Neurotech Entrepreneurship to Validate Emerging Innovations (NERVE)

Program Offerings

Up to 5 entrepreneurs are awarded annually for the 12-month program

  • $100,000

    Non-dilutive grant. OBI does not take equity or IP

  • Training

    Workshops and training opportunities to build your venture

  • Mentorship

    1:1 mentorship from an expert in your sector

  • OBI Network

    Value-add opportunities as part of our network

Impact of our work

The NERVE Program is fueling the growth of the neurotech cluster.

  • 78

    Entrepreneurs*

  • $154M

    Follow-on Investments*

  • 34X

    Return on Investments*

Innovative new program for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

In response to Ontario’s rising prevalence of dementia, RetiSpec and the Toronto Memory Program, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto, designed and tested a new care pathway for identifying people with Alzheimer's disease. Using retinal scans, and in collaboration with local eye care clinics, their technology can measure changes in the retina that correlate with the presence of amyloid protein in the brain, a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease and the earliest measurable sign.

Trexo is a game-changer for children with cerebral palsy

Trexo Robotics, an Ontario Brain Institute portfolio company, creates mobility devices that help children with disabilities remain upright for longer periods and repeat movements to learn how to walk with a healthy gait pattern. The Trexo gait trainer is a long-awaited dream come true for many families. These types of interventions are invaluable - not only has Griffin's mobility improved but his independence and curiosity have as well.

Bringing New Technology to Life - A Giant Leap for Elder Care

In the most rewarding relationships, everyone brings something to the table. When OBI partners with other organizations, we consider the ways each party can be of value to a mutually shared goal.

The Welbi platform is a perfect example. The innovation of an innovative Ottawa startup, Welbi helps senior living communities reduce social isolation, and acts as a personal assistant automating administrative tasks, providing alerts and making recommendations to staff so that they can better tailor their services to the needs of their community.

NeuroQore’s First Dawn – A Solution for Treatment-Resistant Depression

As a teenager, Mehran Talebinejad, Co-Founder & CEO of NeuroQore, got interested in understanding the brain, and particularly depression, for one reason alone – his grandma. He wanted to offer help for her depression but due to a lack of care services and delays in finding the right drug treatment, coupled with the stigma associated with depression, he was unable to support her in the way he wanted. It was in that moment that he decided to take matters into his own hands – someone had to fundamentally transform mental health treatments – and it had to be him.

Neurotech Spotlight

Innovative new program for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

In response to Ontario’s rising prevalence of dementia, RetiSpec and the Toronto Memory Program, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto, designed and tested a new care pathway for identifying people with Alzheimer's disease. Using retinal scans, and in collaboration with local eye care clinics, their technology can measure changes in the retina that correlate with the presence of amyloid protein in the brain, a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease and the earliest measurable sign.

Investors

Private and institutional investors interested in learning more about the neurotech industry or considering investments in this space can gain access to OBI’s investor platform with detailed profiles of OBI’s portfolio companies. To learn more, please contact: BD&P@braininstitute.ca

Neurotechnology Startups

If you are commercializing a neurotechnology we want to hear from you. Contact us to learn more about the neurotech industry and OBI’s commercialization programs and opportunities: BD&P@braininstitute.ca

*Cumulative total as of September 2023