Innovere

When patients get a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, the experience can often be uncomfortable. Innovere has approached this challenge with a wireless audio-visual entertainment system that is designed to function inside MRI scanners. The complex technology was developed by prominent innovators in the medical technology industry and helps to improve the patient experience.

MRI machines have a very confined space and are noisy when they are operating, leading as many as one-third of patients to experience high levels of anxiety and claustrophobia during a scan. With MRI scans taking anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes to complete, they often need to be repeated because the patient’s level of discomfort or anxiety gets too high. Innovere’s technology allows patients to watch videos or see visuals within the MRI machine while they are undergoing a scan, providing a helpful distraction that allows them to stay calm and relaxed during the process. The technology also provides clear audio signals to reduce MRI noise and allow clear back-and-forth communication between the patient and clinician.

Being involved with the UCeed Haskayne Student Fund was a positive experience for the Innovere founders, who enjoyed working with the high-calibre business students tasked with managing the fund.

“I was impressed by the fund managers at every stage — by their curiosity, professionalism and thoroughness in due diligence," says Garry Liu, co-founder and CEO of Innovere. "It was a pleasure to engage with the UCeed Haskayne Student Fund.”

Visit Innovere's website for more information.

Innovere has received investment from UCeed, a venture philanthropy fund accelerating UCalgary and community-based startup companies to advance problem-solving research, create jobs and fuel the economy. A key program in the UCalgary innovation ecosystem, UCeed bridges the gap between innovation, demonstration and commercialization, and is managed by UCalgary’s knowledge-transfer and business incubator, Innovate Calgary.

The UCeed Haskayne Student Fund is supported by the generosity of the Cannonball Sport and Education Foundation, Tamaratt Fund at Calgary Foundation, Chris Erickson, Curtis Probst, Vincent Chahley and Patricia Irwin, Michael Lang, and Michael Culbert.