Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship / en 91勛圖 ranked 13thon list of 50 schools transforming entrepreneurship: Fast Company /news/u-t-ranked-13th-list-50-schools-transforming-entrepreneurship-fast-company <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 ranked 13th&nbsp;on list of 50 schools transforming entrepreneurship: Fast Company&nbsp;</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/UofT94413_2024-03-07-True-Blue_Polina-Teif-8-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=bGNQSnKb 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-10/UofT94413_2024-03-07-True-Blue_Polina-Teif-8-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=o_IdgqX6 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-10/UofT94413_2024-03-07-True-Blue_Polina-Teif-8-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=W-6fib-i 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/UofT94413_2024-03-07-True-Blue_Polina-Teif-8-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=bGNQSnKb" alt="a woman demonstrates a VR experience for Silicon Labs at the 91勛圖"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-10-03T11:01:18-04:00" title="Thursday, October 3, 2024 - 11:01" class="datetime">Thu, 10/03/2024 - 11:01</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/global-lens" hreflang="en">Global Lens</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/rankings" hreflang="en">Rankings</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/research-innovation" hreflang="en">Research &amp; Innovation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/startups" hreflang="en">Startups</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The 91勛圖 has earned the 13th&nbsp;spot in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91186441/ignition-schools-innovative-colleges-universities-2024" target="_blank">a new ranking by&nbsp;<em>Inc.&nbsp;</em>and&nbsp;<em>Fast Company </em>magazines</a> that highlights the top 50 institutions transforming entrepreneurship.</p> <p>The Ignition Schools list highlights academic institutions from around the world with the biggest impact on business and ideas that define the future,&nbsp;writes&nbsp;<strong>Brendan Vaughan</strong>, the editor-in-chief of&nbsp;<em>Fast Company</em>. He said the 50 schools in the inaugural list dont just produce elite students and groundbreaking research; they also are economic engines that generate the ideas, businesses, and opportunities that move cities, regions, and countries toward a better future.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91194723/methodology-ignition-schools-2024" target="_blank">The lists methodology&nbsp;</a>assesses how the schools foster new technologies and industries while nurturing the individuals and companies that bring them to market. Out of a pool of approximately 900 institutions, schools were scored based on factors such as their performance in producing founders and entrepreneurs, companies launched by students and alumni and the amount of venture capital raised.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having created more than 650 companies with the support of 12 accelerators, 91勛圖 was the highest ranked Canadian university on the Ignition Schools list.</p> <h3><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91186441/ignition-schools-innovative-colleges-universities-2024" target="_blank">Read more at <em>Fast Company</em></a></h3> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:01:18 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 309706 at 3D-printed soil? 91勛圖 startup expands sustainable urban farming footprint in Toronto /news/3d-printed-soil-u-t-startup-expands-sustainable-urban-farming-footprint-toronto <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">3D-printed soil? 91勛圖 startup expands sustainable urban farming footprint in Toronto</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-09/Lyrata---Liz-Intac---1500x1000.jpg?h=74c9fa4d&amp;itok=nkrOtxge 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-09/Lyrata---Liz-Intac---1500x1000.jpg?h=74c9fa4d&amp;itok=Ggqhl1pb 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-09/Lyrata---Liz-Intac---1500x1000.jpg?h=74c9fa4d&amp;itok=fYN49WPI 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-09/Lyrata---Liz-Intac---1500x1000.jpg?h=74c9fa4d&amp;itok=nkrOtxge" alt="&quot;&quot;"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-09-11T11:07:18-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - 11:07" class="datetime">Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:07</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>Leo Hua and Adnan Sharif show off fresh basil that was grown with Lyratas sustainable farming system at Torontos Casa Loma (photo by Liz Intac)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/tyler-irving" hreflang="en">Tyler Irving</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/cities" hreflang="en">Cities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/entrepreneurship-hatchery" hreflang="en">Entrepreneurship Hatchery</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-applied-science-engineering" hreflang="en">Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/startups" hreflang="en">Startups</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sustainability" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">With new installations at Casa Loma and 91勛圖 Scarborough, Lyrata is supplying freshly grown produce to local caterers and restaurants</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A startup co-founded by a 91勛圖 graduate student&nbsp;has its roots in an experience that is all too common for many of us.</p> <p>He kept forgetting to water his plants.&nbsp;</p> <p>I was working in a plant immunity biology lab, so if I didnt water them, Id have no plants to do experiments with, says&nbsp;<strong>Adnan Sharif</strong>, who is pursuing&nbsp;a masters degree in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering.</p> <p>He says his solution was inspired by his father.</p> <p>My dad is a mechanical engineering professor at a university in Japan, and he knows a lot about manufacturing materials with porous, three-dimensional structures, he says.&nbsp;Thats how I got the idea to make my own 3D-printed soil construct, which could retain water for a week or more.</p> <p>That way, I wouldnt have to go into the lab and water the plants so often.&nbsp;</p> <p>The innovation which Sharif came up as an undergraduate working in the lab of&nbsp;<strong>Keiko Yoshioka</strong>, a professor in the department of cell and systems biology in 91勛圖s Faculty of Arts &amp; Science&nbsp;&nbsp;is one of several that now underpins&nbsp;<a href="https://1770angie.wixsite.com/mysite" target="_blank">Lyrata</a>, a startup that grows fresh produce for caterers and high-end restaurants across the Greater Toronto Area.&nbsp;</p> <p>The company, which got its start in a greenhouse on 91勛圖s St. George campus, has recently expanded with operations at 91勛圖 Scarborough and Casa Loma, a museum, event space and historic site in midtown Toronto.</p> <p><iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="646" src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7234958067140825090" title="Embedded post" width="750"></iframe></p> <p>Growing plants without soil, known as hydroponics, is a technique commonly used in greenhouses worldwide. But Sharif and his team see an opportunity to make the industry more sustainable, starting with the soil replacement that the plants grow in.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The product that almost everyone uses today is basically the same as house insulation, Sharif says. Its made from rocks that are mined in remote places and shipped hundreds of kilometres to a production facility, where they are heated to thousands of degrees in a giant furnace to make a porous, chemically inert material. This material then needs to be shipped again to where its needed, and when youre finished, you throw it in the garbage.&nbsp;</p> <p>By contrast, Lyratas SmartSoil is 3D-printed using biopolymers such as polylactic acid, which is derived from corn. These materials can be locally sourced and require much lower temperatures to melt and form into porous structures.&nbsp;</p> <p>When the growing cycle is complete, the product goes through a low-heat proprietary cleaning process and can be used again. Sharif says that SmartSoil has a total lifespan of about two years, after which it can be composted along with crop residue. Together, these changes greatly lower the carbon footprint of indoor farming.&nbsp;</p> <p>In 2020, Sharif and his co-founders&nbsp;brought his idea to <a href="https://hatchery.engineering.utoronto.ca">The Entrepreneurship Hatchery</a>, 91勛圖 Engineerings startup incubator and <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/for-entrepreneurs/accelerators/">one of several entrepreneurship hubs across 91勛圖s three campuses</a>. Through the Hatcherys Nest process, they were connected with business mentors, including alumnus&nbsp;<strong>Xavier Tang</strong>, a consultant and venture capitalist who still advises the company today.</p> <p>Over the next few years, the team evolved, with some original members leaving and others joining. They include&nbsp;<strong>Leo Hua</strong>, who has been pivotal to speeding the development of 3D printable soil. The concept evolved, too, as the team realized that producing food was a better business for Lyrata than rather than selling their growth medium to other farmers.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hatchery team in particular, Executive Director&nbsp;<strong>Joseph Orozco</strong>, Go-To-Market Lead&nbsp;<strong>Erika J. Murray </strong>and a team of work-study students, mentors and legal externs helped Lyrata develop their technology and business. In 2022, the Hatchery provided $155,000 in seed funding, enabling the founders to be employed by their company and further supporting business development. The funding also enabled the company to rent greenhouse space on campus, where they began&nbsp;growing lettuce to provide to Spaces and Experiences at 91勛圖.</p> <p>Lyrata also developed something new: a modular unit that works exclusively with their SmartSoil&nbsp;and contains everything required to produce a variety of indoor crops from lights and growth medium to irrigation systems.</p> <p>None of these technological and business developments would have taken place without the generous support of the over 50 Hatchery mentors, work-study students, and legal externs who contributed to our success, says Sharif.</p> <p>Our current concept is what we call farming-as-a-service, Hua adds. &nbsp;The SmartGrow unit we developed is small enough to fit into a standard parking spot. Our clients sign a contract with us to place a unit on their site and we take care of everything from planting to harvesting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For a flat fee, they get a self-contained farm that provides a reliable quantity of their desired crop over a set period of time.&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition to providing a locally sourced, sustainable product, Sharif says the approach can also help mitigate fluctuations in the price of wholesale produce.&nbsp;</p> <p>In Canada, most of our lettuce comes from California, which has been dealing with drought and many other issues, says Sharif.&nbsp;Supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 were also a big challenge for restaurants, which have very thin margins to begin with. At one point, the price of lettuce increased by a factor of six, so you can imagine the effect that would have.&nbsp;</p> <p>So far, Lyrata has produced more than 15 different types of crops, including basil, parsley and mizuna, also known as Japanese mustard greens.&nbsp;</p> <p>Support from the 91勛圖 Engineering community has been key to Lyratas success.</p> <p>For example, it was a 91勛圖 Engineering alumni connection that recently led to Lyrata launching an installation at the historic Casa Loma museum and landmark in Toronto.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lyratas competitive edge is that they provide an on-site, full service and they do not take up very much space, says <strong>Nikol Watlikiewicz</strong>, Casa Lomas horticulture and grounds manager.&nbsp;In a small corner of our potting shed, we were able to build two grow units that provide a good yield weekly, without having to train our staff on the complicated system.&nbsp;</p> <p>Growing indoors gives us the stability and control that traditional agriculture does not. Its an excellent example of how engineers can help solve the global food crisis with innovative thinking.&nbsp;</p> <p>In August, Lyrata launched another growing unit at 91勛圖 Scarborough, located within the Harmony Commons Dining Hall.</p> <p>The priority for the next few years is growing Lyratas&nbsp;crop offerings and client base with ongoing support from The Hatchery. The incubator has facilitated graduate student placements through Mitacs, with matching funds. It also backed a recent $167,500 project with the Ontario and Canadian governments through the&nbsp;Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership program to further advance the yield and efficiency of the SmartSoil system.</p> <p>The fact weve been able to come this far in such a short time is in large part due to the help weve had from 91勛圖 Engineering, and especially the Entrepreneurship Hatchery, says Sharif.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether it was getting seed funding, finding mentors, hiring work-study students or making important connections through their alumni network, we wouldnt be here without their support.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:07:18 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 309382 at 91勛圖 startup Honeybee acquired by global clinical trials firm Leapcure /news/u-t-startup-honeybee-acquired-global-clinical-trials-firm-leapcure <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 startup Honeybee acquired by global clinical trials firm Leapcure </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-08/62872eae94f38173287c52a182b2-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=V2vDivej 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-08/62872eae94f38173287c52a182b2-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=uCHOi7eZ 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-08/62872eae94f38173287c52a182b2-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=vXBkCVV6 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-08/62872eae94f38173287c52a182b2-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=V2vDivej" alt="A doctor talking to a patient"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-08-16T10:55:48-04:00" title="Friday, August 16, 2024 - 10:55" class="datetime">Fri, 08/16/2024 - 10:55</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>(photo courtesy of Leapcure)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rahul-kalvapalle" hreflang="en">Rahul Kalvapalle</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/temerty-faculty-medicine" hreflang="en">Temerty Faculty of Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-applied-science-engineering" hreflang="en">Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/health-innovation-hub" hreflang="en">Health Innovation Hub</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/impact-centre" hreflang="en">Impact Centre</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/onramp" hreflang="en">ONRamp</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/startups" hreflang="en">Startups</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">Co-founded by Catherine Chan and Weiwei Li, Honeybee Trials' platform helps clinical trial recruiters find, screen and manage patients for their research</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Honeybee Trials, a 91勛圖 startup that connects research teams with patients and study participants, has been acquired by <a href="https://leapcure.com" target="_blank">global clinical trials company Leapcure</a> in a deal that is poised to drive more inclusive and affordable trials thats&nbsp;ultimately applicable to a broader population.</p> <p>Co-founded by 91勛圖 alumni <strong>Catherine Chan</strong> and <strong>Weiwei Li</strong>, Honeybee built a web and mobile platform to help clinical trial teams attract, screen, recruit and manage study participants. Since its founding in 2019, the startup has connected over 30,000 patients and participants to more than 1,000 clinical trials across North America.</p> <p>Leapcure, headquartered in California, offers an array of solutions that combines people-backed services with data-driven technologies to fill clinical trials for global sponsors and CROs, but can now expand affordable patient recruitment to institutional sites, private sites and biotech firms. Moreover, their work alongside patients and advocacy groups has significantly helped to reach underrepresented communities&nbsp; a focus that will receive a boost following the purchase of Honeybee.</p> <p>Chan, who earned a masters degree in the Temerty Faculty of Medicines department of nutritional sciences, says the deal grew out of a desire to partner strategically with a larger company that could provide access to broader sectors within the clinical research world.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-08/Catherine%20and%20Weiwei.jpg?itok=u-8ao3Ad" width="750" height="449" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Catherine Chan (L) and Weiwei Li (supplied image)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>At Honeybee, we offered competitive pricing for academic and hospital sites, local CROs [contract research organizations] and biotech firms, Chan says. With this partnership, were able to provide services across all of the different types of trial scopes and sizes.</p> <p>She adds that both Honeybee and Leapcure have placed a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility by helping researchers attract study participants of different ethnicities, ages, genders and sexual orientations helping make clinical trials more equitable and reflective of the wider population.</p> <p>Its important to us that there's a mission and vision alignment between the companies... it couldnt be a better fit, Chan said.</p> <p>The asset purchase deal for an undisclosed amount, which was <a href="https://www.newswire.com/news/leapcure-acquires-honeybee-trials-expanding-patient-engagement-and-22404508">announced in an Aug. 13 press release</a>, will see Chan transition from CEO of Honeybee to senior director of product at Leapcure.</p> <p>Were excited to join forces with Catherine and Honeybee. Theyve been really focused on the newest recruitment technologies that are most impactful for both patients and research, said Leapcure CEO <strong>Zachary Gobst</strong>. A big reason that things came together was our alignment on impact first. Its a credit to how theyve been approaching their business the right way from the beginning."</p> <p>Honeybee <a href="https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-grad-app-will-help-researchers-find-study-participants-faster">evolved out of the frustrations that Chan faced</a> in recruiting study participants for her masters thesis. Motivated to explore solutions, Chan created a prototype that would help match participants with trials; she then enrolled in a one-week accelerator program in the Impact Centre (now the <a href="https://www.entrepreneurship.artsci.utoronto.ca/">Centre for Entrepreneurship</a>) in the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science.</p> <p>She soon teamed up with Li, who earned his bachelors and masters of applied science degrees from the Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering, to co-found Honeybee. The startup later joined the <a href="https://h2i.utoronto.ca/">Health Innovation Hub (H2i)</a> accelerator and operated out of office space in 91勛圖 Entrepreneurships ONRamp facility prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>With COVID-19 measures encouraging the adoption of digital tools by clinical research&nbsp;teams, Honeybee found itself well-placed to play an important role. The pandemic provided an opportunity for many tech companies to scale as the market became more open-minded and ready to adopt technologies to help connect them day-to-day," Chan says. "We saw a rapid adoption of Honeybees technology during this time where people moved away from traditional recruitment and patient communications to the current age.</p> <p>Although digital adoption across other industries has grown quite rapidly, healthcare has lagged behind, rightfully so and for many reasons, but were glad the transformation is happening. Just five years ago, clinical trial coordinators were still using paper handouts to recruit on the street and paper calendars to schedule patients.</p> <p>The pandemic expedited researchers being able to meet people where they are.</p> <p>Chan says the acquisition by Leapcure will enable the rollout of tiered services ranging from low-cost, self-serve tiers targeting research teams with more modest budgets to higher levels of service that include dedicated management.</p> <p>Im really excited about the solutions we now have to offer together as well as the next steps in how were going to disrupt clinical trials.</p> <p>Professor <strong>Paul Santerre</strong>, co-founder and director of H2i, hailed Chan as "a model outcome" of the accelerator's mission to empower innovators in translating their ideas into products and companies that tackle important problems.</p> <p>Catherine and her teams achievements are transformative in terms of democratizing the recruitment of patients for clinical study cohorts," said Santerre, the Baxter Chair for Health Technology and Commercialization at the University Health Network and professor in the Faculty of Dentistry and Institute of Biomedical Engineering who is cross-appointed to the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry.</p> <p>"She has much to still teach us about the power of digital tools and their ethical use to achieve impact in clinical research trials &nbsp;and this acquisition will accelerate that outcome."</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:55:48 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 308975 at With 91勛圖 innovators front and centre, Collision conference wraps up five-year Toronto run /news/u-t-innovators-front-and-centre-collision-conference-wraps-five-year-toronto-run <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">With 91勛圖 innovators front and centre, Collision conference wraps up five-year Toronto run</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-06/2024-06-20-Collision-Conference-%2815%29-crop_0.jpg?h=fd4977a3&amp;itok=9IrZWH9H 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-06/2024-06-20-Collision-Conference-%2815%29-crop_0.jpg?h=fd4977a3&amp;itok=neJCJKc_ 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-06/2024-06-20-Collision-Conference-%2815%29-crop_0.jpg?h=fd4977a3&amp;itok=Sjwg__pg 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-06/2024-06-20-Collision-Conference-%2815%29-crop_0.jpg?h=fd4977a3&amp;itok=9IrZWH9H" alt="&quot;&quot;"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-06-21T10:52:23-04:00" title="Friday, June 21, 2024 - 10:52" class="datetime">Fri, 06/21/2024 - 10:52</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>91勛圖 alumna Nuha Siddiqui, co-founder and CEO of&nbsp;</em><i>Erthos, on stage at the Collision tech conference&nbsp;</i><em>(photo by Johnny Guatto)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rahul-kalvapalle" hreflang="en">Rahul Kalvapalle</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-secondary-author-reporter field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/adina-bresge" hreflang="en">Adina Bresge</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/institutional-strategic-initiatives" hreflang="en">Institutional Strategic Initiatives</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/artificial-intelligence" hreflang="en">Artificial Intelligence</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/computer-science" hreflang="en">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-arts-science" hreflang="en">Faculty of Arts &amp; Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/geoffrey-hinton" hreflang="en">Geoffrey Hinton</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovations-partnerships-office" hreflang="en">Innovations &amp; Partnerships Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/research-innovation" hreflang="en">Research &amp; Innovation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/startups" hreflang="en">Startups</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Budding entrepreneurs, leading scientists and future business leaders from the 91勛圖 community played a leading role at the 2024 Collision tech conference in downtown Toronto.</p> <p>Running over three days this week, the conference drew some 40,000 attendees from across the spheres of tech, business and media, including more than 1,600 startups and 700 investors.</p> <p>The rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies and their impact on business and society were key themes for many of the conferences keynotes and exhibits so it was no surprise that 91勛圖s AI luminaries were front and centre.</p> <p>They included 91勛圖 alumnus&nbsp;<strong>Aidan Gomez</strong>, co-founder of <a href="https://cohere.com" target="_blank">language processing startup Cohere</a> &nbsp;which has raised hundreds of millions from investors and generated significant industry buzz.</p> <p>He urged businesses to commit to adopting AI tools to support their workers.</p> <p>Making sure that youre delivering the tools that your employees need to be competitive and effective is crucial, Gomez said during his talk on Tuesday.</p> <p>He added that augmentation of workforces with AI co-pilots and assistants is inevitable including in industries that might not stand out as obvious adopters of the technology. He shared the example of a natural resources insurance firm that built an AI co-pilot powered by <a href="https://cohere.com" target="_blank">Cohere</a> to help their actuaries speed up their research, craft more accurate bids and win more contracts.</p> <p>I never would have thought a natural resources insurance company would be adopting LLMs [large language models], but they are, and its having an impact. Its actually helping them win more business, Gomez said. So I think the technology is completely horizontal.</p> <p>Gomez also cited the medical sector particularly, drug discovery &nbsp;as another area thats poised to benefit massively from AI advances.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-06/2024-06-18-Collision_Aiden-Gomez_Polina-Teif-2-crop.jpg?itok=2iCQjWxy" width="750" height="500" alt="Aiden Gomez on the main stage at Collision 2024" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Aidan Gomez, a 91勛圖 alumnus, talked about how AI will be used to augment the workforce (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p><a href="https://www.provost.utoronto.ca/awards-funding/university-professors/complete-list-university-professors/">University Professor</a> Emeritus <strong>Geoffrey Hinton</strong>, the influential computer scientist often dubbed the godfather of AI, also identified medical care and productivity as two key areas that will see significant improvements thanks to AI. However, much of his discussion, titled "Can We Control AI?", focused on his previously-cited concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9cW4Gcn5WY">how AI development could ultimately wrest control from humans</a>&nbsp;given the current race to develop the technology and the absence of sufficient safeguards.</p> <p>Even if Im totally benevolent and I just want to achieve what you asked me to achieve, Ill realize that if I get more control, it will be easier to do that, Hinton said of AI agents.</p> <p>And actually, if these things are much smarter than us, theyll realize: Just take the control away from people and it will be much more efficient and that seems to be like a very slippery path.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-06/2024-06-20-Collision-Conference-%2829%29-crop.jpg?itok=LSs7MxsV" width="750" height="500" alt="Geoffrey Hinton on the main stage at Collision 2024" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Geoffrey Hinton warned of the existential dangers posed by unchecked AI development (photo by Johnny Guatto)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Gomez, for his part, said he doesnt believe AI poses a serious threat.</p> <p>The notion that the technology is going to start self-improving, that its going to start manipulating people, that its going to take over, seize power and displace humans: thats a sci-fi narrative, he said. I am empathetic to it weve been writing stories about that exact scenario for decades, since before computers, and so its very deeply embedded in our cultural brainstems ... I just dont think its true.</p> <p>Earlier at the conference,&nbsp;<strong>Raquel Urtasun</strong>, founder of self-driving trucking startup <a href="https://waabi.ai">Waabi</a>, spoke about generative AI and how Waabi is applying the technology to autonomous trucks. Her keynote took place following the companys announcement&nbsp;that it <a href="/news/waabi-founded-u-t-s-raquel-urtasun-raises-us200-million-launch-self-driving-trucks">raised US$200 million in Series B funding</a> to support the deployment of driverless trucks in 2025.</p> <p>Everything will be controlled by generative AI systems inside the vehicle and nothing else. This is a breakthrough for the industry, where such a thing has never happened before, said Urtasun, a professor in the department of computer science in 91勛圖's Faculty of Arts &amp; Science.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-06/2024-06-18-Collision_Raquel-Urtasun_Polina-Teif-6-crop.jpg?itok=-aqQfinC" width="750" height="500" alt="Raquel Urtasun on the main stage at Collision 2024" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Raquel Urtasun spoke about her self-driving truck startup Waabi (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>The conference also featured demos from other promising 91勛圖 startups including <a href="https://www.planeterthos.com" target="_blank">Erthos</a>, which has invented sustainable alternatives to plastics and is now using machine learning to accelerate biomaterials discovery.</p> <p>Our platform allows us to design effective biomaterials five times faster and with 92 per cent less cost compared to our industry, said co-founder and CEO&nbsp;<strong>Nuha Siddiqui</strong>.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-06/2024-06-20-Collision-Conference-%2820%29-crop_0.jpg?itok=phIn0lj7" width="750" height="500" alt="crowds inside the 2024 Collision conference floor" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Collisions final year in Toronto was expected to draw some 40,000 attendees (photo by Johnny Guatto)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>During the conference, 91勛圖s&nbsp;booth near the main stage featured exhibits from <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/for-entrepreneurs/accelerators/#accelerator-directory">campus-linked accelerators</a>, <a href="https://isi.utoronto.ca/">institutional strategic initiatives</a>, academic divisions and the Innovations and Partnerships Office.&nbsp;91勛圖s&nbsp;<a aria-label="Link Black Founders Network" href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/for-entrepreneurs/black-founders-network/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/for-entrepreneurs/black-founders-network/">Black Founders Network</a>&nbsp;was also at Collision as one of the organizers of the Black Innovation Zone.</p> <p>Collision 2024 marked the fifth and final edition of the annual conference in Toronto.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:52:23 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 308270 at 91勛圖 Entrepreneurship Week 2024: 10 startups to watch /news/u-t-entrepreneurship-week-2024-10-startups-watch <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 Entrepreneurship Week 2024: 10 startups to watch</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-02/HDAX_Jan-5%2C-2024_Volpe_Edits-44-crop_0.jpg?h=64eda448&amp;itok=i5rLoOnK 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-02/HDAX_Jan-5%2C-2024_Volpe_Edits-44-crop_0.jpg?h=64eda448&amp;itok=ing_ZoJR 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-02/HDAX_Jan-5%2C-2024_Volpe_Edits-44-crop_0.jpg?h=64eda448&amp;itok=S0mkizhF 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-02/HDAX_Jan-5%2C-2024_Volpe_Edits-44-crop_0.jpg?h=64eda448&amp;itok=i5rLoOnK" alt="&quot;&quot;"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-03-01T15:00:17-05:00" title="Friday, March 1, 2024 - 15:00" class="datetime">Fri, 03/01/2024 - 15:00</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><meta charset="UTF-8"><em>HDAX Therapeutics, a startup that grew out 91勛圖 Mississaugas department of chemical and physical sciences,&nbsp;is developing a&nbsp;drug that could prevent nerve damage caused by chemotherapy&nbsp;(photo by Matthew Volpe)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rahul-kalvapalle" hreflang="en">Rahul Kalvapalle</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/entrepreneurship-week" hreflang="en">Entrepreneurship Week</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/temerty-faculty-medicine" hreflang="en">Temerty Faculty of Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/artificial-intelligence" hreflang="en">Artificial Intelligence</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/computer-science" hreflang="en">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/dalla-lana-school-public-health" hreflang="en">Dalla Lana School of Public Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-applied-science-engineering" hreflang="en">Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-arts-science" hreflang="en">Faculty of Arts &amp; Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/startups" hreflang="en">Startups</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sustainability" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/thisistheplace" hreflang="en">ThisIsThePlace</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/translational-research-program" hreflang="en">Translational Research Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Preventing nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. Using artificial intelligence to help people who are Deaf communicate with machines through sign language. Accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in urban communities.</p> <p>These are some of the innovations being advanced by members of the 91勛圖s thriving entrepreneurship community.</p> <p><a href="/news/u-t-among-top-five-university-business-incubators-world-ubi-global">Ranked among the top five university business incubators in the world</a>, 91勛圖 Entrepreneurship is preparing to celebrate these and other startups during the <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/ute-week-2024/">eighth annual Entrepreneurship Week</a> from March 4 to 7. The week-long celebration includes more than 15 events, including pitch competitions, startup showcases, workshops and more.</p> <p>Here are 10 exciting 91勛圖-affiliated startups to keep an eye on in 2024:</p> <hr> <h3>HDAX Therapeutics</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/HDAX_Jan-5%2C-2024_Volpe_Edits-37-crop.jpg?itok=6XSg6hg3" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Matthew Volpe)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Chemotherapy kills cancer cells, but it can also cause irreversible nerve damage that results in pain, loss of sensation and even paralysis. HDAX Therapeutics, co-founded by alumnae <strong>Pimyupa Manaswiyoungkul</strong> and <strong>Nabanita Nawar</strong>, is looking to tackle the problem with a preventative drug that has delivered promising results in pre-clinical studies.</p> <h3>Waabi</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/UofT92204_2023-03-09-True-Blue-Impact-Day_Polina-Teif-31-crop.jpg?itok=_BjUBRYh" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Waabi is a self-driving technology startup founded by <strong>Raquel Urtasun</strong>, a professor of computer science in 91勛圖s Faculty of Arts &amp; Science and co-founder of the Vector Institute who headlined the Desjardins Speaker Series <a href="/news/three-takeaways-waabi-ceo-raquel-urtasun-s-entrepreneurial-journey">at last years Entrepreneurship Week</a>. Her company operates at the intersection of autonomous driving, AI and commercial transportation. In September, it announced a <a href="https://waabi.ai/waabi-uber-freight/">10-year strategic partnership with Uber Freight</a> to accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in the trucking industry. &nbsp;</p> <h3>Kiwi Charge</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/Nobellum%40CoT-007-crop.jpg?itok=kAt35mw8" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(supplied image)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Kiwi Charge is looking to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) via a charging-as-a-service model that caters to people living in apartments and condos. Founded by <strong>Abdel Ali</strong>, Kiwi Charge helps building owners offer EV charging amenities while avoiding hefty infrastructure costs, allowing tenants to enjoy a hassle-free charging experience. The startup&nbsp;was part of the <a href="https://www.nobellum.com/news-and-awards/introducing-our-2023-cohort-of-innovators-meet-the-25-start-ups-enrolled-in-our-innovator-program">2023 cohort of the Nobellum Innovator Program</a>, which <a href="/news/become-unicorn-room-alumna-partners-u-t-launch-100-black-owned-startups-2025">provides support and capital to Black founders</a>. Kiwi Charge will be at the <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/true-blue-expo-2024/">True Blue Expo</a> on March 7.</p> <h3>BlueDot</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/BlueDot_Feb-2024_Volpe_Edits-09-crop.jpg?itok=Nd9PfW61" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>&nbsp;(photo by Matthew Volpe)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>BlueDot is using AI to detect infectious disease outbreaks, carry out risk assessment and provide actionable insights to clients in public health, the pharmaceuticals and life sciences industries and global companies more generally. The company was founded by <strong>Kamran Khan</strong>, a scientist at Unity Health Toronto and professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Khan is scheduled to speak at Entrepreneurship Week, where he will take part in a <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/stress-management-mental-wellness-for-entrepreneurs-2/">panel discussion about mental health and wellness</a> for startup founders.</p> <h3>Deaf AI</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/UofT-True-Blue-Impact-Day-Highlights-032-1536x1024-Alyssa-K-Faoro-crop.jpg?itok=KfSPudVr" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by&nbsp;Alyssa K Faoro)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Deaf AI is using AI to train machines in sign language to improve human-machine communication for people who are Deaf or have hearing impairments. The company made an impression at the Desjardins Startup Prize Pitch Competition at Entrepreneurship Week 2023, winning first-place in the late-stage category as well as the Dongjun Wang Family True Blue Prize (Peoples Choice Award). It was co-founded by <strong>Azadeh Bojmehrani</strong>, who earned a master of health science degree in the Temerty Faculty of Medicines <a href="https://trp.utoronto.ca">translational research program</a>&nbsp;(which is hosting a networking lunch event for health-care innovators and entrepreneurs on March 8 to cap off this years Entrepreneurship Week action).</p> <h3>Transcrypts</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/TransCrypts-770x513.jpg?itok=rZLxOTYR" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(supplied image)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>TransCrypts, too, has enjoyed success at 91勛圖 Entrepreneurship pitch competitions, taking home the second-place prize in the later-stage category for the UTE Startup Prize during Entrepreneurship Week 2022. Co-founded by <strong>Ali Zaheer</strong> and <strong>Zain Zaidi</strong>, the company aims to enhance digital privacy and security by automating document verification ultimately giving users ownership and access to their own data.&nbsp;The pair have participated in the Y-Combinator accelerator in Silicon Valley and raised&nbsp;more than $3-million in&nbsp;funding from investors that&nbsp;include <strong>Mark Cuban</strong>, owner of the NBA Dallas Mavericks and a shark on <em>Shark Tank</em>.</p> <h3>Genecis</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/UofT94074_Genecis_Volpe_Jan-2023-64-crop.jpg?itok=T3H7ia_G" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Matthew Volpe)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Genecis is a climate-focused biotech startup that converts organic waste into sustainable and biodegradable plastics. Founded by CEO <strong>Luna Yu</strong>, who earned bachelors and masters degrees from 91勛圖 in only four years, Genecis <a href="/news/u-t-startup-genecis-scales-efforts-commercialize-holy-grail-plastic-replacement">aims to provide plastic manufacturers with competitively priced bio-plastics</a>, while helping waste management companies save on their organic material disposal costs.&nbsp;Since competing in 91勛圖 pitch competitions back&nbsp;in 2017, Genecis has raised more than $22 million.</p> <h3>Reeddi</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/Olugbenga-Olubanjo---Reedi-crop.jpg?itok=WcmHusxF" width="750" height="396" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Founded by 91勛圖 Engineering alumnus&nbsp;<strong>Olugbenga Olubanjo</strong>, Reeddi is bringing affordable and clean electricity to under-resourced communities by renting out solar-powered energy capsules that can power household devices and appliances. Currently based in Nigeria, Reeddi aims to eventually expand its presence to other countries in Africa and beyond. The company was a <a href="https://earthshotprize.org/winners-finalists/reeddi-capsules/">finalist in Prince Williams Earthshot Prize</a>, which recognizes efforts to tackle environmental problems.</p> <h3>Erthos</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/UTE_Erthos_Jan-2024_Volpe-27-crop.jpg?itok=eyAVUI3_" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Matthew Volpe)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Co-founded by alumnae <strong>Nuha Siddiqui</strong> and <strong>Kritika Tyagi</strong>, Erthos is helping tackle the global plastic pollution crisis with its novel plant-based resin, which serves as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. After starting with a focus on packing peanuts, Erthos has expanded its offerings to include cutlery, clothes hangers and packaging for consumer products, among others. In September, the company <a href="https://erthosinc.com/publication/biomaterials-startup-erthos-announces-6-5-million-series-a-to-challenge-the-status-quo-of-plastics/" target="_blank">announced $6.5 million in Series A funding</a>.</p> <h3>Ardra Bio</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/ARDRA_Volpe_Jan-24-2024-12-crop.jpg?itok=zgBVYR2B" width="750" height="500" alt="a man examines lab equipment at Ardra's lab" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Matthew Volpe)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Co-founded by alumnus <strong>Pratish Gawand</strong> and&nbsp;<strong>Radhakrishnan Mahadevan</strong>, a professor of chemical engineering and applied chemistry in 91勛圖s Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering, Ardra Bio is developing technologies to produce sustainable biochemicals and novel food products including heme, a plant-based product that matches the flavour, colour and iron nutrients of meat, and leaf-aldehyde, which is used as a flavouring ingredient for foods and beverages and as an ingredient in the fragrance industry.</p> <h3><a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/ute-week-2024">Learn more about 91勛圖 Entrepreneurship Week</a></h3> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">On</div> </div> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 20:00:17 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 306274 at Five things to look forward to at Entrepreneurship Week 2024 /news/five-things-look-forward-entrepreneurship-week-2024 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Five things to look forward to at Entrepreneurship Week 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-02/UofT-True-Blue-Impact-Day-Alyssa-K-Faoro-0061-crop.jpg?h=c3d0198d&amp;itok=C7l5zBbV 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-02/UofT-True-Blue-Impact-Day-Alyssa-K-Faoro-0061-crop.jpg?h=c3d0198d&amp;itok=9iSUgu-y 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-02/UofT-True-Blue-Impact-Day-Alyssa-K-Faoro-0061-crop.jpg?h=c3d0198d&amp;itok=WNqffA3e 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-02/UofT-True-Blue-Impact-Day-Alyssa-K-Faoro-0061-crop.jpg?h=c3d0198d&amp;itok=C7l5zBbV" alt="audience at true blue impact day"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-02-26T12:31:12-05:00" title="Monday, February 26, 2024 - 12:31" class="datetime">Mon, 02/26/2024 - 12:31</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>91勛圖s annual Entrepreneurship Week takes place March 4 to&nbsp;7 and&nbsp;features more than 15 events across 91勛圖s three campuses, including pitch competitions, startup showcases, keynote speeches, workshops and panel discussions&nbsp;(supplied image)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rahul-kalvapalle" hreflang="en">Rahul Kalvapalle</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/entrepreneurship-week" hreflang="en">Entrepreneurship Week</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/schwartz-reisman-innovation-campus" hreflang="en">Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/startups" hreflang="en">Startups</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/thisistheplace" hreflang="en">ThisIsThePlace</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">91勛圖 Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The 91勛圖 is gearing up for its&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/ute-week-2024/">annual tri-campus Entrepreneurship Week</a>, a four-day showcase of 91勛圖s diverse and extensive entrepreneurship ecosystem.</p> <p>Taking place from March 4 to&nbsp;7, Entrepreneurship Week features more than 15 events across 91勛圖s three campuses, including pitch competitions, startup showcases, keynote speeches, workshops, panel discussions and more.</p> <p>All events are free and open to students, entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and anyone else interested in learning about and being inspired by the startups, founders and research-based entrepreneurship ecosystem that have made 91勛圖 one of the top five university startup incubators in the world.</p> <p>There is no wrong door for the entrepreneurs in our community. Regardless of what and where you study or how far along you are on your journey, there is a place for you, says&nbsp;<strong>Jon French</strong>, director of 91勛圖 Entrepreneurship. This week is an opportunity to showcase the calibre of our talented founders and the breadth and depth of opportunities we can offer over 600 teams annually.</p> <p>Here are some of the key events and themes for the upcoming edition of 91勛圖s annual celebration of all things entrepreneurship:</p> <hr> <h3>Watch startups compete for funding and prizes</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/Desjardins-Startup-Prize-1200x900-1.png?itok=DGWzk4b1" width="750" height="563" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>91勛圖 Entrepreneurships marquee business pitch competition is the&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/desjardins-startup-prize-2024-pitch-competition/">Desjardins Startup Prize</a>, which will see startups and their founders vie for more than $100,000 in cash prizes.</p> <p>This years shortlist includes companies that are innovating across an array of important areas including neurodegenerative disease treatments, greenhouse gas monitoring, oral hygiene and AI chatbots. The competition, which is split into early-stage and later-stage startup categories, will take place during&nbsp;<a href="http://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/true-blue-impact-day-2024/">True Blue Impact Day</a>&nbsp;on March 7.</p> <p>On March 6, 91勛圖 Mississaugas ICUBE accelerator will host&nbsp;<a href="http://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/pitch-with-a-twist-celebrating-international-womens-day-2/">Pitch with a Twist</a>, an annual pitch competition for women entrepreneurs that is judged by an all-women panel. The event, which marks the lead-up to International Womens Day on March 8, will also feature a keynote address by&nbsp;<strong>Catherine Addai</strong>, founder of the womens clothing company&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://kaelakay.com/">Kaela Kay</a></strong>.</p> <h3>Hear from entrepreneur-investor power couple Eva and Allen Lau</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/Eva-Lau%2C-Allen-Lau-_-TSFV-Co-Founders-crop.jpg?itok=3jnw8rHv" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo supplied)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>This years&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/desjardins-speaker-series-030724/">Desjardins Speaker Series</a>&nbsp;address will be delivered by&nbsp;<strong>Eva</strong> and <strong>Allen Lau</strong>, spouses who are both alumni, successful entrepreneurs and co-founders of Two Small Fish Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm.</p> <p>In a keynote titled School of Fish: Lessons Learned from Swimming Upstream, the Laus will discuss an array of topics including the story of digital storytelling platform Wattpad co-founded by Allen Lau, with Eva Lau as one of its founding members from its inception in 2006 to <a href="/news/match-made-heaven-allen-lau-naver-s-us600-million-acquisition-wattpad">its&nbsp;$600-million exit 15 years later</a>.</p> <p>The Laus will also offer their advice for early-stage founders, discuss the current investment climate and explore opportunities and challenges in the Canadian innovation ecosystem including their thoughts on key industries and technologies such as AI, quantum computing and electric vehicles.</p> <p>The hybrid event will take place on True Blue Impact Day on March 7.</p> <div class="align-left"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2024-02/ToMEE-Promo-Poster-with-logos-crop.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="&quot;&quot;"> </div> </div> <h3>Get inspired by leaders from underrepresented groups</h3> <p>91勛圖 Entrepreneurship continues to celebrate and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurship world through its Entrepreneurship Week programming.</p> <p>At 91勛圖 Scarborough on March 5, attendees can take in <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/international-womens-day-with-fennella-bruce-and-melanie-ratnam/">an&nbsp;International Womens Day panel discussion</a>&nbsp;featuring&nbsp;<strong>Fennella Bruce</strong>, media consultant and founder of FKB Media Solutions, and&nbsp;<strong>Melanie Ratnam</strong>, founder of the researcher-focused software platform Indaggo and president the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology. The event will also feature opportunities to network with women leaders and entrepreneurs.</p> <p>Meanwhile, on the St. George campus, the second day of Entrepreneurship Week will feature the return of the popular&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/fireside-at-femstem-yasaman-soudagar/">Fireside at FemSTEM</a>&nbsp;conversation series featuring special guest&nbsp;<strong>Yasaman Soudagar</strong>, co-founder and CEO of the neuroscience startup Neurescence who completed her PhD in experimental quantum optics at 91勛圖 and cole Polytechnique in Montreal.</p> <p>Another moderated conversation on March 7 will examine women who are transforming Canadas music and arts landscape. The discussion, titled&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/im-first-cause-im-a-l-a-d-i-e-leadership-entrepreneurship-and-female-empowerment-in-canadas-hip-hop-and-black-music-industries/">Im first cause Im a L-A-D-I-E: Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Female Empowerment in Canadas Hip Hop and Black Music Industries,</a>&nbsp;will feature:&nbsp;<strong>Tinesha Richards-Morris</strong>, director of 925 Agency Inc. and former managing director the arts and culture non-profit Manifesto;&nbsp;<strong>Annalie Bonda</strong>, label manager for independent record label Golly Geng Inc. and former executive director of arts training organization The Remix Project; and&nbsp;<strong>Keysha Freshh</strong>, a solo emcee and member of all-female hip-hop crew The Sorority. Audience members will have the chance to network with key figures in Canadas music industry, learn how to navigate its barriers and discuss the role of gender in the Canadian music landscape.</p> <h3>Learn about mental wellness, stress management and how to deal with failure</h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/Mental-Wellness-2024-Event-Poster-Location-Updated.png?itok=Sn_i5H5a" width="750" height="563" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <p>This years Entrepreneurship Week will kick off with a keynote address and panel discussion on a critical but often overlooked topic in the world of entrepreneurship:&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/stress-management-mental-wellness-for-entrepreneurs-2/">stress management and mental wellness</a>. The session will begin with a keynote from&nbsp;<strong>Lauren Brown</strong>, lead facilitator and program co-ordinator of mindfulness, meditation and yoga for 91勛圖s Division of Student Life, that will explore how entrepreneurs can harness their intuition and tackle stress. The keynote will be followed by a moderated discussion with a panel of founders.</p> <p>Themes of wellness and resilience will also be explored during&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/redefining-the-f-word-failure-not-the-other-one-with-elina-chow-matthew-fuller/">Redefining the 'F-word (Failure, not the other one),</a>&nbsp;a fireside chat with 91勛圖 Scarborough's entrepreneur-in-residence&nbsp;<strong>Elina Chow</strong>&nbsp;and executive coach&nbsp;<strong>Matthew Fuller</strong>. The chat will include a candid exploration of failure in entrepreneurship.</p> <h3>Experience the new Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus</h3> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-02/2J6A5393-crop.jpg?itok=SHRGSn9c" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by David Lee)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>For the first time, this years Entrepreneurship Week will see several events hosted at 91勛圖s new&nbsp;<a href="https://realestate.utoronto.ca/project/schwartz-reisman-innovation-centre/">Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>The result of a historic&nbsp;<a href="/news/landmark-100-million-gift-university-toronto-gerald-schwartz-and-heather-reisman-will-power">$100-million donation&nbsp;by&nbsp;<strong>Gerald Schwartz</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Heather Reisman</strong></a>, the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus serves as a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation and advancement in AI and related fields.</p> <p>The buildings west tower will serve as the anchor location of Entrepreneurship Week 2024, hosting events including the curtain-raiser on mental wellness on March 4 and the entire slate of events on True Blue Impact Day on March 7, including the Desjardins Startup Prize and Speaker Series as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/event/true-blue-expo-2024/">True Blue Expo</a>&nbsp;featuring more than 40 startups, 12 campus-linked accelerators and numerous community partners.</p> <h3><a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca">Learn more about 91勛圖 Entrepreneurship</a></h3> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:31:12 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 306265 at 91勛圖 entrepreneurs credit Adams Sustainability Innovation Prize for energizing sun-care startup /news/u-t-entrepreneurs-credit-adams-sustainability-innovation-prize-energizing-sun-care-startup <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 entrepreneurs credit Adams Sustainability Innovation Prize for energizing sun-care startup</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/ArbreTeam-crop_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=jMf6yVcl 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/ArbreTeam-crop_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=rIcJk7qU 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/ArbreTeam-crop_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=bMBp1r0U 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/ArbreTeam-crop_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=jMf6yVcl" alt="&quot;&quot;"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-02-24T17:31:55-05:00" title="Friday, February 24, 2023 - 17:31" class="datetime">Fri, 02/24/2023 - 17:31</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Kristina Knox and Stephanie Tien, co-founders of sun-care startup Arbre, say their second-place finish in last year's Adams Sustainability Innovation Prize competition paved the way for the launch of their debut product (photo courtesy of Arbre)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/adina-bresge" hreflang="en">Adina Bresge</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/adams-sustainability-celebration" hreflang="en">Adams Sustainability Celebration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sustainability" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p style="margin-bottom:11px"><b>Kristina Knox </b>and <b>Stephanie Tien</b> say the feedback theyve received from pitch competitions has only made their <a href="https://wearearbre.ca/">sustainable sun-care brand Arbre</a> better and that includes the rejections.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">As second-place winners at the 91勛圖s <a href="https://sustainability.utoronto.ca/adams-sustainability-innovation-prize/">Adams Sustainability Innovation Prize</a> competition last year, Knox and Tien say the experience paved the way for the upcoming launch of Arbres debut sun-care product, <a href="https://wearearbre.ca/products/spruce">Spruce</a>, a mineral-based powder dry shampoo with SPF that protects the scalp from sunburns.</p> <div class="image-with-caption left"> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <div class="media_embed" width="1px"> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiP6ZEWP1UI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" height style=" background:#FFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiP6ZEWP1UI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div> </div> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiP6ZEWP1UI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ARBRE (@wearearbre)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <script async height src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js" width="1px"></script></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">The co-founders stress it was their second time vying for an Innovation Prize and are encouraging this years participants not to get discouraged if they dont take home a win <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/adams-sustainability-award-ceremony-innovation-prize-pitch-competition-tickets-491761952237">during the next contest on March 3</a>. The same goes for those who werent selected as finalists.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">For people who didn't make it into the competition, just keep trying. Just because you got rejected doesn't mean your idea isn't good, says Knox, a PhD student in cognitive psychology.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">It's an opportunity to learn from that and figure out how you can better refine your business and how you communicate it.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">The annual competition, hosted by the <a href="https://sustainability.utoronto.ca/ceccs-home/"><span style="background:white">Presidents Committee on the Environment, Climate Change &amp; Sustainability</span></a> (CECCS), awards a total of $25,500 in prizes to support 91勛圖 students ideas for a more sustainable future.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">In the case of Arbre, Knox and Tien who earned her masters degree in pharmacology in 2020 are betting that their SPF dry powder shampoo will be a hit with consumers. Made with reef-safe ingredients and recyclable packaging, Knox says the first orders are set to be shipped out in biodegradable mailers this spring.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Its a milestone that the two friends have been working toward since <a href="https://alumni.utoronto.ca/news-and-stories/news-and-articles/sunscreen-your-scalp-alumni-startup-offers-powdered-protection">a skin-peeling burn during a 2019 beach getaway spawned the idea for their sustainable, innovative and inclusive sun-care brand</a>.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Tien says Arbre <a href="https://icubeutm.ca/">which received support from 91勛圖 Mississaugas ICUBE incubator</a> and <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/accelerator/the-hub/">the Hub at 91勛圖 Scarborough</a> used the $7,500 in Innovation Prize money to pay for the process of obtaining for Health Canada approval and the early stages of manufacturing.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">The duos participation in the Adams Sustainability competition also helped them prepare for <a href="https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/arbre-takes-home-third-place-at-startup-canada-global-competition/">the 2022 Startup Global Pitch Competition</a>, where their third-place finish came with a $10,000 cheque and exclusive in-kind support.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">We were so grateful to be able to participate in the [Adams Sustainability Innovation Prize], says Tien. The funds went a long way for us, and were really appreciative of that and excited for all the other finalists that get to participate this year.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">The <a href="http://sustainability.utoronto.ca/adams-sustainability-innovation-prize/">2023 Adams Sustainability Celebration Innovation Prize pitch competition and award ceremony</a>,&nbsp;which is supported by the donation of <b>Wendy Adams</b>, takes place on March 3 in Hart Houses Great Hall.</p> <hr> <h4 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">This years finalists are:</h4> <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><a href="https://inwit.ca/"><b>Inwit</b></a>: Billed as Torontos first zero-waste takeout-ordering platform, Inwit allows customers to order food from restaurants in metal containers that are returned and reused in exchange for rewards.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><a href="https://www.evolverementalhealth.com/"><b>EVOLVERE Mental Health</b></a><b>:</b> A digital mental health platform that offers resources and support tailored to the student experience.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><b>Mission-E</b>: A web app designed to help recommend to farmers the optimal amount of fertilizer application in their fields. The platform helps farmers save money on excess fertilizers and reduces nitrous oxide emissions</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><a href="https://www.negupchufa.com/"><b>Negup Chufa</b></a>: A venture working with small-scale farms in Ghana to produce sustainably grown tigernut oil. The oil is packed with heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and has a similar profile to olive oil.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparkedscreening/"><b>Sparked</b></a>: This startup says its palm-sized device can screen for the risk of cardiovascular disease using a saliva sample, providing rapid results without relying on a traditional laboratory.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><a href="https://www.trytuuli.com/"><b>Tuuli</b></a>: A building material data platform that serves as a one-stop solution for consultants, architects and suppliers to discover, manage and share environmental data, making it easier to select sustainable materials amid a boom in the green building market.</li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 22:31:55 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 180258 at 91勛圖 among top 10 research organizations cited by global innovators /news/u-t-among-top-10-research-organizations-cited-global-innovators <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 among top 10 research organizations cited by global innovators</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/UofT87591_2020-12-10-Isynth%20Catscreen%2096_25-lpr.JPG?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=CB5c0Bio 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/UofT87591_2020-12-10-Isynth%20Catscreen%2096_25-lpr.JPG?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=a9kDGmZF 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/UofT87591_2020-12-10-Isynth%20Catscreen%2096_25-lpr.JPG?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=kx6SIrN7 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/UofT87591_2020-12-10-Isynth%20Catscreen%2096_25-lpr.JPG?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=CB5c0Bio" alt="Emily Hopkins operates the materials acceleration platform in the 91勛圖 lab of Al獺n Aspuru-Guzik "> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>siddiq22</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-02-17T13:14:00-05:00" title="Friday, February 17, 2023 - 13:14" class="datetime">Fri, 02/17/2023 - 13:14</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">(Photo by Johnny Guatto)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/tabassum-siddiqui" hreflang="en">Tabassum Siddiqui</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/global-lens" hreflang="en">Global Lens</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/leah-cowen" hreflang="en">Leah Cowen</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/global" hreflang="en">Global</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation" hreflang="en">Innovation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/rankings" hreflang="en">Rankings</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/research-innovation" hreflang="en">Research &amp; Innovation</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The 91勛圖 is among the top 10 research organizations most often cited by the worlds most innovative companies and institutions, according to Clarivate, an international data analytics company.</p> <p>For the first time, Clarivate <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/clarivate-names-top-100-global-innovators-2023-842359323.html">has identified the 50 global research organizations</a> whose work is most often cited by the companies on its annual Top 100 Global Innovators list.</p> <p>The only Canadian institution in <a href="https://clarivate.com/top-100-innovators/">the 2023 version of the list</a>, 91勛圖 ranked 10<sup>th</sup> among the research organizations most often cited by the companies and institutions at the pinnacle of the global innovation landscape including <a href="/news/u-t-and-fujitsu-extend-agreement-collaborate-cutting-edge-computing-research">91勛圖 partners Fujitsu</a> <a href="https://bluedoor.utoronto.ca/case-studies/merck/">and Merck</a>, among others.</p> <p>91勛圖s 10<sup>th</sup>-place rank is up considerably from <a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/top-universities-working-most-innovative-firms">a similar analysis by <i>Times Higher Education</i></a> in 2017 that <a href="/news/hoping-collaborate-research-worlds-most-innovative-firms-canada-pick-u-t">placed 91勛圖 18<sup>th</sup> in the world</a>.</p> <p>The 91勛圖s world-leading research is driving innovations that power the global economy across a wide range of sectors from health care to computing, said <b>Leah Cowen</b>, 91勛圖s vice-president of research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. Few universities in the world can rival 91勛圖s strength in research and innovation across such a broad spectrum of disciplines.</p> <p>Having 91勛圖s work regularly cited by the worlds most innovative organizations demonstrates both the scope and scale of our researchers global impact.</p> <p>In Clarivates 2023 report, 91勛圖 was the only institution outside the United States and Asia to place among the top 10 most-cited research organizations ahead of institutions in the U.K. and Europe.</p> <p>The Top 100 Global Innovators report, which Clarivate has released since 2012, is based on enriched data from global indexes used by research leaders, scientists, engineers and their advisers daily to direct and guide their work. The ranking uses a comparative analysis of global invention data to assess the strength of every patented idea, using measures tied directly to their innovative power.&nbsp;</p> <p>Companies that qualify must have filed more than 500 inventions since 2000 and had more than 100 inventions granted in the 2023 five-year evaluation window.</p> <p>In the past five years, 91勛圖s research has been cited in more than 120,000 publications as well as in nearly 3,000 patents by companies in more than 20 sectors, including biology, chemistry, medicine, immunology, molecular biology and genetics, neurosciences, psychiatry and space science.</p> <p>91勛圖 is one of the worlds top-ranked public universities in the five most closely watched international rankings: U.S. News &amp; World Reports Best Global Universities, Times Higher Educations World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancys Academic Ranking of World Universities, and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 17 Feb 2023 18:14:00 +0000 siddiq22 180072 at 91勛圖 brings together researchers and policymakers to discuss how GTA can advance Canada's quantum sector /news/u-t-brings-together-researchers-and-policymakers-discuss-how-gta-can-advance-canadas-quantum <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 brings together researchers and policymakers to discuss how GTA can advance Canada's quantum sector</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/Xanadu-Chips---4-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=14pJg1uo 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/Xanadu-Chips---4-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=V4Ni_epD 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/Xanadu-Chips---4-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=34hGS8jX 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/Xanadu-Chips---4-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=14pJg1uo" alt="A close-up of one of Xanadu's chips on a test bench"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>siddiq22</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-02-14T13:46:52-05:00" title="Tuesday, February 14, 2023 - 13:46" class="datetime">Tue, 02/14/2023 - 13:46</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">(Photo courtesy of Xanadu Quantum Technologies)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/tabassum-siddiqui" hreflang="en">Tabassum Siddiqui</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/global-lens" hreflang="en">Global Lens</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/institutional-strategic-initiatives" hreflang="en">Institutional Strategic Initiatives</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/munk-school-global-affairs-public-policy-0" hreflang="en">Munk School of Global Affairs &amp; Public Policy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/chemistry" hreflang="en">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/creative-destruction-lab" hreflang="en">Creative Destruction Lab</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-applied-science-engineering" hreflang="en">Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-arts-science" hreflang="en">Faculty of Arts &amp; Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/mathematics" hreflang="en">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/physics" hreflang="en">Physics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/quantum" hreflang="en">Quantum</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/research-innovation" hreflang="en">Research &amp; Innovation</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>With quantum technologies rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing advanced sectors globally, experts and policymakers recently gathered at the 91勛圖 to discuss Canadas new <a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/national-quantum-strategy/en">National Quantum Strategy</a> and the universitys role in supporting it.</p> <p>Attended by federal and provincial government stakeholders, the discussion drew on <a href="https://gro.utoronto.ca/our-advocacy/canadas-quantum-hubs-a-foundation-for-global-quantum-advantage/">the findings of a recent report</a> commissioned from Deloitte Canada that compared Canadas centres of quantum research. The GTA was the countrys strongest quantum hub, supported by 91勛圖s global research leadership, the report found.</p> <div class="image-with-caption left"> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/TimothyChan-crop.jpg" alt><br> <em>Timothy Chan</em></p> </div> <p>Quantum research at the 91勛圖 places the university among the worlds leading producers of impactful knowledge in this domain, said <strong>Timothy Chan</strong>, associate vice-president and vice-provost, strategic initiatives&nbsp;and a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering.</p> <p>The quantum ecosystem is strong here&nbsp;&nbsp;not just because of our world-leading quantum expertise, but because we have the best scientists in other fields that will integrate quantum technologies and their applications.</p> <p>In January, the federal government <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2023/01/government-of-canada-launches-national-quantum-strategy-to-create-jobs-and-advance-quantum-technologies.html">launched the $360-million National Quantum Strategy</a> to support the sector in an increasingly competitive global market. It aims to boost research, talent and commercialization in quantum and solidify Canadas position in the field.</p> <p>A rapidly emerging and economically promising field, quantum science and its applications draw on the unintuitive principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for everyday computers.</p> <p>By 2045, quantum applications including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical imaging and many more are projected to be a $138-billion market, leading to more than 200,000 jobs in Canada, <a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/national-quantum-strategy/en/canadas-national-quantum-strategy">according to a study</a> commissioned by the National Research Council of Canada.</p> <p>The findings from the Deloitte report were presented during the 91勛圖 event, which was hosted by the <a href="https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/">Munk School of Global Affairs &amp; Public Policy</a> as part of its New Frontiers series, which promotes dialogue between decision-makers and 91勛圖 researchers on how to advance public policy priorities. The reports analysis of Canadas centres of quantum research ranked the country fourth in the world in the strength of its research in quantum science and technology.</p> <div class="image-with-caption right"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="media_embed"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" height width> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Canada is ranked No. 4 in the world in the impact of its research on quantum science. Thanks to the policymakers, researchers &amp; startups who came together today to think about how to turn that advantage into economic growth. <a href="https://t.co/PHHlVWaALA">pic.twitter.com/PHHlVWaALA</a></p> 91勛圖 Government Relations Office (@uoftgro) <a href="https://twitter.com/uoftgro/status/1620844593012146177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async charset="utf-8" height src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" width></script></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <p>91勛圖 is a key contributor to Canadas performance, with the universitys research impact in quantum-related sciences ranked fifth globally.</p> <p>The breadth of expertise across quantum fields is one of the universitys strengths, said <strong>Anna Dyring</strong>, quantum strategic initiative lead at 91勛圖s <a href="https://cqiqc.physics.utoronto.ca/">Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control</a> (CQIQC).</p> <p>CQIQCs activities, which promote research collaborations in the sector, encompass 91勛圖s departments of chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science in the Faculty of Arts &amp; Science, as well as the departments of electrical engineering and materials science in the Faculty of Applied Science &amp; Engineering.</p> <p>Quantum computing is a field where you need many different types of thinkers and knowledge in order to innovate and lead, Dyring said.</p> <p>91勛圖 and partners such as the Vector Institute are leading in AI, data sciences, regenerative and precision medicine, climate change, pandemic preparedness and advanced materials just some of the fields the university is supporting through its <a href="https://isi.utoronto.ca/">Institutional Strategic Initiatives</a>, Chan told attendees. 91勛圖's <a href="https://srinstitute.utoronto.ca/">Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society</a> also convenes and facilitates research on how these technologies improve human lives.</p> <p>Our approach is interdisciplinary because the challenges Canada and the world face cannot be solved by remaining within our disciplinary boundaries. We aim to transform how we solve problems, and to work at the frontiers of knowledge that is where quantum research currently resides.</p> <p><img alt src="/sites/default/files/20170825---Creative-Destruction-lab-sign.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 500px;"></p> <p><em>(Photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)</em></p> <p>Other countries are making major investments in the quantum sector as the field becomes increasingly competitive globally, the discussion heard. Large companies in Europe, Asia and the United States are interested in research and development and in being early adopters, while there has been more caution about quantum tech adoption in Canada.</p> <p>However, Canada remains a strong location for startups and the GTA boasts the largest number of quantum companies in the country. 91勛圖 is behind many of these successful startups, thanks to initiatives such as the Rotman School of Managements <a href="https://creativedestructionlab.com/">Creative Destruction Lab</a> (CDL) the only dedicated early-stage quantum incubator in the country.</p> <p>"CDLs mission is to enhance the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind. Our objectives-based mentorship process has the potential to positively impact a startup's trajectory at the very early stages of their journey, said <strong>Sonia Sennik</strong>, CDLs executive director.</p> <p>CDLs graduates include Xanadu Quantum Technologies founded by former 91勛圖 post-doctoral physics researcher <strong>Christian Weedbrook</strong> which <a href="/news/quantum-computing-startup-xanadu-receives-40-million-federal-funding-globe-and-mail">recently received $40 million in federal funding</a> to support its cutting-edge quantum computing technology. Xanadu is one of Canadas unicorn companies, valued at over $1 billion.</p> <p><img alt src="/sites/default/files/GettyImages-1241439025-crop.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 500px;"></p> <p><em>Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO of Xanadu,&nbsp;at the Collision tech conference in 2022 (photo by Lukas Schulze/Sportsfile for Collision/Getty Images)</em></p> <p>The GTA is a great place for innovative companies to start and grow because all the ingredients are here: talent, investors, public and private partners, customers and support networks, said David Asgeirsson, manager of research partnerships and intellectual property at Xanadu.</p> <p>To stay competitive in the sector, Canada will need further investments to create quantum-literate talent, including funding for graduate students and the scaling of successful partnerships with industry to integrate quantum-ready talent into existing companies.</p> <p>Its critical that we have the funding to recruit top researchers to the quantum hubs in Canada, Dyring said. Having strong faculty to continue adding new courses in this emerging field and to ensure students have opportunities to work on research at the graduate level is important in growing the field, because we will need more people trained in this area going forward. And were seeing that theres growing interest from students to explore studies and research in quantum.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:46:52 +0000 siddiq22 180015 at 91勛圖 alumna Tina Singh drew on her graduate studies to create helmet for Sikh kids /news/u-t-alumna-tina-singh-drew-her-graduate-studies-create-helmet-sikh-kids <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">91勛圖 alumna Tina Singh drew on her graduate studies to create helmet for Sikh kids</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/8-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=N692Bsgj 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/8-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=d74qHPLP 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/8-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=AkuXialv 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/8-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=N692Bsgj" alt="Child wearing new helmet for Sikh kids"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-02-06T12:00:38-05:00" title="Monday, February 6, 2023 - 12:00" class="datetime">Mon, 02/06/2023 - 12:00</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Frustrated by her inability to find a properly fitted helmet for her sons, 91勛圖 alumna Tina Singh drew on her background in occupational therapy to design one for Sikh children (photos courtesy of Tina Singh)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/tabassum-siddiqui" hreflang="en">Tabassum Siddiqui</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/temerty-faculty-medicine" hreflang="en">Temerty Faculty of Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/diversity-and-inclusion" hreflang="en">Diversity and Inclusion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innovation-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/occupational-therapy" hreflang="en">Occupational Therapy</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For years, occupational therapist <a href="https://www.thetinasingh.com/"><b>Tina Singh</b></a> felt frustrated when trying to find helmets that would fit her three active young sons they wear a <i>patka</i>, or cloth head covering, that is smaller than a turban but still covers their long hair as they began to ride bicycles and play team sports such as hockey.</p> <p>As an occupational therapist, of course it was important that my kids had to have a helmet, Singh says. But when I tried to put helmets on them and they didnt fit, my husband and I tried to tie their hair a different way we tried a bunch of things and still nothing quite fit right.</p> <div class="image-with-caption left"> <p><span id="cke_bm_346S" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/Tina-Singh-Headshot-crop.jpg" alt><em>Tina Singh</em></p> </div> <p>I wanted an option for Sikh kids and other children who needed a properly fitted helmet, and I decided that it was going to be a real goal to get it designed.</p> <p>A therapist whose work focused on patients with acquired brain injuries, Singh dove into the process of designing a proper helmet that includes a small domed section on the top to accommodate a childs hair and found herself thinking back to her masters studies at the 91勛圖.</p> <p>Singh graduated in 2007 from the occupational science and occupational therapy program in what is now the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. She says the programs holistic, comprehensive approach made her realize she could use her skills in many different ways.</p> <p>I felt there was a lot of practical application in everything we were studying, Singh says from her home in Brampton, Ont. Occupational therapy is such a broad area and we got a little taste of everything in the program. I knew that I would always have the opportunity to do different things within the field, such as universal design, product development and business all of which I ended up doing for my current project.</p> <div class="image-with-caption right"> <p><img alt="Child with patka holding the special helmet with the bump for the patka" src="/sites/default/files/Tina-Helmet-Photos-74-crop.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 338px;"></p> <p><i>Singh's unique helmet design</i></p> </div> <p>After having an engineer produce renderings of her design, Singh found a manufacturer to produce a prototype that could be tested. A few iterations later, the helmet which is designed for kids aged five and up and can be used for skateboarding, kick-scootering or rollerblading passed the required safety testing and is now available for preorders in Canada</p> <p>Singh, who worked as a rehab coach during her undergraduate years, says she chose to do a masters degree at 91勛圖 after deciding to become an occupational therapist.</p> <p>The program really felt like the ideal fit. Its the foundational skills I still find useful to this day, such as looking at the whole person and how we look at everyday life. That way of thinking just sticks with you and it doesnt just apply to your work, but to everything around you, she says.</p> <p>The teachings and encouragement of one professor in particular has stayed with Singh many years after graduation.</p> <p><b>Andrea Duncan</b> really helped guide me and it felt like I always had someone to look to when I needed advice on how to move forward. I feel like even if I saw her today, I could have those same open conversations with her about my career.</p> <p>Duncan, an <a href="https://ot.utoronto.ca/about/core-faculty/andrea-duncan/">assistant professor</a> in the department of occupational science and occupational therapy, says shes delighted to have made an impact on one of her former students and to hear how Singh used her learnings in the program to innovate.</p> <div class="image-with-caption left"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="media_embed" width="1px"> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCbEDZ9F-Sq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" height style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:300px; min-width:300px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" width="1px"> <div style="padding:16px;"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCbEDZ9F-Sq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631" /></g></g></g></svg></a></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCbEDZ9F-Sq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div> </div> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCbEDZ9F-Sq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Tina Singh (@thetinasingh)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <script async height src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js" width="1px"></script></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <p>Tina took my professional practice course, which is dedicated to developing systems thinking and business skills for occupational therapy students. Tina definitely stood out amongst her peers, and I am not surprised that she has gone on to become an OTpreneur, Duncan says. We are very proud of her and all her endeavours.</p> <p>Singhs helmet design has attracted attention from media all around the world, including in some of <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/sikh-woman-designs-special-helmets-for-her-kids-that-fit-over-turbans-8368270/">Indias top publications</a> which has been gratifying but also challenging.</p> <p>Im so glad it had such a big reach, but when something gains so much traction, along with the positive also comes critiques, Singh says, adding that she ended up changing the original name of her helmet company from Sikh Helmets to <a href="https://www.boldhelmets.com/">Bold Helmets</a> after pushback from some in the Sikh community.</p> <p>I fully acknowledge that not every parent is going to want this for their child. Some people feel very strongly that they dont want anything covering up the <i>patka</i> or a turban, Singh says. But my main message is that for those already using helmets, lets give them one that works better for them.</p> <p>For Singh, seeing her own kids wear the helmet for the first time underscored why she had set out to create it in the first place.</p> <p>I honestly didnt even want to admit how good it felt because I was worried that something was going to go wrong, she says. But to see them put it on was amazing it was a really overwhelming experience.</p> <p>Ive heard from so many parents that are faced with a choice between their faith or culture and trying to participate in sports and other activities. We should be making options for kids so that they never have to choose they shouldnt have to think twice about it.</p> <h3><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/sikh-helmet-1.6704660">Read more about Tina Singh at CBC</a></h3> <h3><a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/newsmo/video/canadian-sikh-woman-designs-helmets-for-kids-that-fit-over-turbans-2319361-2023-01-09">Watch an interview with Tina Singh at <em>India Today</em></a></h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 06 Feb 2023 17:00:38 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 179754 at