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UBC, BC Cancer researchers develop AI model to predict cancer survival rates (BETAKIT)
Researchers from the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer have developed an AI model that makes predictions on cancer patient survival rates using oncologists’ notes.
Using natural language processing, the researchers conducted a prognostic study of over 47,600 patients with cancer and predicted their survival rates over the course of six, 36 and 60 months.
Toronto’s Hypercare sole Canadian startup selected for AWS healthcare accelerator (BETAKIT)
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) accelerator was initially launched in November 2022 with the goal of “driving new digital solutions for the global healthcare workforce,” specifically by providing startups with more than 50 hours of custom content sessions, healthcare, business and mentoring.
Selectee Hypercare’s platform aims to streamline coordination between multiple providers across different departments and specialties. Healthcare professionals can download the app which creates schedules in real-time and lets providers communicate through its HIPAA-compliant chat feature.
Inventures brings the world’s brightest minds and boldest ideas together for three extraordinary days of learning, sharing, inspiration and fun. Choose from multiple programming streams, including content showcasing the power of Artificial Intelligence and its role in fueling quantum computing to revolutionize industries.
Quantum technology is set to drive breakthroughs in fintech and blockchain applications, while simultaneously enabling space exploration of far reaches of the universe. Learn from the innovators, entrepreneurs and regulators who are on the forefront of the global data revolution at Inventures.
Columbus-based CoverMyMeds to cut more than 800 jobs, close Arizona office (THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH)
CoverMyMeds, the Columbus-based health technology firm, announced to its staff this morning that it is laying off 815 workers and leasing out space in its new Franklinton headquarters.
CoverMyMeds did not specify where the 815 jobs would be cut, but said the company's Scottsdale, Arizona, office would be closed and its Atlanta, Georgia office would be reduced in size.
Federal #Budget2023 includes cleantech commitments, little else for innovation (BETAKIT)
The Government of Canada's 2023 budget is out and it's heavy on cleantech and light on innovation.
Notable commitments include $500 million for cleantech investing through the Strategic Innovation Fund, and numerous new cleantech and clean energy investment-related tax credits totalling billions of dollars. Additionally, the feds are instituting guidelines on the disclosure of crypto assets for federally-regulated financial institutions and pension funds in the wake of high-profile failures like FTX.
Better Therapeutics to cut 35% of workforce (MASSDEVICE)
Per the digital therapeutic developer’s most recent annual report, it had 44 employees as of Dec. 31, 2021. The layoffs come part of a cost-reduction initiative and could affect as many as 15 employees if the headcount remains similar.
Better Therapeutics is not the only digital therapeutic developer to enforce layoffs recently. Both Pear Therapeutics and Akili slashed their workforces.
Ontario budget gains kudos for streamlining procurement, increasing access to skilled talent (BETAKIT)
The province committed to providing an additional $2 million for the Futurpreneur program, $224 million for a new capital stream of the Skills Development Fund to leverage private-sector expertise, and boost the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program with an additional $25 million over three years to attract more skilled workers.
Wellvana Health raises $84M to expand value-based care platform (MOBIHEALTHNEWS)
Wellvana Health, a value-based care platform for healthcare providers, garnered an $84 million capital investment, bringing its total raise to $140 million.
The Nashville-based company offers health systems, independent primary care physicians and specialists guidance and incentives to improve value-based care models using tools such as data analytics and population health technology. Wellvana will use the funds to support its growth in U.S. markets.
FDA can now reject new medical devices over cyber standards
(THE RECORD.)
The Food and Drug Administration affirmed Wednesday that medical device manufacturers must now prove their products meet certain cybersecurity standards in order to get the agency’s approval.
Under the law, manufacturers must design and release updates and patches after a product goes to market, provide a software bill of materials, and submit a plan for identifying and addressing “postmarket cybersecurity vulnerabilities.” The rules impact devices that have software and are connected to the internet, for example insulin pumps, blood sugar monitors, and certain pacemakers.
Uber Health rolls out same-day prescription delivery with plans to ship healthy food, OTC meds (FIERCE HEALTHCARE)
Healthcare providers and health plans that use Uber Health will be able to manage prescription deliveries from any pharmacy in their service area through the same platform they already use to coordinate rides for patients, according to Uber Health.
Uber aims to use its logistics muscle to push further into healthcare delivery with a particular focus on transporting patients to medical visits and home drug delivery.
Haply Robotics secures $4.8 million CAD seed round to develop tactile tech used for surgical training, gaming (BETAKIT)
Montréal-based Haply Robotics has secured $4.8 million CAD ( $3.5 million USD) to further develop haptic technology for medical training and gamificaiton in a seed round of funding led by BDC Capital’s Deep Tech Venture Fund.
Haptic technology is used to transmit touch feedback through vibrations, sensations, and motion. When used in robotic or virtual surgical training, for example, users can feel what it’s like to “cut tissue, drill into the bone, or excise fat.”
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