Two London tech startups each win $500,000 in provincial funding

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A London software firm is in the sights of the U.S. military, working closely with marines and special forces to bring life-saving technology to the battlefield.

Another London startup is helping those with prosthetic legs walk more comfortably, using “shock absorber” technology to improve stride throughout the day.

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The London startups each won $500,000 from the Ontario government to commercialize their technology.

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Deep Breathe brings artificial intelligence to ultrasound imaging, allowing it to diagnose lung issues, including internal bleeding. Its portable design allows it to be used at the bedside, or in vehicles and aircraft.

Its technology will be presented at a military conference in Germany and demonstrations with the U.S. military are ongoing, said founder and chief executive Rob Arntfield.

“We have active engagements now with the Marine Corps and special forces. They’re interested in this tech,” Arntfield said. “We’ve been in challenging military environments in the U.S. doing field testing. We’ve been in helicopters, Humvees and (military aircraft) and we’re getting feedback.”

Arntfield will speak in about two weeks at the Combat Medical Care Conference in Germany, which will draw 1,200 attendees from 44 countries.

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“The response has been very positive,” he said. “There are trials in rigorous environments. We will go to Fort Bragg (in North Carolina) and Fort Campbell (in Tennessee and Kentucky) in the next month or two.”

The Ontario government announced $6.5 million in grants for 13 companies through the province’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund, which supports Ontario companies in commercializing medical technologies. In addition to Deep Breathe, Vessl Prosthetics is the other London business to receive funding.

“This will enable the plan, help pay for marketing and hire a marketing officer to help make growth happen,” said Sydney Robinson, co-founder and chief executive.

“Our mission is to empower people to be more comfortable, to live better with an adaptive prosthetic.”

Traditionally, a prosthetic has involved a “dynamic leg” inserted into a static sock, a design that hasn’t changed in years, she said.

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But by adding “shock absorber” technology and panels that move to adjust the fit of the prosthetic, the prosthetic will remain fitted throughout the day. The size of a leg will change, often shrinking due to fluid loss, during a day. The prosthetic uses technology to expand or contract automatically to compensate.

A third company, Marlow, which was founded in London but is now based in Toronto, also won funding. It makes lubricated tampons designed to reduce period pain and improve menstrual wellness.

All three businesses are members of TechAlliance, which supports technology ventures in London.

“This investment underscores the strength of London and Southwestern Ontario’s life sciences sector,” said Christina Fox, TechAlliance chief executive.

Deep Breathe, founded in 2021, is now located in the Western Research Park on Collip Circle, but plans to move downtown to the Info-Tech Research Group building.

It offers lung ultrasound technology that can be used by health-care providers to diagnose various issues. By adding artificial intelligence, algorithms can better analyze and interpret ultrasound images.

Arntfield also works as an intensive-care physician and medical director at the critical-care trauma centre at London Health Sciences Centre.

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