Ottawa Hospital Hosts Groundbreaking Healthcare Innovation Competition
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) made waves in the medical community this week by hosting its innovative Bear's Den event, modeled after the popular Shark Tank television format. The competition showcased cutting-edge healthcare solutions from entrepreneurs and researchers determined to transform pediatric medicine.
On November 28, 2025, the event culminated in a major victory for Rachel Bartholomew and her company Hyivy Health, who walked away with the $25,000 grand prize. The award recognizes their significant contribution to healthcare innovation and provides crucial funding to advance their medical technology.
Transforming Healthcare Through Competition
The Bear's Den event represents a growing trend in healthcare where medical institutions actively seek out and support innovative solutions through competitive funding opportunities. CHEO's approach mirrors successful models from the business world, applying them to the critical field of pediatric healthcare.
Participants presented their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of judges comprising healthcare professionals, investors, and medical experts. The competition highlighted Ottawa's emerging role as a hub for medical innovation and technological advancement in healthcare delivery.
Hyivy Health's Winning Contribution
While specific details about Hyivy Health's winning technology weren't fully disclosed in the initial announcement, the company's success signals important advancements in patient care methodology. The substantial financial award will enable further development and implementation of their healthcare solution.
Rachel Bartholomew's victory demonstrates the growing importance of entrepreneurial thinking in addressing complex healthcare challenges. The Bear's Den format proves particularly effective at identifying and supporting promising medical innovations that might otherwise struggle to secure traditional funding.
The event underscores CHEO's commitment to advancing pediatric care through innovation and collaboration with healthcare entrepreneurs. As medical technology continues to evolve rapidly, such competitions play a vital role in bridging the gap between conceptual ideas and practical healthcare solutions that benefit patients directly.
