The event, co-hosted by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, IDEA START, and Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation, brought our UM community together to learn about entrepreneurship in various forms.

After an inspiring welcome from UM Chancellor, David Angus, four faculty members shared their experiences applying entrepreneurship and innovation:

• Associate Professor Kathy Yerex, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, shared about a new module in the Dental Hygiene program to help students develop skills for professional innovation and small business.
• Dr. Wenxi Pu, Asper School of Business, shared about his new research method that uses linguistic analysis of U.S. media, supported by machine learning algorithms and AI, to reveal cultural attitudes about entrepreneurship.
• Dr. Stephane McLachlan shared how his work in Indigenous data sovereignty led him to create a social enterprise that supports an app called Our Data Indigenous.
• Dr. Geoff Tranmer shared about the journey to create Borotherapeutics, an early-stage drug development company that seeks to develop boron-based therapeutics particularly focused on ALS disease.

Attendees also heard brief introductions from the units on campus that support entrepreneurship in all its forms:

• Janine Carmichael, Faculty Specialist, Entrepreneurship, The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
• Debra Jonasson-Young, I.H. Asper Executive Director, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Moe Levy, Director, IDEA START
• Dr. Loren Oschipok, Director, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation

November marked the third annual Entrepreneurship & Innovative Thinking Month at the University of Manitoba. Along with the symposium, the month featured events, initiatives and highlights of how entrepreneurship and innovative approaches can support the pursuit of big ideas to help make the world a better place.

Check out the latest Entrepreneurship & Innovative Thinking Report on Activities for 2024/25.

At the heart of this thriving community is the Startup Coach Program, led by Ben Isakov, whose supportive approach and wealth of experience have guided more than 250 students this past year alone. For many, the program isn’t just about launching a business; it’s about finding clarity, confidence, and a sense of community.

The stories of students like Eniola Osabiya, who achieved an acquisition for this company, CreditCliq, Anthony Theriault, Co-Founder of Eleven59, and Matthew Larson of Larson Advertising illustrate the profound and personal impact Ben Isakov has on turning student business ideas into thriving ventures.

Eniola Osabiya: Co-Founder of CreditCliq

For Eniola Osabiya, a Computer Science Honours student in the Faculty of Science, entrepreneurship began with a challenge: how could international students use their existing credit history when applying for loans abroad?

That question gave rise to CreditCliq, a venture designed to bridge global credit systems. Earlier this year, CreditCliq reached an exciting milestone: an acquisition. But before that success, Eniola found essential support through the Startup Coach Program.

“The Startup Coach reminded me that you’re not building your venture alone, your part of a community,” Eniola shared.

Through guidance from Ben Isakov, Eniola gained not only introductions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem but also the clarity needed to move forward strategically.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned from Ben is a sense of clarity,” he explained. “I’m someone who tends to jump ahead, but Ben helped me slow down, evaluate opportunities, and keep moving forward.”

For Eniola, the program provided more than just advice; it offered a sense of belonging and perspective at a critical stage of growth.

Anthony Theriault: Co-Founder of Eleven59

Anthony Theriault, a student studying Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management Information Systems at the Asper School of Business, developed Eleven59. This app helps students stay on top of deadlines and key academic dates.

Eleven59 emerged from the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship ENTR Pitch Competition. Anthony, who started his first business, Kingdom Cards, at just fourteen, always knew he was destined to be an entrepreneur, but he had his moments of doubt.

“A common struggle for entrepreneurs is knowing what to do next and dealing with imposter syndrome,” Anthony said. “Connecting with Ben gave us a leg up. He’s always in your corner, helping you focus and take the next step.”

Having started his first venture at just fourteen, Anthony understood the excitement and uncertainty that came with building something new. The Startup Coach Program provided not only business guidance but also encouragement, the kind that keeps an idea alive when challenges feel overwhelming.

“Ben’s feedback helped us refine Eleven59 and move from concept to reality,” Anthony added. “It’s been an incredible resource.”

Matthew Larson: Founder of Larson Advertising

For Matthew Larson, a student at the Asper School of Business, entrepreneurship has always come naturally. From creating comic books in elementary school to launching small side hustles, he’s been driven by curiosity and creativity from an early age.

Today, Matthew runs Larson Advertising, a venture that turns reusable grocery bags into advertising opportunities for local businesses, an idea that blends innovation with sustainability.

After experimenting with vending machines and other projects, Matthew turned to Ben Isakov, the Startup Coach, to help refine his ideas and take confident action.

“Ben has helped me in numerous ways,” Matthew said. “I’ve always had a lot of ideas but was afraid to put myself out there. He encouraged me to take that step to act on my ideas and see where they lead.”

Looking back, Matthew’s only wish is that he had joined the program sooner.

“If I could advise my younger self, I’d say just do it,” he reflected. “Don’t be afraid to take the first step — start the business, start the idea, and learn as you go.”

From combating self-doubt to achieving major business milestones, the support provided through the Startup Coach Program has proven invaluable to students across campus, from the Asper School of Business to the Faculty of Science.

Whether you’re just starting to explore entrepreneurship, have an idea in progress, or are ready to grow your existing venture, the Startup Coach Program is available at any step of your entrepreneurial journey.

Learn more about the Startup Coach Program and other opportunities available through the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship.

There are a variety of events taking place through the month of November. These free events will build your entrepreneurship mindset, develop your skills and connect you with other innovators.

Check out all the free events and registration information here.

Witness a live pitch competition, visit the Indigenous Winter Market, participate in lunch hour learning opportunities, and so much more.

EIT Month coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week and International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, but UM supports are available year-round.

• Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation
• The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
• IDEA START
• Faculty of Science – Science Innovation Hub
• Lab 2 Market Prairies

Explore the many opportunities that support and celebrate entrepreneurship and innovative thinking at UM.

From left: Dr. Wenlong Yuan, Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, Dr. Annemieke Farenhorst, Dr. Jitendra Paliwal, Luma Clarindo Lopes, Yujie Ren, Miranda Gislason, Santiago Villarreal Villarraga, Andrea Ladouceur, Javier Schwersensky, Joelle Foster and Moses Levy

The energy was electric inside the Desautels Concert Hall as 11 finalists took the stage at the 2025 Falling Walls Lab Manitoba Finale, competing in front of more than 200 audience members. Each had just three minutes to pitch their groundbreaking idea, all aiming to “break walls” and change the world.

For the first time ever, IDEA START, in partnership with the University of Manitoba (UM) and the University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg), hosted the Falling Walls Lab Manitoba Finale, bringing together some of the province’s brightest minds in a celebration of innovation, research, and collaboration.

The evening opened in a good way with Grandmother Karen Courchene, who offered her blessings and welcoming words. This was followed by a moving Indigenous drum performance by Singing Wolf, setting a tone of respect, tradition, and unity.

Adding to the evening’s significance, Hon. Minister Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology, attended as chief guest and underscored Manitoba’s growing innovation landscape:

“What a great event! The work being done here is incredibly important and will drive the economy in years to come. We are proud that IDEA START, in partnership with the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, is hosting this event, which not only showcases the ingenuity of our students and researchers but also reinforces our province’s commitment to fostering innovation at every level… Your bold thinking is exactly what we need to move forward.”

The event was smoothly emceed by Janine Carmichael (University of Manitoba) and Lauren Bosc (University of Winnipeg), whose engaging presence kept the evening flowing seamlessly.
Leaders from the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, and IDEA START highlighted the collaboration that made the evening possible.

Hans-Joachim Wieden, Associate Vice-President, Partnership, Knowledge Mobilisation, and Innovation, University of Manitoba said:

“Innovation is not bound by geography or scale, what starts here in Manitoba has the power to reach anywhere in the world. This event is about collaboration, risk-taking, and putting ideas into the world where they can grow and inspire others,”

Dr. Jitendra Paliwal, Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation, University of Winnipeg, added:

“To the students, I say this: love what you do and put your heart and soul into it. Congratulations on stepping onto this stage and breaking the proverbial walls of these institutions. To everyone here tonight, you are about to witness innovation and research that has the power to change the world,” 

Moses Levy, Director, IDEA START, said:

“Falling Walls Lab Manitoba reflects exactly what IDEA START stands for, giving innovators the stage, the support, and the confidence to transform bold ideas into real-world impact,” said 

Adding a special touch, Honorary Consul in Winnipeg for Germany, Jutta Essig, extended her best wishes to all participants, recognizing the global significance of the ideas presented, 

“I send greetings to the participants and wish you a successful event with congrats to all researchers, students and entrepreneurs having such a great platform to present their innovations.”

A lively jazz interlude by the The Emma Lewis Trio from the Desautels Faculty of Music, University of Manitoba gave the audience and finalists a chance to recharge before the winners were announced.

Winners of the 2025 Falling Walls Lab Manitoba

First Place: Luma Clarindo Lopes 
Breaking the Walls of Antibiotic Resistance
University of Manitoba

Luma claimed the top prize with her innovative approach to combatting antibiotic resistance, one of the greatest threats to modern medicine. Her work could enable rapid identification of resistance before treatment begins, saving lives worldwide. She will now represent Manitoba at the Falling Walls Global Finale in Berlin this November.
Reflecting on her experience, Luma shared:

“Being selected as a finalist was thrilling, and the coaching sessions were especially valuable in refining my pitch and boosting my confidence. On stage, I felt adrenaline but also confident in my preparation. Falling Walls is an incredible initiative that gives researchers and entrepreneurs a platform to share their ideas. It was inspiring to see such amazing and innovative ideas coming out of Manitoba.”

Second Place: Yujie Ren
Breaking the Wall of Intraoperative MRI Head Coil
University of Winnipeg
Yujie impressed judges with her reimagined MRI head coil design, promising sharper imaging during surgery and better outcomes for patients.

Third Place: Miranda Gislason
Breaking the Walls of Invisible Genomic Bias
University of Manitoba
Miranda addressed hidden biases in genomic datasets, ensuring advancements in genomics benefit all populations, not just a select few.

Audience Choice: Santiago Villarreal Villarraga
Breaking the Walls of Human Error in Wildfires
University of Manitoba
Santiago won over the audience with strategies to minimize human error in wildfire prevention and response, a timely idea in an era of escalating climate risks.

Innovation Takes Centre Stage

The 2025 finale was more than a competition; it was a celebration of Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem. With strong institutional partnerships, cultural traditions woven into the program, and world-class ideas on display, the event showcased Manitoba’s power to inspire and lead.

As the applause rang out, one message was clear: Manitoba’s innovators aren’t just breaking walls, they are building bridges to a brighter future.

Next stop: Berlin, where Luma Clarindo Lopes will carry Manitoba’s ideas to the world stage.

The event was made possible thanks to generous support from our sponsors:

• Event Sponsor: North Forge
• Awards Sponsor: Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba
• First Place Sponsor: University of Manitoba
• Second Place Sponsor: The University of Winnipeg
• Third Place Sponsor: Research Manitoba

For the University of Manitoba alum Emily Thoroski, that step came when she decided to combine her two biggest loves: music and the environment.

“The Environmental Musician started as a dream through my passion for music and the environment while studying at the University of Manitoba,” Emily explains.

While completing her thesis in Environmental Science, Emily asked biologists why wildlife mattered to them. Those answers inspired her to create something unique: writing songs that brought research, science, and stories about nature to life through music to inspire children to think positively about the environment. Through performing in schools across the province, Emily makes her side hustle business as The Environmental Musician with a mission to connect people, especially children, to the environment in new and meaningful ways.

But even with a clear vision, Emily knew there were gaps in her knowledge. She had spent years immersed in science, but not in business. That’s when she discovered the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship’s How to Start a Side Hustle Course, sponsored by The Asper Foundation, a six-week virtual workshop open to UM students, faculty, staff, and alumni who want to explore entrepreneurship on their own terms.

“Being a part of the How to Start a Side Hustle Course gave me the business knowledge to get me started in my side hustle that I never had,” Emily says. “I’ve attended the University of Manitoba for several years, but never knew the business side, which is where this course has helped me the most.”

Photo by Mikaela Mackenzie for the Free Press, used with permission of the photographer.

For Emily, the course was more than a crash course in entrepreneurship. It was a space for personal growth.

“I was a shy kid my whole life, but when I saw this opportunity come up, I knew I had to go for it, and I’m so excited I did,” she shares. “Seeing the excitement on children’s faces when I perform, and how it opens their eyes, it feels like the start of something bigger for the future.”

Since its launch in September 2024, the How to Start a Side Hustle Course has already welcomed over 250 applicants and supported 60 participants, all exploring their own unique passions and ventures. For Emily, being part of that growing community has been just as valuable as the skills she learned.

“The Side Hustle community has been helpful not only for the business side, but also in growing connections with entrepreneurs from other industries,” she says.

Looking back, Emily is glad she took the leap into the How to Start a Side Hustle Course.

“My advice to anyone thinking about this course is don’t be afraid—just go for it,” she says. “You won’t know what you’ll get out of it or how it can help your business until you try. I’m so glad I did.”

—

Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort of the How to Start a Side Hustle Course are open until September 19, 2025. Learn more on the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship website.

Jointly hosted by IDEA START, University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, Falling Walls Lab Manitoba is part of a prestigious international competition that invites emerging researchers, students, and entrepreneurs to share their groundbreaking ideas designed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

What can you expect?

A fast-paced environment where you’ll have just three minutes to present your concept to a panel of experts and a live audience. Whether your focus is on sustainable food systems, mental health technology, innovative policies, or energy solutions, all disciplines are welcome. This is about more than just science; it’s about transformative thinking.

Hans-Joachim Wieden, AVP, PKMI (IDEA START), University of Manitoba, expressed the essence of this event perfectly: “Our goal is to spotlight the next generation of thinkers from Manitoba—those pushing the boundaries of knowledge and impact. The ideas we hear here may shape the world tomorrow.”

The winner of Falling Walls Lab Manitoba will win $1000 CAD as well as earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the global finale in Berlin on November 7, 2025. This is part of the renowned Falling Walls Science Summit, where you’ll join Nobel laureates, research leaders, and innovators from around the world.

Who Can Apply?

• Students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and early-career professionals.
• Individuals from all academic disciplines and industries.
• You must hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Your idea must be original, solution-oriented, and relevant to today’s global challenges.

It takes just 10–15 minutes to apply. This is your opportunity to represent the Manitoba, Canada internationally — and connect with global minds shaping the future.

Don’t let this moment pass you by. The walls are falling—make your idea the next big breakthrough!

Apply now: https://umanitoba.ca/ideastart/falling-walls-lab-manitoba

Questions? Reach out: ideastartcommunity@umanitoba.ca

** Falling Walls Lab is a global initiative by the Falling Walls Foundation in Berlin, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall by celebrating scientific and social breakthroughs that dismantle barriers to progress.

A collaborative project between IDEA START and The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, the IDEA START Podcast amplifies voices from across disciplines and corners of campus.

Hosted by Rajeev Koyal of IDEA START and Janine Carmichael of The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, each episode dives deep into the stories and ideas that demonstrate UM’s innovative spirit and meaningful support.

“We created this podcast to celebrate and connect with the many people across campus who are reimagining what is possible,” says Koyal. “It’s also a space to learn from each other and to make the work of innovation more visible.”

Highlights from Season One:

• UM President Dr. Michael Benarroch shares his vision for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial learning at UM.
• The 100^Th UMSU President Divya Sharma and UMSU General Manager Thomas Blumer introduce UMSU Ventures – a new space to help student entrepreneurs bring their venture to life on campus.
• Debra Jonasson-Young, Director of the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, outlines key supports for students of all disciplines.
• Dr. Brenda Stoesz, who leads the Science of Teaching and Learning Team shares how Virtual Reality is being used to reimagine faculty development.
• Dr. Loren Oschipok, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation Office Director dives into strategies for protecting and advancing intellectual property.

With episodes running approximately 30 minutes, the podcast is designed for busy students, faculty, staff, and alumni who want to stay inspired and connected.

Where to Listen

The IDEA START Podcast is available on all major platforms: Listen or watch on YouTube, Yuja, or listen on Spotify. New episodes drop monthly during the academic year.

“Whether you’re launching a venture, integrating creativity into your teaching, or just curious about how innovation shows up and is supported at UM, there’s something in these stories for you,” says Carmichael.

To listen or learn more, visit IDEA START Podcast.

Do you have guest suggestions for Season 2? Reach out to Rajeev Koyal or Janine Carmichael.

The uCR-Chip

The device, called the uCR-Chip, is a low-cost, portable diagnostic tool that makes kidney function testing faster, easier and more accessible. It delivers results in under seven minutes and doesn’t require advanced lab equipment.

Recently published in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering, the findings highlight how this technology could play a role in improving early detection and health outcomes for individuals living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

A Growing Health Concern

Nearly 1 in 10 Canadians has kidney disease. That’s 4 million people – often going undiagnosed until the disease reaches an advanced stage. It is a silent epidemic that not only degrades quality of life but also burdens health-care systems with the high cost of dialysis and transplantation. Early diagnosis, however, can drastically change a patient’s trajectory, offering better treatment options and even slowing or preventing disease progression.

Dr. Claudio Rigatto

“Early diagnosis is critical,” says Dr. Claudio Rigatto, professor of internal medicine in the Max Rady College of Medicine, who is one of the project’s lead investigators. “If we can detect kidney disease early, we can prevent progression to dialysis in many cases.”

The problem? Current testing methods for kidney function usually require lab visits, expensive equipment, trained personnel and several days for results. These barriers make routine screening inaccessible for many, especially those in Indigenous and rural communities.

A Solution for Early Detection with Powerful Potential

The uCR-Chip is designed to solve these challenges. Developed by a team led by Rigatto and Dr. Francis Lin, professor of immunology, the chip uses a color-based chemical reaction to measure creatinine – a key marker of kidney health –from a small urine sample. And because it runs without special lab equipment, the chip can be used on-site at health clinics or in mobile settings. 

Dr. Francis Lin

“Traditional lab tests can take days and may delay diagnosis,” says Lin. “Our new test method will lead to faster, more accessible and reliable diagnostic results to prevent irreversible kidney damage.”

The research team also includes Dr. Paul Komenda, Dr. Navdeep Tangri, Dr. Abdulrazaq Sokoro, Dr. Rene Zahedi, graduate student Dumitru Tomsa, research associate Dr. Yang Liu and former postdoctoral fellows Dr. Amanda Stefanson and  Dr. Xiaoou Ren. Working alongside industry partners, the team is partnering with a Manitoba-based biotechnology company, AssureCKD Inc., on further development of CDK diagnostic test methods and commercialization.

Improving Access to Care, Easing Burden on the Health-care System

The uCR-Chip, the researchers say, has the potential to ease pressure on health-care systems by identifying kidney issues earlier, reducing the number of people who progress to late-stage disease. That means fewer people many require costly treatments like dialysis or transplants, and more can manage their health effectively with early interventions.

Dumitru Tomsa, Dr. Amanda Stefanson and Dr. Yang Liu

In many rural, remote and Indigenous communities, access to advanced lab equipment is limited, posing a barrier to accessing kidney function tests. uCR-Chip offers a portable, low-cost option that could be used in rural settings and dramatically improve access to essential testing.

“This innovation opens the door to more personalized care,” says Rigatto. “With faster results, medical providers can adjust treatments in real time, ensuring patients get the right care at the right time.”

As health-care systems across Canada search for cost-effective ways to manage chronic illnesses, the UM scientists say, innovations like the uCR-Chip offer not just hope, but solutions that put life-saving diagnostics in the hands of those who need them most.

It was the second event for Reyes’ initiative called Port-a-Kindness. The first was a mobile campus hangout in collaboration with the International Centre in February.

Reyes’ unexpected entrepreneurial journey all began with an invitation to Better Together.

Better Together is a 2-day experiential learning opportunity to build entrepreneurial thinking skills and collaborate with others in interdisciplinary teams. Participants also engage in a rapid design sprint to develop and share a validated solution to a campus challenge. Over 150 UM community members – staff, faculty and students – have participated in the past two years. It is hosted by Janine Carmichael and Meaghan Ewharekuko from The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.

“Originally, I thought Better Together was about starting businesses so I didn’t think it was for me. My friend encouraged me to come, and I learned that entrepreneurial skills can be used to address all kinds of problems, not just those of customers,” said Reyes.   

Reyes’ team worked on addressing theft at campus retailers, a challenge submitted by the University of Manitoba Students’ Union.

“At Better Together, the tables are set with big pieces of paper and supplies like sticky-notes, markers and fidgets. We started by deeply understanding the problem before brainstorming solutions and developing our pitch. I remember jotting down “mobile campus hangout” during the event. I even took a picture of it.” said Reyes.

After Better Together, the idea continued to percolate.

“I met Daniel Heschuk from the Faculty of Science Innovation Hub at Better Together. Like Janine, he has supported me with meaningful suggestions. I learned at Better Together about other entrepreneurial supports on campus and I’m now taking SCI4000: The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Scientists and Engineers. This course has been very timely for this season of my journey. My instructor, Joshua Zaporzan, has helped me develop my idea, too,” Reyes added.   

After Better Together, Reyes connected with others on campus, including the International Centre, Science Students’ Association, UMSU, and IDEA START. Rajeev Koyal, Program Manager at IDEA START, invited her to set up her initiative outside their space in UMSU University Centre.

“So many people are longing for meaningful connections with others. Our mobile campus hangout helps with that. And our gratitude wall helped the UM community take a moment to reflect on what is good. Gratitude and connection are like an antidote to uncertainty and loneliness.”

Reyes is grateful for the support she has received from many entrepreneurial supports on campus.

“Not only that, many other people stopped at the gratitude wall to offer to be involved. This may just be the beginning.”

Got an entrepreneurial idea? Not sure where to go for assistance?

IDEA START is UM’s new unit dedicated to ensuring entrepreneurial thinkers and doers are connected with the right support at the right time. That may be the Faculty of Science Innovation Hub, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation, The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, UMSU Ventures, or other supports on and off campus.

If you are a student, staff, faculty or alumni reach out so the UM community can support you.

“Our goal is to create a glucose monitoring system that is not only effective but also accessible,” says Dr. Wen Zhong, Professor of Biosystems Engineering in the Price Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and lead researcher on the project. “By using egg white, a widely available and sustainable material, we can significantly reduce costs while maintaining high accuracy in glucose detection.”

A painless and affordable solution

Current glucose monitoring systems either require invasive finger pricks or rely on costly continuous glucose monitors, both of which pose challenges for individuals managing diabetes.

This research project introduces a noninvasive solution: hydrogel-based biosensors derived from egg white. These biosensors are designed to be integrated into wearable platforms, such as wristbands and smart shoes, where they analyze glucose levels through sweat. This eliminates the need for blood samples, ensuring real-time, accurate readings.

The innovation has attracted the interest of Avriel International, a Winnipeg-based shoe design and development company specializing in smart footwear for diabetics. Avriel is interested in incorporating non-invasive glucose sensor into their smart shoes and wristbands, since no such sensor currently exists on the market. They are partnering and validating the prototypes, marking a major step toward commercialization. 

A prototype of a Smart Shoe Sole (left) and the mold for the shoe sole (right), as developed by researchers at Red River College.

Egg white, a sustainable and nutrient-rich material, has long been used in the food industry but remains underutilized in biomedical applications. Its unique thermal, electrical, and fluid properties make it an ideal candidate for biosensor development.

By leveraging egg white’s potential, this project advances patient care and medical innovation while opening new economic opportunities to expand the use of egg white in high-value medical products.

Bridging healthcare gaps with smart wearable technology

The impact of these biosensors could extend far beyond innovation. Millions of people with diabetes struggle with the high costs and discomfort of glucose monitoring. A cost-effective, 3D-printable, and self-powered sensor could bridge these healthcare gaps, offering a sustainable and inclusive solution.

“Accessibility and sustainability are at the core of our research,” says Zhong. “Our biosensors are designed to be self-powered using green energy harvesting, reducing dependence on disposable batteries and minimizing electronic waste.”

The project is supported by Research Manitoba – Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant Program and Egg Farmers Canada, helping bring this technology closer to real-world application.

As this technology moves closer to commercialization, it has the potential to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and diabetes management ensuring that glucose monitoring is no longer a painful, expensive burden.