The Provincial Government is providing support to an innovative health tech startup in Western Newfoundland that is developing a solution for a common medical problem.
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $149,000 in funding for Swiftsure Innovations Inc. The province’s investment helps to leverage a $210,000 contribution from Swiftsure, for total project funding of $359,000.
The Provincial Government’s investment will support the second stage in the company’s development of its novel and complete oral care system for ventilated patients, named SwishKit. The system aims to reduce the risk of Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia by providing a safe and effective method for cleaning the nasal and oral cavities of patients on life support while minimizing secondary infection risk.
This investment in Swiftsure supports the Provincial Government’s Business Innovation Agenda as the technical capacity of a local company will be enhanced to produce an end product which has export potential.
The project creates a new position for a Clinical Study Coordinator that will be based out of Corner Brook. Through the Provincial Government’s Research and Development Funding program, applicants can receive financial support that reduces the technical and financial risk of research and development projects where R&D is required to realize the commercial potential of innovative products, processes or services.
Quotes
“Our provincial government was an early investor in Swiftsure and we are pleased to continue that support as they work to bring their SwishKit product to market. Swiftsure’s founder Deanne McCarthy is a great example of how one person with a novel idea can turn that into a successful business.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Investing in health tech startups helps to reshape and reimagine the future of health care delivery. Our government is committed to providing accessible health care and, through this technology advancement, the company is working to improve health outcomes, and enhancing overall well-being. This funding will help to stimulate economic growth but also foster healthier, more resilient communities.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“I am very pleased that the province is investing in an innovative health care company in Western Newfoundland. This will allow Swiftsure to develop a very important medical care system and help grow the economy of the region.”
Scott Reid
MHA for St. George’s-Humber
“The funding from the Department of IET will support our second clinical study at the Cleveland Clinic, providing Swiftsure the ability to generate clinical evidence required for widespread commercial adoption of our flagship product, the SwishKit. We believe the simple act of rinsing the mouth of patients on life support will improve objective and measurable patient outcomes, decrease healthcare costs, and enhance patient comfort.”
Deanne McCarthy, RN
Founder and CEO, Swiftsure
-30-
Learn more
Research and Development
Follow us on X @IET_GovNL
Like Industry, Energy and Technology NL on Facebook