Waterloo alum inspires student innovations in women’s health

University of Waterloo alum and founder of Hyivy Health, Rachel Bartholomew (MBET ’14), returned to campus as a collaborator of Velocity and FemTech Canada’s Innovation Challenge, where more than 100 students formed teams to address three critical areas of women’s health: menopause, gynecological health and breast health.  

“For those who don't know, 50.4 per cent of our population in Canada is female, yet women weren’t required to be included in clinical trials until 1997,” Bartholomew said. “We are fundamentally almost 30 years behind in core research and innovation. The projects you’ve worked on help move the needle forward but know that the challenge doesn't end here — Velocity and FemTech Canada will continue to support you.” 

From October 28 to November 8, student teams participated in Velocity workshops, working sessions and a project showcase, while receiving 1-to-1 mentorship with industry experts to refine their presentations. The competition culminated in a dynamic final pitch event, with eight finalists delivering 3-minute presentations to a panel of judges made up of female health founders and health professionals.  

In a stimulating finale, the team of Biomedical Engineering students behind PeriGuard won the grand prize of $4,000 to expand their health-technology device. Miora, the runner-up, received a $1,000 prize for their innovative AI-driven solution addressing cognitive changes during menopause. 

Through initiatives like this, Waterloo students leverage the power of Velocity to streamline their ideas from product development to commercialization.  

Faculty of Engineering students Clara Kim, Erica Liu, Sean D'Mello and Emily Rose are the masterminds behind the winning idea, PeriGuard — a novel solution that combines medical science with a focus on comfort and safety to enhance the childbirth experience. 

Each year, 90 per cent of women who undergo natural childbirth experience a perineal tear. PeriGuard is a device designed to protect the perineum during childbirth by applying controlled, consistent heat, which helps to reduce the risk of tearing and relieves discomfort and trauma many women experience in the perineal area during labor.  

Illustration of PeriGuard device. Contact Sean D'Mello to learn more about PeriGuard and their novel solution that combines medical science with a focus on comfort and safety to enhance the childbirth experience. 

“The inserted component, adapted from existing solutions, is disposable and aims to relieve or distribute the pressure experienced as the baby's head emerges against the lower vaginal wall,” Rose explained. “Our second component applies constant, consistent heat on the perineum to relieve muscle tension and increase elasticity. The heater can move downward and stay centered on the tear region, and it can be recharged as the dilation occurs.” 

The judges were particularly impressed with PeriGuard's focus on an under-addressed aspect of childbirth and its potential to improve health outcomes for women during a critical life event. The PeriGuard team believes their device can easily integrate into standard obstetric care for just $10.40 USD per use, thanks to its reusable and eco-friendly plastic components.

From left to right: Meaghan Kay, head of marketing at myStoria, and Andrea Guest, program manager and innovation advisor at Venture Growth. Waterloo students and PeriGuard founders Clara Kim, Sean D'Mello, Erica Liu and Emily Rose. Rochelle Lee, programs and events lead at Velocity. Carla Girolametto, integrated director of Research and Innovation at Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital. Sonya Satviet, founder of Qanik DX Inc. Rachel Bartholomew (MBET ’14), founder and CEO of Hyivy Health, and founder and lead advisor of FemTech Canada. 

The Miora team — Ani Muradyan, Iman Umair-Qaiser, Rawan Miznazi and Vanessa Young-Dede — is revolutionizing health technology to address the cognitive changes women experience during menopause. The group of students from the faculties of Engineering and Health have developed a smart compact mirror that helps women aged 40 to 60 years old manage cognitive symptoms associated with menopause, such as brain fog, memory lapses and mood shifts.  

By incorporating AI-driven eye tracking and facial recognition technology, Miora offers real-time cognitive monitoring and personalized exercises to build cognitive resilience. The smart mirror seamlessly integrates into daily routines, offering actionable insights and empowering women to prevent and manage cognitive decline. 

“The economic impact of menopause is huge because women in this age group are a crucial segment of the workforce,” Muradyan said. “Yet, there are few solutions available, even though the menopause market is projected to reach $24 billion by 2030. Who is here to guide women through this phase and help them understand what’s within their control to support their well-being?” 

The team’s model combines a direct-to-consumer approach with strategic healthcare partnerships to ensure Miora’s product development aligns with the latest scientific insights. 

“Remember, menopause is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter,” Muradyan said. “If you believe this, join us in our quest to create a journey for women that embraces every stage of their lives.” 

Lee and Bartholomew present Miora founders, Vanessa Young-Dede, Rawan Miznazi, Iman Umair-Qaiser and Ani Muradyan, with a framed $1,000 prize check. 

With the leadership and industry partnerships of Waterloo and Velocity, early-stage startups like PeriGuard and Miora can become real-world innovations driving Canada’s next wave of economic growth while delivering impactful health technologies.