Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Announces 2025 Medical Innovators’ Challenge

Top Innovators will Compete for $500,000 in Funding

April 7, 2025

(Saint John, NB) – The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation is hosting the latest edition of the Medical Innovators’ Challenge, a competition aimed at advancing medical innovation and addressing health care challenges in New Brunswick. Hosted by comedian James Mullinger, the event will take place on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal.

Since its launch, the competition has catalyzed $2.5 million in medical research and health care initiatives designed to improve access and enhance patient care. This year, the winner of the David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award will receive a $500,000 prize,while a new $100,000 Community Impact Award, presented by GreenShield will recognize an initiative that improves health care access beyond hospital walls.

“The complexity of today’s health care landscape requires bold, forward-thinking solutions that can only come through collaboration” said Shannon Hunter, President & CEO of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. “The Medical Innovators’ Challenge shines a spotlight on the transformative power of philanthropy, bringing together medical professionals and community leaders to shape the future of health care in our region.”

Hunter said that this year, the event will be more interactive than ever, giving audience members the opportunity to vote for the winners. This will help ensure that those on the front lines of health care have a voice in the Foundation’s next transformative investment.

The following finalists will pitch their medical solutions to a panel, live on stage:

The David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award Finalists ($500,000 Prize)

· Helping Hands: Robotics for Nursing Support – A project introducing robotic assistants to reduce administrative burdens and allow staff to focus on direct patient care.

· Establishing Genetic Service in NB – An initiative aimed at developing in-province genetic testing capabilities to reduce wait times and improve access to diagnostic services

· Heart Rescue in Aging Cardio-Oncology Patients – A research-driven approach integrating AI and nanotechnology to improve early detection of amyloidosis, a condition affecting heart health.

Community Impact Award Finalists, Presented by Greenshield ($100,000 Prize)

· Meet the Kids Where They Are – A program embedding health care professionals in schools to support children facing social and medical challenges.

· Hospital to Housed – A project expanding coordinated care and housing solutions for patients experiencing homelessness following hospital treatment.

The Medical Innovators’ Challenge is supported by several partners and sponsors, including Canadian Health Solutions, the principal funder for the $500,000 Health Care Innovation Award, which has previously been funded by numerous donors. In recognition of the steadfast support of Dr. David Elias, CEO of Canadian Health Solutions, this prize is being renamed the David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award in 2025.

“It has been an honour to support this competition from its inception and to see the tangible impact it has had on medical research and patient care,” said Elias. “This event carves out space for bold ideas—solutions that may otherwise fall short of funding amid competing health care priorities. I am privileged to continue this commitment in 2025.”

Elias has been a lead funder since the competition’s launch in 2017. His commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the province’s top researchers and clinicians has shaped the competition into a driving force for transformative health care solutions, enabling the Foundation to fund 10 innovative projects over the past eight years.

The 2025 Medical Innovators’ Challenge highlights the growing impact of community-driven health care. With an expanded focus beyond hospital settings, this year’s competition aims to foster a broader dialogue about innovation, collaboration and access. In support of this vision, lead funder GreenShield, Canada’s only national non-profit health and benefits company, will present the new $100,000 Community Impact Award, presented by Greenshield.

“As a purpose-driven non-profit, we are committed to improving health outcomes, driving systemic change, and fostering a healthier, more equitable society,” said Dr. Andrew Bond, Senior Vice President and Medical Director at GreenShield. “By investing in community-based solutions, we hope to bring more innovative, inclusive, health care to Canadians – furthering our social mission of Better Heath for All.”

The Medical Innovators’ Challenge will take place on April 23, 2025 at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal in Saint John. Additional information, including ticket packages, can be found at www.sjrhfoundation.ca/medical-innovators.

Media Contact:

Bekah Glass, Director of Marketing and Communications

Bekah.Glass@HorizonNB.ca | 506-271-5596

About the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation

Since 1984, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation has been dedicated to inspiring donor generosity, enabling and recognizing community support in advancing patient care. Our community has helped raise over $154 million, funding new cutting-edge technologies, capital projects, innovation, medical research and professional education in all health care areas, improving the health of New Brunswickers. For more information, visit: sjrhfoundation.ca.