A health technology startup launched by a Waterloo Engineering alumnus is in the running for a $50,000 prize from the Arthritis Society of Canada to grow its business.
Stefan Gertz, who graduated from the mechanical engineering program in 2015, is one of seven finalists from across Canada vying for four $50,000 awards in a pitch-style event to be staged in Toronto later this month.
Stefan Gertz earned a mechanical engineering degree in 2015.
Gertz, who has a rare form of arthritis that has been in remission for more than a decade and saw his grandfather’s spine stiffen from excess bone growth due to the condition, co-founded Cadence Health Analytics in his hometown of Windsor last year.
“It’s personal for me and my family,” Gertz said in a media interview. “I use that experience as motivation.”
Cadence, which was co-founded by Dr. Chantelle Carneiro, developed an app that helps healthcare professionals provide more timely care by analyzing patient self-assessment data while also increasing patient engagement in their care.
“The Arthritis Ideator Awards reward bold, fearless thinking and will help get these innovations to the people who need them most – as quickly as possible,” said Trish Barbato, president and CEO of the Arthritis Society of Canada.
Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. A fourth will be selected by popular vote based on online videos that can be seen here.