Accelerating impact on health technologies innovation for a world without paralysis after spinal cord injury.
Our Fund Purpose
We make seed investments, primarily in North America, to support ventures developing innovations that have evidence based applications to people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and other related conditions with a demonstrated commercial viability. We are focused on addressing the priorities of people living with SCI, which include a score of secondary complications. The purpose of Praxis’ Mission Related Investments is to catalyze further investment in the company through Praxis’ brand and financial support. Currently, Praxis Mission Investments plays the role of a seed follow-on investor in alumni start ups of our SCI Innovations Programs.
Secondary Complications
With no known cure, SCI is a lifelong medical condition and it is more than just sensory and mobility paralysis; it also affects every physiological system in the body. On average, a person with SCI experiences 15 secondary health complications at any given time, which range from mild daily occurrences to severe life threatening conditions, and can be leading causes of death for individuals living with SCI.
Secondary health complications refer to a range of conditions that occur after sustaining the initial injury. People with spinal cord injuries often experience multiple complications after their injury. These complications can diminish quality of life, negatively impact living in the community and if left untreated, can lead to re-hospitalization for urgent care or result in death.
We invest in companies that are:
- Transformative
To the quality of health or mortality of people living with SCI and beyond.
- Financially viable
Technology and business plan show a potential for the venture to be financially sustainable in the future.
- Reach at risk groups beyond SCI
Including cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, ageing populations and underserved women’s health.
- Scalable
Venture can scale to thousands of people with SCI (minimum) and other at risk groups.
Portfolio Companies
Venture Philanthropy
Our work is in furtherance of key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG # 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- SDG # 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
- SDG #10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Praxis is funded by the government of Canada to accelerate SCI-related innovations and provides funding to program participants with identified funding needs tied to delivery of innovation development milestones, for which Praxis does not take equity.
Yes, we’ve supported university research projects and non-profit organizations looking to commercialize novel health technologies. You can find a few of them on our alumni page.
Praxis is driven by PLEX (people with lived experience of SCI) priorities for innovations that aim to meaningfully enhance their quality of health. The key secondary criteria are: end-user engagement, clinical validation, market adoption strategy and interest and commitment from applicants.
Yes. Praxis’ Innovation programs have a global reach and provide all sessions virtually, with an option for in-person engagements as deemed necessary by Praxis and the participating start-up.
Applications open 3-4 months before the start of each program. The Innovation team likes to meet with companies before applying to learn about your innovation and discuss how the programs can benefit your work. To schedule to call, please contact our Innovation Programs Manager Tathagata Ray
Maybe. Praxis’ Innovation programs primarily support health technologies addressing the secondary health complications of SCI, such as UTIs, bladder and bowel dysfunction, neuropathic pain, sexual dysfunction, pressure injuries, upper & lower extremity function, and others.
Yes, you can apply again! We encourage you to reapply if you have incorporated the feedback from the judges into your application.
There is not fee to join the Praxis Innovation Programs.
Still have a question? Contact us at innovation@praxisinstitute.org