fbpx

Waterloo Smart Contact Lens Start-Up Receives $1.4 M in Seed Capital

Medella Health, a start-up company developing a proprietary smart glucose monitoring contact lens, founded at University of Waterloo’s technology incubator, has raised $1.4 M seed capital from venture capital firms.

In June last year, InfoClip reported Harry Ghandi, the company co-founder, was awarded a $100,000 prestigious Thiel grant to develop the product. The team has since grown to include nanotechnology, micro-electronics, health IT and micro-fabrication experts in its quest to commercialize the product, disrupt the market and take advantage of the shift to preventative health care.

Ghandi told InfoClip the company anticipates a final prototype by the end of 2017.

Lyndon Jones, Director of the Centre for Contact Lens Research is impressed. “Not only do they (Medella) have the rigor and the resilience to solve the hard problems facing this industry, but they weave together the balance between visionary purpose and practical implementation.”

The market opportunity for bio-sensors and health monitoring has not gone unnoticed. Alcon’s parent company, Novartis, announced the licensing-in of smart lens technology for ocular use last year from Google.

Featured Posts

Optik My Eye Mates Contest

Optik MyEyeMates Contest: Refer, Win, and Score a Trip to Vision Expo East 2025!

Optik Magazine in collaboration with Vision Expo is thrilled to announce an exclusive contest just for Canadians in the eye care and eyewear industry!

Learn More
SILMO Paris 2024

Where the Future of Optics Takes Shape: Highlights Revealed

From September 20 to 23, inspired by the Olympic values of performance, innovation and talent, SILMO Paris opens its doors to all industry professionals.

Read more
Opto-Réseau logo

Opto-Réseau: Founding Partner of the Summer Entrepreneurship School at University of Montreal’s School of Optometry

The largest network of independent eye care professionals in Quebec is shaping the next generation of optometry entrepreneurs in collaboration with the University of Montreal’s School of Optometry and Millénium Québecor.

Read more
Claudia Alan AYA Ambleside

Discover Coastal Elegance with Ambleside Sunglasses by AYA!

Introducing Ambleside by AYA! Transform your style with these sleek, sophisticated sunglasses inspired by Ambleside Beach.

Read more
Nikon Optical Canada logo

A New President for Nikon Optical Canada

Nikon Optical Canada announces the appointment of Denise Bernachez as the company's new President, effective September 1, 2024.

Read more
Optik My Eye Mates Contest

Optik MyEyeMates Contest: Refer, Win, and Score a Trip to Vision Expo East 2025!

Optik Magazine in collaboration with Vision Expo is thrilled to announce an exclusive contest just for Canadians in the eye care and eyewear industry!

Learn More
SILMO Paris 2024

Where the Future of Optics Takes Shape: Highlights Revealed

From September 20 to 23, inspired by the Olympic values of performance, innovation and talent, SILMO Paris opens its doors to all industry professionals.

Read More
Opto-Réseau logo

Opto-Réseau: Founding Partner of the Summer Entrepreneurship School at University of Montreal’s School of Optometry

The largest network of independent eye care professionals in Quebec is shaping the next generation of optometry entrepreneurs in collaboration with the University of Montreal’s School of Optometry and Millénium Québecor.

Read More
Claudia Alan AYA Ambleside

Discover Coastal Elegance with Ambleside Sunglasses by AYA!

Introducing Ambleside by AYA! Transform your style with these sleek, sophisticated sunglasses inspired by Ambleside Beach.

Read More
Nikon Optical Canada logo

A New President for Nikon Optical Canada

Nikon Optical Canada announces the appointment of Denise Bernachez as the company's new President, effective September 1, 2024.

Read More
Optik My Eye Mates Contest

Optik MyEyeMates Contest: Refer, Win, and Score a Trip to Vision Expo East 2025!

Optik Magazine in collaboration with Vision Expo is thrilled to announce an exclusive contest just for Canadians in the eye care and eyewear industry!

Learn More
SILMO Paris 2024

Where the Future of Optics Takes Shape: Highlights Revealed

From September 20 to 23, inspired by the Olympic values of performance, innovation and talent, SILMO Paris opens its doors to all industry professionals.

Read more
Opto-Réseau logo

Opto-Réseau: Founding Partner of the Summer Entrepreneurship School at University of Montreal’s School of Optometry

The largest network of independent eye care professionals in Quebec is shaping the next generation of optometry entrepreneurs in collaboration with the University of Montreal’s School of Optometry and Millénium Québecor.

Read more
Claudia Alan AYA Ambleside

Discover Coastal Elegance with Ambleside Sunglasses by AYA!

Introducing Ambleside by AYA! Transform your style with these sleek, sophisticated sunglasses inspired by Ambleside Beach.

Read more
Nikon Optical Canada logo

A New President for Nikon Optical Canada

Nikon Optical Canada announces the appointment of Denise Bernachez as the company's new President, effective September 1, 2024.

Read more
Optik My Eye Mates Contest

Optik MyEyeMates Contest: Refer, Win, and Score a Trip to Vision Expo East 2025!

Optik Magazine in collaboration with Vision Expo is thrilled to announce an exclusive contest just for Canadians in the eye care and eyewear industry!

Learn More
SILMO Paris 2024

Where the Future of Optics Takes Shape: Highlights Revealed

From September 20 to 23, inspired by the Olympic values of performance, innovation and talent, SILMO Paris opens its doors to all industry professionals.

Read more
Opto-Réseau logo

Opto-Réseau: Founding Partner of the Summer Entrepreneurship School at University of Montreal’s School of Optometry

The largest network of independent eye care professionals in Quebec is shaping the next generation of optometry entrepreneurs in collaboration with the University of Montreal’s School of Optometry and Millénium Québecor.

Read more
Claudia Alan AYA Ambleside

Discover Coastal Elegance with Ambleside Sunglasses by AYA!

Introducing Ambleside by AYA! Transform your style with these sleek, sophisticated sunglasses inspired by Ambleside Beach.

Read more
Nikon Optical Canada logo

A New President for Nikon Optical Canada

Nikon Optical Canada announces the appointment of Denise Bernachez as the company's new President, effective September 1, 2024.

Read more