March 1, 2023 The Health Innovation Roundup, sponsored by Health Cities, is written and published weekly by Taproot Edmonton to bring you the latest news and events in research, technology, companies and people changing health for the better in Edmonton.Sign up to get the full edition delivered directly to your inbox. Use the code HEALTHCITY & you’ll get 10% off the first year.Here are some highlights from this week’s Health Innovation Roundup: HeadlinesFive University of Alberta projects involved in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Health System (PRIHS) program have received almost $6 million in funding from Alberta Innovates and Alberta Health Services. The five had pitched for funding during Digital Health Week last November.Future Fields has raised US$11.2 million in investment and government funding, which will allow it to build the world’s first production facility for recombinant protein generated by genetically engineered fruit flies instead of traditional bioreactors. The company plans to grow its team from about 35 now to 50 by the second quarter of 2024.As part of its 2023 Alberta Technology Symposium, the Canadian Blockchain Consortium is aiming to raise $20,000 to fund four brain-computer interface kits from the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital for children with complex movement and communication limitations, so they can practice therapy at home.Biotechnology company Ceapro has been named a 2023 TSX Venture 50 company in recognition of its strong performance on the TSX Venture Exchange in the last year.Jason Ding, the chief business officer for Entos Pharmaceuticals, shared his journey from genetics to science communications to accounting to life sciences leadership in a video for CPA Canada.An event in Edmonton on Feb. 22 explored Indigenous-led and -informed pilot projects that have had positive health outcomes. “Oftentimes, Indigenous people aren’t always introduced to industry and industry isn’t always certain on how to enter our communities and how to build those relationships,” said speaker Amanda Meawasige, an adviser to Pathways – Indigenous Health Collaborations.Makers Making Change showcased how it helps connect people with disabilities to volunteers who can help build assistive technology using 3D printing at an event put on by Prospect Human Services. Commonly requested items include grips for pens and pencils, keyholders that help turn keys in a lock, and cardholders for those that struggle to hold playing cards.Psychiatrist Yogesh Thakker of Manor Clinic spoke to Global News about ketamine’s effectiveness as a treatment for depression in patients who don’t respond well to more traditional medications. “The future is about psychedelics and its use in mental health, and it’s very, very promising, I would say, based on what evidence I’ve seen,” Thakker said.The Full House Lottery is back for a 30th year to raise money for healthcare innovation at the Royal Alexandra and University of Alberta hospitals.The University of Alberta is collaborating with eight pharmacies, including two in Edmonton, to make sexual health testing more accessible. The research study, called APPROACH 2.0 provides free and confidential testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis.EventsMarch 6, 12:15pm: JUNO Talk: Autonomously Adaptive Soundscapes for Reducing Stress in Critically-Ill Patients at AmiiMarch 7, 11:30am: BioAlberta Annual Policy Forum at the Westin EdmontonMarch 8, 12pm: Enabling older adults through technology: an Alberta case study from Digital Health CanadaMarch 9, 4pm: Health Innovators’ Meetup: Transitioning from Academia to Industry at Enterprise SquareMarch 10-12: 2023 Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Conference at the Matrix HotelMarch 11, 2pm: JUNO Talk: Bionic Limbs that Enable People to Play & Express Themselves through MusicMarch 14, 9am: DiscoveryLab at Enterprise SquareMarch 14, 4pm: Pi(e) Day and Panel Session at the Advanced Technology Centre, co-hosted by the Edmonton Research Park Business Consortium and Technology AlbertaMarch 23: Life Sciences Investment Summit Finale in CalgaryBecome a “Roundup Cultivator” and sponsor Taproot Edmonton to help them chronicle health innovation in Edmonton. Learn more