The first program of its kind at Mount Royal, the HealthTech Challenge empowers you and a team of 4 to solve a problem you discover in the health sciences. Learn about mobility, aging populations, and mental health challenges from award-winning MRU research experts and community, and leverage the Maker Studio and other resources to develop a hardware innovation that helps impacted populations.

 

Students will receive a $1000 stipend upon completion of the program and each team will have a $1000 budget for their build!

 

The program begins with 4 industry briefings from research faculty during the month of March focused on emerging health technologies, mobility technologies, technologies for aging populations, and technologies supporting mental health. Students will then:

 

• Experience an innovation sprint to design a solution during April 

• Receive support from faculty and senior technology mentors to build their solution during April and May

• Present their innovative new technology to alumni, community, and local startups at the end of May at Platform Calgary

 

 

 

 

Unable to participate in the program but still interested in attending the HealthTech Challenge Speaker Series? Limited tickets are available to students, staff, and faculty here. 

 

Why participate?

 

• Join the very first cohort of a landmark new program for Mount Royal University in health technology innovation.
• Deepen your knowledge in health sciences, innovation, and technology with the support of experienced research faculty, senior mentors, and local and international startups working in the domain.
• Receive real work experience for your resume that will help you stand out from the crowd upon graduation.

 

Who should participate?

 

This program is open to any student currently enrolled at Mount Royal University as a full-time or part-time student in a degree program or transfer program with good academic standing, not including Continuing Education or Open Studies.

• Teams of 5 will be formed with 2 senior BCIS or BCS students on each team – 1 focused on hardware development and 1 focused on software development
• Senior students with experience in health sciences and/or innovation will be prioritized in the application process

 

What support do we receive?

 

• BCIS/BCS students will receive support from acclaimed BCIS faculty member Jordan Kidney, one of 3 senior student mentors with deep experience in robotics, hours at the Maker Studio and Fuse 33 Makerspace, and community-based supports.
• Teams will receive support from the faculty member representing their problem area (aging/ mobility/ mental health) and access to startup mentors based in Calgary and internationally.
• Dedicated innovation mentors with years of experience in innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

 

Date	Time	Event	Location
Monday, March 6th	11:00 am  - 1:00 pm	HealthTech Challenge Kick-off Speaker Series: Dr. Christy Tomkins-Lane - Innovation in Health Technology	EL4371A - Library Boardroom - Riddell Library & Learning Centre
Monday, March 13th	10:00 - 11:00 am	Speaker Series: Dr. David Legg - Innovation in Mobility Technology	EL4371A - Library Boardroom
Monday, March 20th	4:00 - 5:00 pm	Speaker Series: Jocelyn Rempel, MN - Innovation in Aging Technologies	EL4371A - Library Boardroom
Monday, March 27th	12:30  - 1:30 pm	Speaker Series: Dr. Janet Miller -  Innovation in Mental Health Technology	EL4371A - Library Boardroom
Monday, April 3rd	4:00 - 6:00 pm	Innovation Sprint: Ideation Session with Brian Jackson	Slate Innovation Lab
Tuesday, April 11th	4:00 - 6:00 pm	Innovation Sprint: Value Proposition and Competitors	Slate Innovation Lab
Monday, May 1st	4:00 - 6:00 pm	Innovation Sprint: Presenting Your Idea	Slate Innovation Lab
Monday, May 29th	1:00 - 3:00 pm	Alumni in Tech Networking Event and HealthTech Challenge Presentation	Platform Calgary

 

 

 

Funders

 

The HealthTech Challenge would not be possible without the support provided by Alberta Innovates and the John Dobson Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

Partners

The HealthTech Challenge would also like to acknowledge the following partners: