Ontario Brain Institute

The Ontario Brain Institute, established in 2010 and based in Toronto, is a provincially-funded, not-for-profit research center dedicated to advancing neuroscience. Its mission is to position Ontario as a global leader in brain research, commercialization, and care. The Institute fosters collaborations among researchers, clinicians, industry stakeholders, patients, and their advocates to drive innovation and develop products and services aimed at improving the lives of individuals affected by brain disorders. By providing grants and financing to companies in the neurotechnology sector across Canada, the Ontario Brain Institute seeks to maximize the impact of neuroscience and enhance the overall landscape of brain health and treatment.

Tom Mikkelsen

President and CSO

42 past transactions

Grey Matter Neurosciences

Seed Round in 2025
Grey Matter Neurosciences is a neurotechnology firm developing new medical devices and drug-device combinations to treat age-related brain illnesses like dementia.
Yellowbird Diagnostics develops innovative imaging dyes that enhance medical imaging procedures used for the early detection of various disorders, including those affecting the brain, heart, and kidneys. By focusing on biomedical imaging methods, the company offers chemical contrast agents that deliver critical molecular information about conditions such as inflammation and cancer. These advanced solutions reveal previously undetectable signs of disease, empowering physicians to make more informed medical decisions. Through its plug-and-play technologies, Yellowbird Diagnostics aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in clinical settings.

RetiSpec

Series A in 2024
RetiSpec is developing a non-invasive eye scanner for early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease pathology years before symptoms occur, so that clinicians can intervene with emerging therapeutics early, when there’s a chance of actually impacting the disease.

Progress Place

Grant in 2024
Progress Place is a non-profit organization that provides treatment for mental illness, depression, and anxiety.

The Royal

Grant in 2024
The Royal is a mental health care and academic health sciences center that focuses on providing comprehensive mental health services, advocacy, and research. It specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex mental health disorders in adults, including a geriatric outreach behavioral support program. Through its commitment to mental health care, The Royal aims to enhance understanding and support for individuals facing mental health challenges while contributing to academic research and education in the field.

Sonaro

Grant in 2023
Sonaro is an innovative AI solution provider that is disrupting the status quo in atherosclerotic plaque diagnosis and stroke prediction by eliminating errors in 2D ultrasound scans and subjective interpretations of medical imaging.

Savyn

Grant in 2023
Savyn is a virtual neuroscience therapy platform. It helps post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

PragmaClin Research

Grant in 2023
PragmaClin is revolutionising neurological disease monitoring by utilising cutting-edge digital tools to manage movement disorder assessments from the comfort of one's own home.

Foqus

Grant in 2023
Foqus is a company specializing in AI and quantitative imaging technology aimed at enhancing MRI scans. It develops a medical imaging system that leverages quantum information algorithms and machine learning techniques to produce higher-resolution medical images. By improving the sensitivity of magnetic resonance technology, Foqus enables healthcare organizations and medical professionals to conduct scans more efficiently and generate clearer signals at a reduced cost. Through its innovative software solutions, the company seeks to significantly advance the quality and speed of MRI imaging in the medical field.

Axem Neurotechnology

Grant in 2023
Axem Neurotechnology is focused on enhancing accessibility to neurotechnology and empowering individuals with insights about their brain health to improve their quality of life. The company offers a portable neuroimaging system that tracks and predicts recovery of movement function during rehabilitation for conditions such as hemiparesis. Utilizing a proprietary optical imaging system, assessment software, and data analytics, Axem measures neural biomarkers to support neurological rehabilitation. This approach allows therapists to make informed treatment decisions, while services are provided remotely, ensuring convenience through video communication and personalized home exercise programs facilitated by an easy-to-use brain sensor.

Think Self-Management

Grant in 2023
Think Self-Management provides medical professionals the tools and resources they need to treat chronic diseases. It promotes self-management as a way to live happier, healthier lives.

Mesosil

Seed Round in 2023
Mesosil develops responsive antimicrobial materials to prevent infection at the medical device-tissue interface, with lifetime length of effect. Our technology is ideally suited for dental restoratives and dental implant surfaces. The result is greatly improved patient outcome with no change to practitioner workflow, reducing the likelihood of recurrent caries and detachment of dental restorations, or peri-implant wound infection that could result in implant loss and implant revision.

Roga

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Roga develops a therapeutic wearable device aimed at reducing stress and anxiety. Designed to be worn discreetly, the device functions similarly to headphones, delivering gentle electrical pulses to the brain. These pulses signal safety to the nervous system and help alter brain oscillation patterns through guided app-based therapies. By providing relief and enhancing mental well-being, Roga's innovative technology offers an accessible solution for individuals seeking to manage their stress and anxiety effectively.

Cove Neurosciences

Grant in 2022
Cove Neurosciences is transforming the way data is used to understand the human brain.

Roga

Grant in 2022
Roga develops a therapeutic wearable device aimed at reducing stress and anxiety. Designed to be worn discreetly, the device functions similarly to headphones, delivering gentle electrical pulses to the brain. These pulses signal safety to the nervous system and help alter brain oscillation patterns through guided app-based therapies. By providing relief and enhancing mental well-being, Roga's innovative technology offers an accessible solution for individuals seeking to manage their stress and anxiety effectively.

Pearl Interactives

Grant in 2022
Pearl Interactives specializes in creating interactive media tailored for children of all abilities, focusing on wellness, play, and learning. The company has developed a unique platform that includes its flagship product, Bootle Blast, which combines innovative mixed reality technology with engaging video game experiences. This system targets children and youth with neuromotor conditions, facilitating exercises that aim to improve their functional abilities. Additionally, the platform incorporates real-life musical instruments and touch-free interactive games, promoting shared musical play while also helping to alleviate anxiety. Through these offerings, Pearl Interactives strives to foster an inclusive environment that enhances the developmental opportunities for children.
Raft Digital Therapeutics constructs a virtual platform for assistance to allow unattended at-home programming. give patients an affordable option that promotes long-term follow-through by making exercise enjoyable. To create goods with enduring appeal, a team assembles industry, technical, and business specialists.

eyful

Grant in 2022
Eyful specializes in providing innovative eyeglasses for individuals suffering from macular degeneration. The company utilizes advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to develop an augmented reality platform that enhances vision for those affected by this condition. By personalizing enhancement algorithms and analyzing ophthalmologic data, Eyful's smart glasses aim to help users regain lost sight and improve their overall vision. The focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology underscores Eyful's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by people with vision loss.

Ora Medical

Grant in 2022
Ora Medical specializes in developing innovative rehabilitation technology aimed at enhancing mobility for children with physical challenges. Their flagship product, Levity, is a smart pediatric gait trainer that utilizes a unique partial weight-bearing mechanism, enabling children to engage more freely with their environment using their arms. This device not only promotes independence but also collects real-time data to assist parents and clinicians in monitoring each child's rehabilitation journey. Additionally, Ora Medical's technology incorporates artificial intelligence to adapt to the user's needs, facilitating personalized progress and allowing patients to achieve optimal mobility at their own pace.

NeuroQore

Convertible Note in 2022
NeuroQore, Inc. is a company based in Ottawa, Canada, specializing in the development of a monophasic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation system aimed at treating treatment-resistant depression. Founded in 2012, NeuroQore focuses on creating innovative neuromodulation treatments for various neurobehavioral conditions, including major depressive disorder and suicidality. The company collaborates with leading universities and research clinics to advance its research and therapeutic solutions. Its technology features a semiconductor switch that generates a unique magnetic pulse, designed to help patients improve their quality of life by addressing these challenging disorders.

Qurcan Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Qurcan Therapeutics is focused on developing advanced therapeutic solutions for solid tumors, particularly brain cancers. The company has created a nanotechnology-based drug delivery platform that enhances the precision of cancer treatment by overcoming challenges associated with traditional drug delivery methods. This platform improves the release of therapeutic agents while minimizing liver accumulation, allowing for more effective targeting of difficult-to-reach tumors. Among its innovations is Manganescan®, a theranostic agent that serves as both an MRI contrast agent and a radio-sensitizer, enabling early detection of brain tumors and enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy. By facilitating improved drug delivery and modulating the tumor microenvironment, Qurcan Therapeutics aims to increase therapeutic efficacy and extend patient survival in the fight against solid tumor cancers.

VRapeutic

Grant in 2021
VRapeutic is a company that develops virtual reality software aimed at therapeutic applications, particularly for individuals with autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. Its platform includes a range of software modules that create immersive educational scenarios designed to teach essential life skills, including motor, cognitive, social, and academic abilities. By integrating artificial intelligence and internet-of-things technologies, the software enhances therapy sessions and allows therapists to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided to users.

Diamond Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Diamond Therapeutics is a Toronto-based company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for mental health conditions through the potential of psychedelic compounds. The company focuses on creating sub-perceptual, non-hallucinogenic treatments, which are designed to be safe and suitable for at-home use. By concentrating on these treatments, Diamond Therapeutics aims to address a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions, seeking to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and promote faster recovery for patients. The company's mission aligns with the urgent need to improve mental health care, aiming to deliver significant benefits to a diverse patient population and contribute meaningfully to the global mental health crisis.

Steadiwear

Seed Round in 2021
Steadiwear's flagship product is the Steadi-One, a battery-free glove that stabilizes the wrist joint for individuals with and Essential tremors. The Steadi-One technology was inspired by leading-edge earthquake dampers used in buildings. The Steadi-Two, a miniaturized version, is currently under development with very promising results. It is based on magnetic tuned damping technology, a novel class of stabilization systems. It consists of a counterbalancing flywheel in between programmable magnets. The system naturally adapts to different tremor severities. The Steadi-One and Steadi-Two are FDA & Health Canada registered Class I medical devices.

Inteligex

Grant in 2020
Inteligex is developing proprietary stem cell-based therapeutics to restore function in patients with spinal cord injury— a devastating condition for which there is no effective therapy — and for other diseases of the Central Nervous System. Successful outcomes from the development program would position Inteligex as the first in the world with a treatment affecting hundreds of thousand patients worldwide.

Cerebtalk

Grant in 2020
Cerebtalk specializes in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology aimed at enhancing communication for individuals with severe motor impairments, such as those affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, strokes, cerebral palsy, and non-verbal autism. In addition to its communication tools, the company develops wireless in-ear EEG earphones that work in conjunction with a dedicated application. This technology allows users to monitor their stress levels, sleep quality, and physical activity, thereby promoting overall physical and mental wellness. Cerebtalk's innovative approach addresses both communication barriers and wellness tracking for users with diverse needs.

Epineuron

Grant in 2020
Epineuron is a bioelectronic medicine company bringing a new standard of care for peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. The company is developing a suite of surgical solutions for repairing and treating peripheral nerve injuries with the mission of becoming the world leader in bioelectronic nerve care, starting with its neuroregenerative therapy.

NeuroQore

Convertible Note in 2020
NeuroQore, Inc. is a company based in Ottawa, Canada, specializing in the development of a monophasic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation system aimed at treating treatment-resistant depression. Founded in 2012, NeuroQore focuses on creating innovative neuromodulation treatments for various neurobehavioral conditions, including major depressive disorder and suicidality. The company collaborates with leading universities and research clinics to advance its research and therapeutic solutions. Its technology features a semiconductor switch that generates a unique magnetic pulse, designed to help patients improve their quality of life by addressing these challenging disorders.

Zentrela

Seed Round in 2019
Zentrela Inc. is a neurotechnology company based in Hamilton, Canada, that specializes in developing end-to-end EEG systems aimed at reducing accidents caused by cognitive impairment during driving or working. Founded in 2015, Zentrela has created the Zentrela wellness system, a wearable device that leverages artificial intelligence to decode human brain activity. The company focuses on the legalized cannabis industry, utilizing its proprietary technology to create a comprehensive scientific database that captures consumer experiences with cannabis products. By analyzing brainwave data, Zentrela aims to transform the development, promotion, and sale of cannabis products, shifting the industry's focus from plant-based data to consumer experience insights. Its technology also includes applications for workplace safety, enabling professional drivers to maintain alertness and better manage cognitive challenges associated with THC use.

Stabilo Medical

Seed Round in 2019
Stabilo Medical is a manufacturer of medical equipment and innovative wearable devices focused on enhancing rehabilitation for stroke victims. The company has developed a specialized vest that aids in core muscle exercises by detecting slouching and assisting users into an upright position. This design allows stroke patients to engage in safe and effective exercise independently, reducing the need for constant therapist supervision. Stabilo Medical also provides a range of products related to disability and end-of-life care, with an online inquiry form available on their website for customer engagement.

Qurcan Therapeutics

Grant in 2018
Qurcan Therapeutics is focused on developing advanced therapeutic solutions for solid tumors, particularly brain cancers. The company has created a nanotechnology-based drug delivery platform that enhances the precision of cancer treatment by overcoming challenges associated with traditional drug delivery methods. This platform improves the release of therapeutic agents while minimizing liver accumulation, allowing for more effective targeting of difficult-to-reach tumors. Among its innovations is Manganescan®, a theranostic agent that serves as both an MRI contrast agent and a radio-sensitizer, enabling early detection of brain tumors and enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy. By facilitating improved drug delivery and modulating the tumor microenvironment, Qurcan Therapeutics aims to increase therapeutic efficacy and extend patient survival in the fight against solid tumor cancers.

TruReach Health

Grant in 2018
TruReach develops apps that provide users with easy-to-use lessons and tools.

Curv Health

Grant in 2018
Curv Health is a multidisciplinary virtual clinic founded in 2017, with offices in Toronto and Halifax. It provides a health technology platform that enables healthcare providers to establish and manage their own digital practices. The platform facilitates a digital care network where patients can schedule both virtual and in-person appointments with a variety of allied healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, dietitians, psychotherapists, and counselors. By focusing on mental performance coaching, Curv Health aims to enhance the accessibility of mental health services, particularly for young athletes, helping them address the mental challenges associated with sports and ultimately increasing the number of meaningful years lived globally.

Supports Health

Grant in 2018
Give your patient’s family the support they deserve, so that you can focus on providing the best comprehensive care to your patient.Supports Health will improve loved ones outcomes, reduce re-admittance rates and helps families feel cared for.

Cerebian

Grant in 2018
Cerebian is a developer of a brain-computer interface-based operating system that enhances human interaction with computers and facilitates communication between individuals. This innovative system allows users to control electronic devices using their brainwaves, making it particularly beneficial for incapacitated patients. By enabling stroke patients to interact with technology through thought, Cerebian's technology supports rehabilitation and improves the quality of life for those with physical limitations. The company's focus is on creating solutions that bridge the gap between human cognition and digital devices, fostering a new way for users to engage with technology.

Welbi

Grant in 2018
Welbi is a company focused on enhancing the quality of life for older adults in senior living communities by optimizing care delivery. Its platform simplifies administrative tasks, allowing staff to dedicate more time to engaging residents and fostering meaningful connections. By offering personalized programming and real-time insights, Welbi equips senior living communities with the tools necessary to understand and respond to the evolving needs of their residents. This approach aims to prevent social isolation among older adults and enrich their overall experience within these communities.

Steadiwear

Grant in 2017
Steadiwear's flagship product is the Steadi-One, a battery-free glove that stabilizes the wrist joint for individuals with and Essential tremors. The Steadi-One technology was inspired by leading-edge earthquake dampers used in buildings. The Steadi-Two, a miniaturized version, is currently under development with very promising results. It is based on magnetic tuned damping technology, a novel class of stabilization systems. It consists of a counterbalancing flywheel in between programmable magnets. The system naturally adapts to different tremor severities. The Steadi-One and Steadi-Two are FDA & Health Canada registered Class I medical devices.
HiNT is developing a wearable point-of-care monitoring device that detects a stroke with EEG and alerts high-risk patients, Its care givers, and their medical support team when the patient is having a stroke.

KalGene Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2015
KalGene Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a privately held company based in Candiac, Canada, that specializes in the development of precision medicine for Alzheimer’s disease. Founded in 2006, KalGene collaborates with prominent clinician-scientists and academic institutions across North America and Europe. The company's focus is on creating targeted therapeutics and companion diagnostics aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes and survival rates through personalized medicine. By utilizing individual biological signatures, KalGene's approach seeks to predict patient responses to specific therapies, enabling healthcare providers to tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Sound Options Tinnitus Treatments is an Ontario-based health technology company that offers clinically tested, individually tailored sound therapy for tinnitus – a non-curable and debilitating hearing disorder that affects one in ten people. Sound Options utilizes leading computational neuroscience and tinnitus research to provide clients with a treatment that uses their audiogram and tinnitus profile. Sound Options successfully tested the effectiveness of the treatment through a study at McMaster University and established partnerships with independent and franchised hearing clinics across Canada.
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