In November 2023, the inaugural Innovation Catalyst Fund grants were awarded to six QEII innovators. And with the community rallying behind John and Susan’s visionary leadership matching their $100,000 in 2023, $200,000 in funding was available. The diverse range of projects focused on refining systems, building prototypes, performing beta trials, launching field studies, and demonstrating proof of concept.
Dr. Jennifer Johnston, a family physician and founder of Elle, MD Biotechnologies won the top $100,000 grant for her project, The Better Ring. A safe, accessible, reliable contraceptive that is hormone-free, Dr. Johnston’s innovative idea has potential to impact millions of women around the world. And the Innovation Catalyst Fund moved her one step closer to making that a reality, enabling her to begin a clinical study this year.