UCalgary innovators celebrated at 2023 BioAlberta Achievement Awards

On Sept. 28, BioAlberta celebrated excellence in Alberta’s life sciences ecosystem with the 2023 Achievement Awards, which included five UCalgary innovators. The awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and companies whose innovations and achievements have contributed to the growing success of Alberta’s life sciences sector.

“I am thrilled to extend my congratulations to our UCalgary innovators recognized by BioAlberta for their outstanding contributions to Alberta's life sciences ecosystem,” says Dr. Stephen Larter, associate vice-president (research & innovation), UCalgary. "Their accomplishments highlight the unique synergy that exists within our university, where entrepreneurial thinking and innovative research intersect.”

“The innovation ecosystem at UCalgary not only supports our researchers but also empowers them to make significant impacts within our community and beyond,” continues Larter.

“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work done by our researchers and the role UCalgary plays in fostering innovation and driving economic growth in Alberta."

Company of the Year 

Fluid Biomed, co-founded by Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) associate professors Dr. John Wong, MD, and Dr. Alim Mitha, MD, is developing the world’s first polymer-based brain stent to cure the deadly disease of brain aneurysms.

The company and its team have designed a unique hybrid polymer-metal stent that diverts blood flow away from a weak aneurysm, allowing it to heal. This innovative medical device will allow physicians the potential to treat a wide variety of aneurysms more effectively and safely, using minimally invasive techniques.

Fluid Biomed is a graduate of the Creative Destruction Lab-Rockies (CDL-Rockies) and after seed investment from both the UCeed Health fund and the UCeed Child Health fund, local partners, as well as Canadian and U.S. venture capital firms, recently successfully launched an international first-in-human clinical trial of its stent to treat patients with brain aneurysms.

Technology Innovation Award

Dr. Kristina Rinker, PhD, P.Eng, professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, was recognized along with her team of co-founders, including Dr. Kenneth Fuh, PhD’17, for research contributions that led to the development and commercialization of an innovative molecular diagnostic technology, Syantra DX.

Syantra Inc. is a university spinoff company that arose from work conducted in Rinker’s research group, where the early concept was demonstrated. Syantra has now developed a technology platform that enables the identification of new cancer biomarkers and drug target and allows the detection of cancer through a blood test.

Their precision medicine approach is focused on detecting disease at early stages when it’s most treatable. The first blood test available on the platform is for breast cancer. The team plans to expand test offerings to enable the detection of other types of cancer and is currently engaged in both commercial and clinical study work to achieve this goal.

Syantra has received investment through the UCeed Health Fund, and Rinker is a lab scientist mentor with CDL-Rockies.

Vista Award

Dr. Lawrence Korngut, MD, MSc'14, associate professor, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, CSM, was recognized for his contributions to the field of neurology research, technical innovations through Lumiio, and capital attraction with KASTx Ventures.

Lumiio specializes in real-world data collection services that drive health outcomes. The company helps patient organizations, academic research groups, and pharmaceutical companies design world-class digital health programs to accelerate outcomes that impact patient care.

KASTx Ventures works with world-leading startup biotechnology companies to have a positive and sustainable impact globally in the areas of health, technology, and environmental sustainability. KASTx Ventures brings together experienced, values-based leaders who are recognized experts in their field with proven skills to maximize a company’s impact.