Two ECHO program researchers in safety glasses working on a custom-built prototype device in the lab.

ECHO

ECHO (the Entrepreneurship for Commercialization of Health Opportunities program) helps researchers, clinicians, and trainees turn cardiovascular and health innovations into real-world ventures. Originally launched by our Translational Biology and Engineering Program (TBEP), ECHO has since transitioned to the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, which now leads the program, with TBEP continuing as a key strategic partner supporting its growth.
Overview

About the Program

ECHO is a 12-month, national entrepreneurship training and mentorship program designed to bridge the translational gap between health research and real-world impact.

Led by veteran entrepreneurs and consultants across a range of sectors, ECHO takes participants through five complementary modules: building startup fundamentals, structured pitch practice, direct lessons from industry leaders, and dedicated one-on-one mentorship. Along the way, you’ll validate your idea, refine how you communicate it, and build strategic connections that carry beyond the program itself.

ECHO welcomes applicants through two streams: one focused on cardiovascular technologies, and a general health stream for innovations tied to Temerty Faculty of Medicine research. The program concludes with a live pitch competition, where participants compete for non-dilutive startup funding to help turn their venture into reality.

2026 ECHO Venture Finalists

Current Cohort

  • A2O is developing a first in class astrocyte reprogramming therapy that generates new oligodendrocytes to promote remyelination, restore function, and prevent progression in demyelinating diseases.

    Two researchers in lab coats examining a tray of sample containers in a cardiovascular research lab.
  • For patients diagnosed with prion disease, or those that carry a familial mutation that predisposes them to these disorders, Heprion—short for Harnessing evolution for the treatment of prion diseases—is developing a first-in-class intravenously delivered gene therapy that leverages a biological phenomenon refined through evolution to target the root cause of neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases.

    Two researchers in lab coats examining a tray of sample containers in a cardiovascular research lab.
  • Neuropeutics is developing first-in-class, disease-modifying small molecules targeting the root causes of neurodegenerative diseases, beginning with ALS, with the potential to halt disease progression, extend survival, and improve quality of life.

    Two researchers in lab coats examining a tray of sample containers in a cardiovascular research lab.
  • Aortico transforms routine aortic imaging into a personalized assessment of aortic dissection risk, giving clinicians a better way to triage growing patient populations. By identifying high-risk patients missed by current assessment, Aortico supports earlier life-saving intervention, more confident clinical decisions, and more efficient use of hospital resources.

    Two researchers in lab coats examining a tray of sample containers in a cardiovascular research lab.
  • ArteraNova’s NanoSmooth is a next-generation vascular healing platform. Their non-cytotoxic, smooth muscle-selective therapeutic peptide, conjugated with a nanoparticle, selectively arrests migrating smooth muscle cells without hindering endothelial recovery. Delivered by an angioplasty balloon, NanoSmooth provides targeted therapy to prevent restenosis while reducing toxicity, thrombosis, repeat interventions, and reliance on blood thinners.

    Two researchers in lab coats examining a tray of sample containers in a cardiovascular research lab.
  • Every 4 seconds, someone has a stroke. The speed and effectiveness of treatment can determine whether a patient recovers. Today’s thrombectomy devices struggle to balance rapid access to the clot with efficient removal. Sensible Vascular is developing a next-generation thrombectomy system designed to overcome these limitations, helping physicians restore blood flow faster and give patients the best chance at recovery.

    Two researchers in lab coats examining a tray of sample containers in a cardiovascular research lab.
At A Glance

ECHO By the Numbers

Since 2018, ECHO has helped researchers and clinicians move bold ideas from the bench to the bedside, and beyond, through a growing community of health innovators.

  • Members supported since 2018

    224

  • ventures launched through ECHO

    86

  • months of hands-on training

    12

What’s included

What You’ll Learn

ECHO’s five complementary modules take you from foundational concepts to a real pitch in front of investors and industry experts.

  • Gloved hands testing a small circuit board with a probe during cardiovascular device development.

    Principles of Entrepreneurship

    Build a foundation in startup fundamentals, from validating your idea to understanding the health innovation landscape.
  • Researcher using a microscope to work on a device prototype at an ECHO Hub lab bench.

    Health Venture Rounds

    Practice pitching and refining your venture through structured, iterative feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.
  • Three researchers in lab coats examining a specimen together in a cardiovascular research lab.

    Lessons from Leaders

    Learn directly from veteran entrepreneurs and industry experts who’ve navigated the path from discovery to commercialization.
  • Senior researcher talking with two trainees in a heart research lab.

    Community of Mentors

    Connect with a dedicated mentor who provides ongoing, personalized guidance as you develop your venture throughout the program.
  • Two ECHO program participants meeting at a table beside windows overlooking the city.

    Ignite Startup Funding

    Compete in a culminating pitch competition for the chance to win non-dilutive funding to help launch your venture.
Eligibility + FAQs

Application & Eligibility Details

  • Founded in 2018 by Soror Sharifpoor, ECHO welcomes applicants through two distinct eligibility streams, reflecting the full range of health innovation happening across Canada. Selected ventures in either stream receive specialized support across five unique modules, including entrepreneurship education, mentorship, partnerships, and a funding opportunity worth up to $100,000 per stream.

  • The Cardiovascular Stream is open to Canada-based researchers, scientists, clinicians, trainees, or entrepreneurs developing cardiovascular technologies. This stream reflects ECHO’s founding partnership with the Translational Biology and Engineering Program at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, and remains the most direct path for cardiovascular innovators applying to the program.

  • The General Health Stream is open to researchers, scientists, and trainees developing health technologies outside the cardiovascular field. To be eligible, the technology must be developed, at least in part, through a Temerty Faculty of Medicine campus-based research lab, with at least one inventor holding a primary Temerty faculty appointment. The invention must also be disclosed to the University’s Innovations & Partnerships Office, in accordance with U of T’s Inventions Policy.

  • Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are due by 11:59 PM ET on August 3, 2026. Applicants must complete two forms: the ECHO Application Form, submitted directly to Andrea Hung, and the H2i Venture Application Form, submitted online. Both forms are required. Selected applicants will be invited to interview in September 2026, with the new cohort beginning that October.

Ready to apply?

Apply or Learn More at the ECHO Website

Ready to turn your health innovation into a real-world venture? Apply to ECHO through the Temerty Faculty of Medicine to get started.
Past Winners

Winning Projects Across the Years

Meet the ventures that have turned health innovation into real-world impact through ECHO’s training, mentorship, and non-dilutive funding.

  • 2026
  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
Smiling researcher in a Ted Rogers Centre lab coat seated beside microscopes in the ECHO Hub lab.