Windsor-ON – On Friday, March 11, 2016 Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in collaboration with WEtech Alliance, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation and MaRS Discovery District will host a local health innovation event connecting provincial players to support research and innovation in healthcare.
The event titled “Health Innovation as an Economic Driver” aims to bring key players with unique expertise and influence together to support life science companies and healthcare providers like Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.
“Research and innovation is an integral part of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s identity. We are committed to continuing to develop a thriving research and innovation program that builds upon our medical programs and services. Events like this Friday’s are important to the contribution of progress within our healthcare system,” said Bill Marra, Vice President of External Affairs, Innovation and Philanthropy.
Rakesh Naidu, CEO (Interim) of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation added, “The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation welcomes this innovative collaboration to support research and innovation in healthcare. The Windsor-Essex region is developing into a strong cross-border life sciences location. Access to markets, education and research institutions, hospitals, and skilled workforce on both sides of the border makes it a natural location to carry out research, clinical trials as well as, manufacturing of medical devices. The opportunity to access programs through MaRS will further benefit the companies in the region and assist the Economic Development Corporation to continue our efforts to further grow and strengthen this sector.”
The invite-only event will welcome keynote speakers Dr. Zayna Khayat, Senior Advisor, Health System Innovation from MaRS Discovery District and Bill Charnetski, Chief Health Innovation Strategist from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
A Windsor native and University of Windsor president’s medalist (1996), Dr. Zayna Khayat will address attendees on the “Future of the Hospital” and how the region can improve health while driving its local economy through innovation. She is a long-time consultant with extensive experience promoting Ontario innovations to healthcare systems around the world.
With over a decade of experience in developing integrated health solutions in Canada and around the world in the pharmaceutical industry, Bill Charnetski will share his priorities and talk about the healthcare sector as economic driver.
“We know that Healthcare certainly has its share of very complex questions. There is something very powerful about bringing thinkers, doers and industry leaders together to recognize the influence we have in answering these questions,” said Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WEtech Alliance.
At the event, MaRS Health, a division of MaRS Discovery District, and WEtech Alliance will announce that they are forming a new collaborative program to enhance engagement between healthcare organizations and health ventures in Ontario. As part of this new collaboration, MaRS Health and WEtech will work together to build a network of healthcare organizations committed to serving as testing, validation and pilot sites for new innovative technologies developed by startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Beginning at 9:30 am, format will include a series of keynote addresses. It will also provide the opportunity for regional healthcare innovators to pitch their innovations and vision for driving our region’s innovation sector and economic growth.
ABOUT: MaRS Discovery District https://www.marsdd.com/
For more information contact:
Bill Marra, Vice President External Affairs, Innovation & Philanthropy – (519) 919-0033
Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WEtech Alliance – (519) 819-8251
Rakesh Naidu, CEO (Interim) of WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation – (519) 259-9600
