, researchers, or technology providers with the intention of commercializing innovative products and research focused on helping patients suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). Ideal applicants will have achieved Technology Readiness Level 3 or higher. Of particular interest are innovative ideas with potential commercialization in these areas:
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psycho-social issues
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respiratory problems
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cardiovascular complications
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autonomic dysreflexia
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trunk mobility issues/paralysis
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pressure injuries
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bladder/bowel dysfunctions
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sexual dysfunction and infertility
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upper limb mobility issues/paralysis
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lower limb mobility issues/paralysis
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osteoporosis
The Praxis Spinal Cord Institute leads global collaboration in spinal cord injury (SCI) research, innovation and care. We engage people with SCI and other world-class experts to work together to identify, prioritize and solve the most urgent challenges. Praxis identifies and supports the development of therapies and medical devices that address the most common secondary health complications. By acting as a catalyst for the most innovative and promising technologies, we derisk the research and advance the science to bring these technological solutions to market.
For more information, contact:
Alex Muggah, Director, Synapse Consortium: alex.muggah@synapseconsortium.com
Fred Rego, Director of Commercialization, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute: frego@praxisinstitute.org
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 PRAXIS PRIZE FINALISTS
AXCESSIOM TECHNOLOGIES
Axcessiom Technologies is a software & electronics manufacturing start-up company with a mission to create products to help improve the lives of others. We strive to build the most intuitive and accessible products possible, while keeping safety, reliability, and affordability in mind. Currently, we are working on designing a Driver Assistance System that will allow people with disabilities to drive their vehicles safely and effectively. Our team currently consists of scientists and engineers, and we are continually looking to grow our team and professional network.
BISEP
Bisep invented a one-of-a-kind patented assistive device that universally attaches a patient's wheelchair to their walker. The device was created to help therapists carry out efficient training by minimizing the reliance on other therapists for help and by improving walking safety; lowering the chances of fall-related injuries.
bisep.org
NURO
NURO is a Waterloo start-up specializing in neurotechnology and the creator of NUOS, the Neural Operating System. With NUOS, incapacitated individuals can communicate and compute today using brain signals. NUOS is Health Canada cleared and is clinically authorized as the only non-invasive technology of its kind in the United States.
nuro.ca
Special Thanks
Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation gratefully acknowledge support from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, which has made the Praxis Prize possible.
