Innovation in Action
Bears' Den Pitch Event
The Bears' Den gives innovators and start-ups the chance to showcase their health-care solutions to an audience of industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners. Finalists pitch live to a panel of judges, and the winning team takes home a $20,000 investment to advance their innovation.
Next event
4th annual · Friday, December 4, 2026
The 2026 edition runs 12:30–4:30 pm at the Desmarais Building, University of Ottawa. Founders pitch live to a panel of judges, and the winning team leaves with a $20,000 investment. Reserve a seat in the audience, or apply to pitch when the call for applications opens.
Reserve your seatWhat is it?
A space to spark real dialogue around collaboration and partnership, and to build connections across the entrepreneurial, health-care and business communities. Founders pitch their health-tech innovations to a panel of judges.
Who can pitch?
Any founder or innovator with a health-tech solution is encouraged to apply, from early-stage start-ups to established companies.
How & when?
The 2026 Bears' Den runs Friday, December 4, 12:30–4:30 pm, at the Desmarais Building, University of Ottawa (55 Laurier Avenue East). Apply to pitch during the annual call for applications, or reserve a seat if you would rather watch.
2025 winner · 3rd edition
Hyivy
The judges selected Hyivy, a smart pelvic health rehabilitation system, as winner of the 2025 CHEO Bears' Den. Hyivy combines therapeutic hardware with connected software and biosensors to deliver thermal therapy, auto-dilation and real-time monitoring for pelvic pain and dysfunction, securing a $25,000 investment.
“Winning the CHEO Bears' Den is a great validation of the Hyivy health-tech product and will help us get it to more women. The whole interconnected ecosystem the CHEO Research Institute has built through CORE Innovation is incredible.”
Rachel Bartholomew, CEO & Founder, Hyivy
2025 finalists
Neuralign
Neuroscience-based, gamified cognitive-training programs that strengthen neural pathways for reading and comprehension, especially for individuals with dyslexia.
Modulate
AI-driven, 3D-printed orthopedic devices, including custom scoliosis braces, using digital-twin modelling and generative algorithms optimized for spinal correction, comfort and growth.
Paperplane Therapeutics
Clinically validated VR experiences for procedures like dental care, MRI prep and pediatric treatment: non-pharmacological cognitive-behavioural therapy through immersive environments.
“Health care is often seen as a risk-averse industry, which can make it challenging to bring innovative technologies to market. At the CHEO Research Institute, we believe that by bringing the right people together, we can spark health innovation that makes a real impact.”
“CORE Innovation brings together health care, research and business to collaboratively build the future of Canadian health-tech, supporting high-paying jobs and keeping entrepreneurs in Canada.”
2024 winner
Leynek Medical: ReneCare
ReneCare supports cancer patients, caregivers and providers by integrating into clinical workflows and offering between-appointment care. Through a user-friendly app, patients track symptoms, mood and journal entries with access to symptom-specific guidance, while hospitals gain proactive patient monitoring, winner of the 2024 CHEO Bears' Den.
“From being coached by industry leaders, to connecting with investors, to winning $25,000 toward accelerating my company, I can now get the technology in front of those who need it most.”
William Jones, CEO, Leynek Medical
More from the Den
2024 also featured fan-favourite AIHearu (voice recognition tailored for speech impairments) alongside Dicerra (anonymous clinical safety reporting) and miRoncol (a blood-based early cancer-detection test). The 2022 Den featured Cavenwell AI, Dot Mind Unlocked, HyliDx and PolyUnity.
Think you've got what it takes?
Apply during the annual call, or reach out to learn more about pitching at the next Bears' Den.
Get Bears' Den updatesor email contact@coreinnovation.ca