MaRS Innovation is reporting that Sault Ste. Marie-based eQOL received $435,475 from the Ontario government last week in a ceremony with MPP David Orazietti. The funding includes $415,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), plus $20,475 to hire an intern under the Northern Ontario Internship Program. eQOL will use the money to complete clinical studies for its Dialysis Platform for Communication, Assistance and Training (DiCAT).
“With this support from our government, eQOL is able to use their innovative new technology in clinical studies – the first step towards commercializing the technology,” said Orazietti. “This software will not only enhance the quality of life for dialysis patients, but will also benefit our health care system and community as it streamlines processes and alleviates strain on hospital resources.”
Founded in 2012, eQOL was a graduate of the University of Toronto’s UTEST incubator. The company had previously received a provincial investment of $100,000 in 2013 to help develop DiCAT.
“We are happy to have the opportunity to develop our company in Sault Ste. Marie and there has been tremendous support from the people and organizations in the community,” said Binh Nguyen, president & CEO, eQOL. “We have also received outstanding support from the Provincial government and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. We look forward to working in Sault Ste. Marie with its community members and building a truly great company.”