Innovation in Action
CHEO Bears' Den Pitch Event
Hosted by the CHEO Research Institute and powered by CORE Innovation, the 2026 CHEO Bears' Den returns to the University of Ottawa.
Founders from across Canada will pitch pediatric health-tech solutions, build connections with investors and strategic partners, and demonstrate technologies with the potential to improve care and outcomes. At stake is a $25,000 investment to accelerate the next generation of healthcare innovation. Who will rise to the challenge and leave the Den on top?
Next event
4th annual · Friday, December 4, 2026
- Date:
- Friday, December 4, 2026
- Location:
- Desmarais Hall, University of Ottawa (55 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5)
- Timing:
- 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Are you developing a pediatric health-tech solution?
Applications are now open and closing October 25 for innovators interested in pitching at the 2026 CHEO Bears' Den.
ApplyWhat 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?
Founders from across Canada with a pediatric health-tech solution are encouraged to apply, from early-stage start-ups to established companies. Applications close October 25.
How & when?
The 2026 Bears' Den runs Friday, December 4, 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., at Desmarais Hall, University of Ottawa (55 Laurier Avenue East). Apply to pitch by October 25, 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 on our journey to get it to more women. The whole interconnected ecosystem the CHEO Research Institute has built through CORE Innovation is incredible. Being in a room full of all different kinds of people invested in health innovation, and having real discussions on how we can advance the conversation around adoption and deployment of Canadian innovation and technology in health care is really special.”
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 enable us to collaboratively build the future of Canadian health-tech and support high-paying jobs and keep 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?
Applications for the 2026 Bears' Den close October 25. Apply to pitch, or reach out to learn more.