LIFE-CHANGING

IGNITING INNOVATION

The six QEII innovators pictured with John Hunkin, Susan Crocker, Susan Mullin and Innovation Den judges and host at the Innovation Den in November 2023.

$200,000

GRANTED TO QEII RESEARCHERS THROUGH THE INNOVATION CATALYST FUND

John Hunkin and Susan Crocker believe investing in people with innovative ideas has the potential to transform local care and provide global solutions that will address today’s healthcare challenges and improve the lives of patients. 

That’s why the forward-thinking couple donated $1 million to the QEII Foundation to create the Innovation Catalyst Fund to accelerate health transformation through the QEII. For the next ten years, their support will provide annual grants to QEII innovators. 

The QEII has the size, scale, and talent to make a huge impact on medical innovation. There is already a vast amount of leading research and innovation happening here but there is still great opportunity to introduce more innovation and give it visibility so that the community knows what’s happening. – John Hunkin

John Hunkin, QEII Foundation donor (pictured with Susan Crocker, Dr. Jennifer Johnston and Susan Mullin at the 2023 Innovation Den)

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.