Tapping the potential of new technologies to address health and wellness concerns

Statistics concerning the number of Deaf people in Canada are woefully out of date, and even an estimate that 10% of the country’s populace has some measure of hearing loss is subject to multiple caveats. 

What is known with greater certainty is that there is a Canada-wide shortage of qualified interpreters available for those whose primary means of communication is Sign language. 

That presents a significant barrier to not only the enjoyment of conveniences that others take for granted, but also an understanding of essential and sometimes critical information. 

Recognizing the extent to which people with hearing loss are underserved, Deaf AI is developing a platform that includes an avatar or virtual interpreter that uses artificial intelligence to provide on-demand, real-time translation of speech to American Sign Language, which is widely used in the United States and Anglophone Canada. 

The startup’s subscription model is intended to serve as an affordable option for businesses, organizations and service providers seeking to improve their accessibility and inclusiveness.

Deaf AI co-founders Mehdi Masoumi and Azadeh Bojmehrani reached out to TMU’s Social Ventures Zone (SVZ) when their project was still just an idea and they were searching for resources that could add value to our vision. 

“Entrepreneurship is not easy, especially when you are an immigrant,” explains Masoumi. “The SVZ provides access to a network of like-minded mentors and people accelerating our journey. It enables us to learn more about the social impact of what we’re doing and use our time in the best way possible,” he adds.

Another startup striving to effect change through innovation is Sayvn, which offers a digital platform that combines neuroscience and evidence-based therapy protocols to solve the problem of access to affordable care for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The company (pronounced Say-vin) estimates that 70% of adults worldwide experience trauma of some kind — whether it’s the result of a devastating accident, displacement as a refugee, service in a dangerous occupation or a wide range of other scenarios — and yet 35% of those do not receive the treatment they need. 

“Our vision for Savyn is to be a game-changer by democratizing access to effective and culturally sensitive digitized treatment for trauma and PTSD,” says Savyn co-founder and CEO Sakeena Mihar. “We aim to bridge gaps in mental health care by providing a platform that goes beyond conventional therapy models, offering holistic support that considers the emotional, psychological and cultural needs of individuals.”

One of the greatest challenges on the journey for Savyn has been navigating the intersection of mental health care and technology, Mihar adds. 

“Striking the right balance between technological innovation and the ethical, personalized delivery of mental health support has been an ongoing process,” she explains. “So far, we’ve found that continuous feedback from expert clinicians and advisors, as well as members from the populations we’re striving to serve and internal teams, has led to a protocol that is having the desired therapeutic effect.”

Early in the startup’s development, Savyn recognized the value of TMU’s Zone Learning model. 

“Collaborating with SVZ — our first incubator — as well as the Biomedical Zone and Brampton Venture Zone by TMU provided us with opportunities to amplify our reach and refine our platform with valuable insights and resources,” says Mihar. 

“Each of those programs has made a significant difference by not only validating the importance of our mission to provide equitable access to mental health care, but also by offering a supportive ecosystem, expertise and resources to foster the growth and effectiveness of Savyn.”

Like Deaf AI, Savyn is pushing conventional boundaries by tapping the potential of technology to create a much-needed, made-in-Canada solution that can be scaled for delivery to a global market, as well.

So, too, are other new and established ventures whose founders have brought a similar entrepreneurial vision and determination to one or more of TMU’s Learning Zones. By itself, the Biomedical Zone can proudly claim more than 60 alumni, for example. 

That’s a lot of success stories, at a time when people seeking greater agency in their lives or improved access to care — and those who are dedicated to making either or both possible — might welcome some good news.