The Digital Technology Supercluster continues to collaborate with companies from across Canada to develop, deploy and scale innovative technologies to support Canadians safely return to work.
In April, the Vancouver-based Supercluster announced that they would commit $60 million to the biggest health and safety problems created by the COVID-19 crisis.
The Supercluster has announced eight new projects it has funded to help Canadians cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects range from using artificial intelligence to help detect the coronavirus through surveillance cameras to offering virtual addiction treatments for healthcare workers.
Among the new projects announced are a number from the province of B.C.
Confidential Virtual Addiction Treatment for Healthcare Workers – led by Alavida
This project will provide healthcare workers with access to confidential virtual care and evidence-based treatment options for substance use, regardless of where they live or work and assess the potential for widespread adoption of the program into existing employee benefit plans.
Digital Mental Health Tools for Healthcare Workers – led by Starling Minds
This project will work to build a suite of readily accessible and interactive digital therapy tools to help healthcare organizations deliver personalized mental health care to workers. The project will have an initial focus on helping Canadian healthcare organizations and its 1.7 million frontline workers caring for COVID-19 patients.
Digital Telework for Remote Physical Work – led by Sanctuary AI
This project aims to expand beyond the existing use of video and audio technologies for the virtual work environment and test the use of robots in long-term care and clinic settings using 4G/5G networks and digital medical tools such as digital stethoscopes and biometric monitoring to improve patient care, patient outcomes, and the work environment for healthcare teams.
Early Detection of COVID-19 through Artificial Intelligence – led by Patriot One
This project applies existing security cameras and computer vision technology to develop a passive screening system to identify people with elevated temperatures who are at risk of having COVID-19, protecting the health and safety of Canadians.
Making Virtual Care Happen: COVID-19 & the Health Connect App – led by Thrive Health
The Health Connect App will expand access to mental health services, substance use and physical health care, walk-in counselling and peer support using virtual tools and intuitive technology.
Stronger Together: Social Infrastructure for Community Health – led by Curatio Networks
This tool will keep patients healthy at home and socially supported and provide healthcare providers a single, comprehensive solution for remote monitoring and engaging with their patients.