Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

Milk Moovement is a software company focused on the dairy industry, specializing in the raw milk supply chain. Founded in 2018 and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the company offers a cloud-based platform that connects various stakeholders in the dairy supply chain. Its milk management system serves as an Enterprise Resource Platform for tracking milk pick-ups and monitoring production, which helps identify process improvements and enhance performance. The platform includes features such as transportation monitoring, production tracking, quality assessment, and producer payment, providing users with access to essential metrics and historical data. By streamlining operations and reducing waste, Milk Moovement aims to increase efficiency and profitability across the dairy supply chain.

3D BioFibR Inc. is a biomaterial manufacturing company based in Halifax, Canada, founded in July 2020. The company specializes in producing high-value biofibers such as spider silk, collagen, and chitosan, which have diverse applications in biomedical engineering, green textiles, defense, and aerospace. Utilizing innovative dry-spinning and wet-spinning processes, 3D BioFibR creates fibers that replicate the biomechanical and biochemical properties of natural materials. Notably, its collagen fibers, branded as CollaFibR™, are reported to be stronger than natural tendons, while its spider silk is claimed to be tougher than steel and significantly more flexible. The company aims to address critical engineering challenges by providing commercially viable products for 3D bioprinting, cell culture, and tissue engineering. Through its pioneering research and proprietary production methods, 3D BioFibR seeks to become a leader in the sustainable manufacturing of advanced biofibers.

Ring Rescue is the leading manufacturer of medical device products for the common problem of stuck ring removal. Millions of people wear rings daily, fingers can swell for many reasons, and stuck rings are a common problem that can become a medical emergency. The Ring Rescue Kit includes 2 approaches to ring removal: The Compression Device is a noninvasive solution to comfortably and temporarily compress and reduce finger swelling, and therefore finger size, allowing many stuck rings to be removed intact without ring cutting - the ideal solution for sentimental and expensive rings. The Dolphin Ring Cutter is the best, safest, and most capable Ring Cutter in the world, and it is the only FDA registered electric ring cutter that currently exists. Some stuck rings require ring cutting for removal, and the Dolphin safely cuts any ring metal, including Titanium and Tungsten Carbide rings, in minutes, and without heat generation. All are FDA registered products, and Dolphin is CSA Certified to IEC-60601 medical device electronics standards. The Standard of Care has been substantially elevated from the prior insufficient, legacy techniques for stuck ring removal. It is remarkable that healthcare professionals have (up until our products) had to use rudimentary hacks like wrapping dental floss on a finger to try and pull a ring off, or when it comes to cutting hard ring metals, using hardware-store tools such as Dremel high speed rotary cutter on a finger. These high speed blades spinning at 20,000+ RPM are very dangerous next to your finger, and are not appropriate for medical procedure use! The Dolphin Ring Cutter is electronically powered, with a finger guard to protect the finger, and a slow-rotation micro-abrasive cutting disc for additional safety. The sophisticated microprocessor-controlled real-time feedback of the cutting rate allows any ring metal to be efficiently cut without heat generation, virtually eliminating finger burn risk from cutting friction (an industry first). The cutting discs can cut any ring metal, even Titanium and Tungsten Carbide, and are consumable (single patient use). The Dolphin Ring Cutter is very easy to use, a 3-minute training video covers the essentials. The single operator simply pulls the trigger and the Dolphin automatically does the ring cutting, start to finish, with a progress indicator to display cutting progress towards 100% completed. We are the global experts and we offer the best solutions for the common problem of stuck ring removal with our Ring Rescue Kit, a must-have for every Emergency Department, Fire/Rescue service, and other professionals that manage stuck rings.

Reach Orthopaedics specializes in the development of an orthopedic shoulder implant aimed at treating middle-aged patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Founded by a team of orthopedic surgeons, the company has designed a patented device that not only restores shoulder function but also alleviates chronic pain associated with these injuries. The implant addresses joint imbalances caused by rotator cuff tears and aims to reduce the risk of progressive osteoarthritis. By improving surgical outcomes, Reach Orthopaedics seeks to minimize patients' time in surgery and decrease wait times for treatment.

Emagix develops a diagnostic image analysis platform that utilizes algorithm-based analytics technology to enhance the diagnosis of vascular health in retinal and MRI images. Their AI software support tool is designed to detect vascular pathologies, significantly reducing the time needed to capture images while accurately identifying and quantifying critical information. This technology enables physicians to perform early diagnoses, assess treatment efficacy, and ultimately improve patient care, all while reducing clinical costs. Emagix's focus on advancing diagnostic capabilities contributes to more efficient healthcare outcomes.

Gibli Tech, founded in 2019 and based in Halifax, Canada, specializes in developing aerodynamic sensors designed to enhance athletic performance. The company offers a real-time sensor that enables cyclists and triathletes to assess and validate their equipment and positioning changes, optimizing their aerodynamics. This technology provides athletes with immediate feedback during training or racing, allowing them to adjust their riding positions for significant gains in efficiency without the need for additional equipment or extended training time. Gibli Tech aims to be a crucial resource for athletes seeking to unlock their full performance potential.

ZeroIN is a food-tech company focused on developing innovative sugar reduction technologies. It produces natural sweeteners aimed at counteracting the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption. The company's flagship product, Sweet Fiber, is designed as a scalable and cost-effective sugar substitute, appealing to consumers seeking healthier alternatives. ZeroIN's offerings include drop-in replacements derived from natural sources, which cater to the needs of the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, providing healthier options for sugar substitutes.

BlueGrid specializes in vessel-to-grid technology that facilitates the electrification of marine vessels. The company focuses on optimizing both environmental and economic outcomes by providing real-time intelligence to enhance the operation of electric boats. This technology allows vessels to efficiently utilize power while also enabling them to send excess energy back to the grid when needed, ensuring that operations remain uninterrupted. Additionally, BlueGrid offers a data services platform that assists marine vessels and utilities in planning and executing a seamless transition to this technology, promoting effective collaboration for charging, vessel-to-grid operations, and carbon credit management.

Coloursmith Labs Inc. is an optical filtering technology company based in Halifax, Canada, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing advanced optical filters for contact lenses that enhance color saturation and assist individuals with color vision deficiencies. By integrating materials science with vision science, Coloursmith Labs aims to create innovative, tint-free products that provide protection against harmful light while improving visual experiences. The company serves the healthcare sector, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of human vision to improve the quality of life for its users.

Rayleigh Solar Tech specializes in the development of perovskite solar cells aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of sustainable solar energy. The company focuses on creating multi-junction solar cells that utilize large-scale production methods and materials. This approach allows Rayleigh Solar Tech to provide clients with low-cost, versatile, and efficient solar cell technologies, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy solutions.

Leap Biosystems is focused on developing next-generation medical technologies and astronaut medical training platforms to support human space exploration. The company is comprised of a team of Canadian professionals with expertise in medicine, aerospace, research, and engineering. Leap Biosystems aims to enhance medical care in diverse environments by integrating clinical medicine with advanced technologies. This approach enables clients to access remote medical procedure guidance, thereby improving healthcare delivery in challenging settings.

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.

Byos specializes in microsegmentation solutions that enhance network security by providing asset invisibility, isolation, and secure access to resources. Its platform is designed to facilitate communication without direct network connections, thereby preventing data leakage and device exposure. Byos supports a Zero Trust networking model, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices and existing network environments. This approach significantly reduces security risks while improving operational efficiencies and data management. The company serves a diverse clientele across critical sectors such as defense, government, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and financial services, securing assets ranging from industrial machinery to personal laptops.

Jaza Energy is focused on providing last mile energy solutions by establishing solar energy charging stations in off-grid communities. The company develops centralized solar energy hubs that deliver scalable power, offering affordable and reliable electricity access to hundreds of households. These hubs enable residents to charge portable battery packs, which can then be used at home to power lights and phones, while also supplying energy to essential services such as water systems, shops, schools, and community infrastructure. By replacing the reliance on kerosene and eliminating the need for long travel to access charging facilities, Jaza Energy aims to enhance the quality of life in underserved areas.

Marcato Digital Solutions has developed a fully integrated scalable web-based management service for the global music industry. The music industry has dramatically changed over the past five years, primarily due to internet-based music sharing and the impact it has had on the major record labels. Marcato’s web-based service is designed to facilitate the scheduling, management, promotion, need to track and manage fragmented revenue and remuneration streams, and general accounting for music industry artists, managers, and supporting organizations. Marcato has surrounded itself with experts from the international music industry.

Graphite Innovation & Technologies specializes in developing innovative and sustainable smart coating solutions tailored for the shipping industry. The company employs advanced nanotechnology to create environmentally friendly paints that are designed to minimize fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for ocean-going vessels. GIT provides a comprehensive range of marine coating systems that enhance vessel efficiency while ensuring that its products are devoid of harmful leaching chemicals. The coatings are hydrophobic and exceptionally durable, preventing marine organisms from attaching to hulls and subsequently reducing drag. As a significant player in the global marine coatings market, GIT is committed to driving sustainability within the maritime sector, positioning itself as a disruptor through its focus on innovation and the practical applications of advanced materials, including graphene and nanoplatelets. The company's approach not only supports environmental goals but also offers cost savings for ship operators by improving operational efficiency.

Bereda is building the best planning software in endurance sports so that every athlete can get access to expert instruction. Bereda enables coaches and self-coaches to efficiently create and manage customized plans, providing clear training direction no matter how chaotic a season gets.

Eosense, formerly known as Forerunner Research Inc., develops advanced gas monitoring instruments designed for environmental research, particularly focused on soil gas flux. The company specializes in creating weatherproof devices that accurately measure concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in various challenging environments, including soil, mud, shallow water, and snow. Eosense's products enable researchers and industries to obtain reliable data on gas flux and concentrations, facilitating a better understanding of environmental processes and contributing to climate research efforts.

Harbr Inc. is a Canadian company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence (AI) software tailored for the construction management sector. Founded in 2016 and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Harbr's software solutions aim to organize and manage project data effectively, ensuring that construction projects stay on schedule. The company offers a range of products, including a construction super schedule that features daily logs for user protection, tools for team connectivity on job sites, and enterprise solutions that link multiple job sites and teams together. Additionally, Harbr provides an embedded credit onboarding platform designed for lenders and credit bureaus, which simplifies the collection and transformation of unstructured business credit and payment data. This comprehensive approach streamlines the qualification process through document evaluation, data extraction, and decision insights, enhancing cost-effectiveness and scalability for businesses.

Salient Energy is commercializing a revolutionary new battery based on research at the University of Waterloo. Their zinc-ion battery is perfectly suited, both technically and economically, for storing electricity in the grid. The company's proprietary cathode materials store energy in zinc in a way that has never been commercialized before – Salient Energy has made unique cathode materials that can actually incorporate zinc in their crystal lattice instead of just reacting on the surface. This allows the batteries to have a relatively high energy density. It also allows the user to use of traditional battery designs that are compatible with standard manufacturing equipment. This means that the cheaper, safer, and the longer-lasting battery can be made in existing battery factories around the world.

Jaza Energy is focused on providing last mile energy solutions by establishing solar energy charging stations in off-grid communities. The company develops centralized solar energy hubs that deliver scalable power, offering affordable and reliable electricity access to hundreds of households. These hubs enable residents to charge portable battery packs, which can then be used at home to power lights and phones, while also supplying energy to essential services such as water systems, shops, schools, and community infrastructure. By replacing the reliance on kerosene and eliminating the need for long travel to access charging facilities, Jaza Energy aims to enhance the quality of life in underserved areas.

FundMetric uses analytics and predictive modelling to help determine the who, what, when, where, why, and how of donors and their relationship to not-for-profits and charities. Fundraisers often spend 90% of their time on 10% of their donors. In addition to predictive analytics, Fundmetric also helps save charities time by automating and personalizing tasks relating to the remaining 90% and allowing fundraisers to focus on their larger donors at the top of the giving pyramid.

WoodsCamp is a dedicated community of forestry professionals, woodlot owners, and technology developers who share in a mission to increase the health of their forests and the families that rely on them. They believe that technical, process, and business model innovation offers us an exciting new way to manage forests sustainably.