If you have an innovative concept or business in the healthcare space, the Power Play Pitch Competition is your gateway to recognition and support.
We are looking for energetic, innovative and passionate healthcare innovators who can address an unmet need in the healthcare industry, through preventative healthcare solutions, treatment and management of disabling injuries and illnesses, restorative assistive devices to help restore function, diagnostic tools, digital health, and others.
We welcome innovators involved in all stages of product and technology development, from concepts and prototypes to finished products and services and start-up companies, and who need capital to help bring their innovations to the next stage.
All finalists receive a dedicated space in ICAIR’s Innovative Startup Exhibitor Zone, and additional exhibitor space in this area will be distributed to applicants of the Innovative Startup contest on a first-come, first-serve basis.
With $50,000 available in total prizes, the stakes are higher than ever. Don't miss your chance to build the future of healthcare!
Categories and Eligibility
The two categories of entries are:
- The Innovative Concept - This award is open to all new, exciting, creative and innovative early stage change-making ideas that have the potential to make a transformative impact on all levels of the healthcare system. This is the only award for which innovators do not need to be in business; they just need to prove that they have a viable idea that's going to make an impact.
- The Innovative Start-up - This award is open to all start-up companies who ever have a proven concept with a novel service offering or technology or product for sale or license, or a new product or service currently under development. The technology can be drawn from any field in the healthcare industry as long as the company is actively aiming to solve a gap in the healthcare market.
For example, we will accept the following stages of start-ups:
- Prototype Blueprint Developed - No current users
- Prototype Developed - No current users
- Prototype Developed - Pilot users
- Product Developed - Current users
Eligibility:
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Companies must:
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not have had greater than $1 million in cumulative revenue from sales of products or services, and
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not have raised greater than $10 million dollars in funding from all sources. This does not refer to government research and development grants.
- Companies may only enter one product or service in the Power Play Pitch Competition
- Companies may only enter the Innovative Startup Category if they are an incorporated company.
- Previous winners (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in either category are not eligible to participate.
2025 Power Play Judges:
Andrew Fraser
Licensing & Commercialization Professional, University Health Network
Bio
Andrew is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of business development and operations, with a proven track record in the investment industry and higher education sector. He is deeply passionate about cultivating and growing high-value, mutually beneficial partnerships, enabling the development and commercialization of disruptive products and services, and fostering the development of talent.
Andrew worked 8 years at life science venture capital funds in Europe and across Canada, partnering with entrepreneurs to help them to develop and commercialize innovative medical technologies and drug products. Also, Andrew has worked for over 12 years as a leader in college and university research commercialization to grow partnerships, projects, and funding.
Andrew Loh
Science and Technology Lawyer
Bio
For over 20 years, Loh has advised pharmaceutical, biologics, medical device, natural health product, cosmetic and other life sciences companies, as well as teaching hospitals, research institutions, and research networks, on a broad range of matters including collaborations, licensing, manufacture, clinical trials, marketing, importation, warehousing, distribution, sale, acquisitions and related intellectual property and regulatory matters. Prior to the practice of law, Loh worked in software development and microbiology.
Andrew Maxwell
Investigator, Creative Destruction Lab
Bio
Andrew is the Bergeron Chair in Technology Entrepreneurship at Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, where he runs the Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology program. Since joining York in 2014 he has introduced the ingredients of successful technology entrepreneurship to more than 1000 students, who have started more than 30 companies.
He holds a PhD in Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Waterloo, where he taught for six years, helping students develop more than 40 funded ventures. He has judged numerous early-stage technology venture competitions, dating back to 2001, at the University of Toronto, where he launched the Innovation Challenge and the Exceler@tor incubator programs.
His award-winning research focuses on the early stage of technology ventures – helping motivated individuals form teams that can turn promising technology into practical solutions that address real-world problems. His current focus is on the development of AI tools to enhance the entrepreneurial learning journey.
Christopher Kunney
Managing Partner of IOTECH Consulting, LLC
Bio
Christopher is a healthcare technology thought leader, strategist, and Managing Partner of IOTECH Consulting, LLC. He also serves as CTO of Ask Me Your MD. As an advisor to business, clinical, and technology leaders, he invests in and supports emerging healthcare technology companies focused on closing the health equity gap.
Kunney has held leadership roles at Divurgent, June Health, Coker Group, AT&T, Health Innovations, and Piedmont Healthcare. He was also an Entrepreneur in Residence at The Combine and an Executive Fellow at the American College of Health Data Management.
He was named a 2024 HIMSS Change Maker and nominated for the 2024 Georgia Titan 100 Leader Award. A 2023 American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink Ambassador, he advocates for breast cancer awareness. He serves on several boards, including YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Morehouse School of Medicine’s Industry Advisory Board.
A graduate of Fort Valley State University and Georgia Tech, Kunney holds multiple healthcare technology leadership certifications. He hosts the Straight Outta Health IT podcast and has been featured in major industry publications. Recognized by LinkedIn as a “Top IT Strategy Voice,” he frequently speaks on healthcare technology, leadership, and health equity.
Dr. J Paul Santerre
Professor, University of Toronto
Bio
Professor Santerre has published >220 peer reviewed publications and is a listed inventor on >70 patents in the area of medical polymers. He is co-founder and current director of the Health Innovation Hub at the University of Toronto (a student focused entrepreneur training co-curricular program that has trained > 750 client health science companies which have generated > $500M Cdn).
He is also the current chair of the Health Entrepreneuship Pillar for the African Higher Education Health Collaborative supported by the Mastercard Foundation. He is a co-founder of Interface Biologics, along with having spun-out five other start-up companies from his lab, and has won multiple national awards for his achievements in enabling entrepreneurship, included Canada's Governor General award for Innovation, and the Professional Engineers of Ontario
He has received multiple awards for his community activity including the 2016 Community award from the Canadian Biomaterials, the 2018 President's Impact Award from the University of Toronto.
Jennifer Humphrey
Associate, Emerging and High Growth Companies, at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Bio
Jennifer is an associate in Osler’s Emerging and High Growth Companies Group. Her practice focuses on advising a wide range of clients on matters including mergers and acquisitions, continuous disclosure, equity and debt financings, as well as general corporate and securities related matters.
Prior to joining Osler, Jennifer worked as a corporate securities associate at a leading regional Bay Street firm.
Lyne Landry
Managing Partner, AgeTech Capital
Bio
Lyne Landry is a co-founder and managing partner at AgeTech Capital, a firm dedicated to accelerating growth in AI-driven health tech and AgeTech startups. She has extensive expertise in venture capital, impact investing, and private equity, with a career spanning roles across North America, Africa, and Europe.
Varun Chandak
Founder and President, Access to Success
Bio
Varun Chandak is the Founder and President of Access to Success, a Toronto-based not-for-profit whose mission is to Enable Everyone. Driven by his own lived experiences with disabilities and hopes of better assistive tech, he established ATS Labs, Canada's leading accelerator for accessibility startups. Startups that Varun has supported have gone on to benefit well over 640,000 people with disabilities. A sought-after speaker on accessibility innovation and inclusive design, Varun has been recognized as a Top 50 Changemaker in Canada and received the inaugural Tom Wilson Leadership in Disability Award.
Vera Belaoussoff
Founder and Principal of B-Spot Consulting Inc.
Bio
Vera is the Founder and Principal of B-Spot Consulting Inc., based in Toronto, Canada. She has over twenty years of experience as a financial analyst, researcher, and business development and operations at life science companies. Her roles have included product in-licensing and out-licensing, valuation, KOL engagement, and clinical trial operations.
Vera’s unique expertise lies in combining these skillsets to creatively develop a strategic and dynamic financial model for entrepreneurs to use for scenario analysis: pinpointing development challenges, validating commercial opportunities and de-risking a company’s capital market journey. Her client base is entrepreneurs from pre-seed to Series A, and encompasses medical devices, therapeutics, materials science and healthcare IT, and she works with companies in Canada and globally.
Past Winners:
Power Play Pitch Competition Winners
Innovative Start-up Competition:
2024
- First Place: AiimSense CEO and co-founder Atefeh Zarabadi
- Second Place: Dynamic Memory Solutions Inc. Chief Science and Product Officer Bryan Hong
- Third Place: Cove Neurosciences Inc. CEO Nardin and Co-founder Nardin Samuel
2023
- First Place: Lianna Genovesei
- Second Place: Mark Cicero
- Third Place: Shlesha Van & Dan Grigorayeb
Innovative Concept Competition:
2024
- First Place: Helixir Medical CEO and co-founder Moses Cook
- Second Place: TRUSTE Inc. CEO Shaghayegh Chavoshian
- Third Place: PostureCoach Chief Technology Officer Davood Dadkhah
2023
- First Place: Camila Benmessaoud
- Second Place: Marc Shenouda
- Third Place: Philiz Goh
Application Information and Selection Criteria
To participate in the Power Play Pitch Competition, applicants are required to submit an online application consisting of a 2 to 3 page business plan and a link to a compelling 1 minute video pitch.
The business plan should provide a comprehensive overview of the innovative concept or startup, demonstrating substantial and sustainable growth potential. It should cover the following key aspects:
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Business Overview – products/service offered (e.g. What is the unmet need? Why will people buy your product or service? What is the key benefit – the unique selling point? If the business is in the form of a company or partnership, how long has the entity been in operation and what has been accomplished to date?)
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Target market (e.g. who is your target customer, and what is the size of this customer base in Canada and elsewhere? What are the competing products/services and advantages? )
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Marketing Strategy (e.g. describe actual and/or contemplated marketing strategy and efforts)
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Management team (e.g. identify the key members of the team and their relevant experience/training and any additional positions, expertise, experience and training required)
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Funding required (How much money do you need to take the product/service to the next stage? What are your sales and expense expectations? If you win a prize in this competition, how will the funds be used?)
Your video submission should:
- Provide a compelling pitch outlining your concept or business.
- Clearly convey the essence of your innovation.
- Address key elements from your written business plan.
Evaluation Criteria:
A committee of experts including scientists, clinicians, entrepreneurs, community members and subject matter experts will screen applications to ensure they meet all entry requirements and review each application to decide which products and services are the most innovative.
The Judges will focus on five critical elements:
- Team’s background and expertise: What experience does the team have and how will they help the business succeed? Does your team have a complementary skill set that enables you to tackle the different aspects of your innovation?
- Idea/Solution: Does the concept or startup offer an original, innovative approach to addressing the chosen problem?
- Development and business plan: Does the team provide a feasible business and implementation plan? Does the solution have a good product/market fit? How sustainable is your business model?
- Market opportunity: Does the concept or startup address a clear need, problem, or opportunity? Market traction with regard to sales, users, marketing exposure, etc.
- Competitive advantages: What gives you an edge over its competitors and helps you attract more customers and grow your market share?
Please note that by submitting your business plan and video submission to the Power Play Pitch Competition, you acknowledge that you have provided us with the necessary rights to evaluate your business product, solution, concept and strategy in connection with your participation in the KITE Power Play event.
Register and Apply
As part of the submission process, all applicants must register for the International Conference on Aging, Innovation & Rehabilitation (ICAIR). This crucial step ensures the completeness of your submission. Follow the instructions below to complete your ICAIR registration:
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Visit the registration link:
Register
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Once you have registered, a link will be emailed to you to access the application.
Finalists Selection
On March 31st, 2025, successful applicants will be notified by email that they have been selected as KITE Power Play finalists, and will have the exclusive opportunity to showcase their talent and ingenuity, with a live pitch at the ICAIR conference.
All finalists receive a dedicated space in ICAIR’s Innovative Startup Exhibitor Zone. Additional exhibitor space in this area will be distributed to applicants of the Innovative Startup contest on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Finalists will not be compensated for any travel, accommodation, or other expenses incurred to participate in the event.
Power Play Pitch Competition
The pitch competition will take place during ICAIR on the following date and venue:
Date: May 1st & 2nd, 2025
Venue: The Carlu, 444 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M5B 2H4, Canada
ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY – Photographs and videos will be taken of attendees at the KITE Power Play competition event for publication on websites, newsletters, brochures, social media platforms and other media of UHN, KITE, and Toronto Rehab Institute. As a condition of participating as finalists in the KITE Power Play competition event, all finalists (and their representatives), by their attendance at the event, will be deemed to have given their consent to have photographs and videos taken of them at the event and for publication on the specified websites, newsletters, brochures, social media platforms, and other media.
FINALISTS – Finalists are expected to attend the live-pitch competition. If a finalist is not able to attend for whatever reason, the pitch competition will proceed with the remaining finalists. Each attending finalist will give a presentation to a judging panel of industry experts and investors, followed by a short Q&A session. Finalists may use one PowerPoint slide at the live-pitch competition if they submit them to Sophia Li at Yue.Li@uhn.ca.
The Innovative Concept – Finalists will each be granted 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A with a panel of judges who have investment experience in the finalist’s space.
The Innovative Startup – Finalists will each be granted 8 minutes to pitch, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A with a panel of judges who have investment experience in the finalist’s space.
JUDGING – A finalist's pitch will be judged on the following criteria:
- Team's background and expertise
- Idea/Solution
- Development and business plan
- Market opportunity
- Competitive advantages
At the end of all of the finalists' pitches, the judges will determine the winners in each of the two categories.
For questions relating to the usage of PowerPoint or videos to help describe the product, technology or service for the live-pitch competition, please contact Sophia Li at Yue.Li@uhn.ca.
