Sparking Diabetes Innovation In Kelowna

Sparking Diabetes Innovation in Kelowna

Some of our biggest challenges don’t always require the biggest solutions: they require a spark. UBC’s – BC Diabetes Research Network and its partners certainly created a spark in Kelowna on September 20, 2023 for the inaugural Type 2 Diabetes Spark Innovation Challenge.

Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and presented in partnership with Interior Health and UBCO’s Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management to spark innovation, collaboration and change in approaches to type 2 diabetes.

“This initiative is not merely a competition; it’s a platform that encourages innovation and progress. And through opportunities like Type 2 Spark, Boehringer Ingelheim is part of a vibrant, local ecosystem of breakthrough discoveries and innovative solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of those living with diabetes,” shares Lori Ball, the BC Manager of Health Care Solutions & Partnerships, Boehringer Ingelheim Canada.

Hosted at the Innovation Centre in Kelowna and emceed by UBCO’s Innovation Manager Sandra Spencer, our judging panel considered five pitches on innovative projects for type 2 diabetes prevention, management and treatment. With a full slate of innovative projects pitched, ultimately the judges awarded two prizes.

After an in-depth consideration of all pitches, the top prize of $15,000 was awarded to Remission Possible submitted by Jonathan Little, UBCO and the second prize of $10,000 to the YMCA of Southern Interior’s Lifestyle Coaching for Diabetes Prevention program.

Special thanks to our judging panel: Bruce Verchere, BCDRN; Lori Ball, Boehringer Ingelheim; Dee Taylor, Interior Health, Dave Gibson, Kelowna resident living with type 2 diabetes and Lynda Brown-Ganzert, CEO of Rx/Px.

And of course, many thanks to the incredible groups who came together to and submitted entries. We hope to see you all again next year at Spark 2.0.