A night of Digital Health brilliance at Inventures 2024

Alberta Innovates is thrilled to announce the recipients of the Digital Health Innovation Awards, hosted by our Health Team during Inventures 2024 last week. These awards recognize the remarkable individuals and companies strengthening the digital health innovation landscape in Alberta and spotlighted achievements across four key categories: 

• Up and Coming Talent: Reza Kakavand, University of Calgary
• Trailblazer Digital Health Researcher: Dr. James White, University of Calgary 
• Outstanding Digital Health Company: OraQ AI
• Health System Innovation Champion: Dr. Garnette Sutherland, University of Calgary  

The selection of the deserving recipients was made possible by the generous contributions of a diverse panel of award adjudicators from across the province. Due to the volume of exceptional nominees, a People’s Choice Award was also featured, and awarded to Joella Almeida.  

The event was held as part of the Health Innovation Rooftop Rendezvous, bringing together a diverse group of health innovation enthusiasts, from aspiring talent, to clinicians, researchers, innovators, ecosystem builders, and champions. The celebration of excellence served to energize and inspire the entire digital health ecosystem through the recognition of the awardees and the transformative work being done in Alberta. This incredible evening was also made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: CGI, The Canadian Sport Institute Alberta, the Women’s Health Coalition, Global Public Affairs, and Telus Health. 

For Alberta Innovates, presenting these awards showcased our commitment to excellence and leadership in digital health innovation. The event facilitated networking and new opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. 

We congratulate all the recipients and nominees and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence in digital health! 

Alberta Innovates’ Director, Health Innovation Talent, Nicole Mardis with ‘Up and Coming Talent’ award winner Reza Kakavand from the University of Calgary.	‘Outstanding Digital Health Company’ award winner OraQ AI.
Alberta Innovates’ Director of Research, Health Innovation, Sunil Rajput with ‘Trailblazer Digital Health Researcher’ award winner Dr. James White from the University of Calgary.	Alberta Innovates’ Senior Business Partner, Health System Innovation, Nancy Walter with ‘Health System Innovation Champion’ award winner Dr. Garnette Sutherland from the University of Calgary.