MaRS Impact Health covers the most important issues facing the healthcare community

Participate in 1:1 roulette style conversations.

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Welcome, introductions and what to expect at MaRS Impact Health.

A conversation with Mariana Mazzucato, one of the world’s most influential economists, on rethinking the capacities and role of government to solve the biggest challenges of our time. From disease and inequality, to the digital divide and the climate crisis, Mariana will detail the leadership and experimentation necessary to build mission-oriented economies.

Hear from leading health venture capitalists in Canada and the U.S. on the boom in funding for health-tech, biotech, medical devices, diagnostics and more. What has changed in the last year that is contributing to the newfound, furious pace of deal-making, as well as the number of acquisitions and IPOs? What major advances in biotech are sparking this activity? What is needed to bring more Canadian investors to the sector?

For decades, scientists have dreamed about the possibilities of mRNA. The technology can turn any cell in the body into an on-demand drug factory and might be able to fight other diseases, such as M.S. and cancer. Canadian scientists have led important mRNA discoveries. What impact is mRNA science having on the ecosystems where it is being developed?

Meet health scale-ups from across the country. How are these ventures building, scaling and tackling adoption challenges today, and what does this say about the Canadian landscape?

To succeed, scaling companies need experienced senior executives, managers, scientists and software engineers — specialized talent that’s often in short supply. Canada must develop, attract and retain more senior talent. Without it, promising ventures could stall or move elsewhere to find the people they need. This panel explores opportunities to bolster the biotech and life-sciences talent pipeline.

The lack of PPE, vaccine shortages and varied disruption to manufacturing of all stripes required health innovators to reconfigure the way they do business. Hear from a number of health-device manufacturers on how they’re navigating challenged healthcare supply chains — maintaining and even accelerating production.

Insulin was discovered in Toronto — and the first clinical trials were conducted on the site of what is today MaRS. On this foundation, we’ve seen discovery, innovation and collaboration that has transformed healthcare and helped countless lives around the world. Over the past century, scientists have made game-changing advancements in the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. This session will share some of the latest innovations in the space, as well as ways to make medications and treatments more accessible, while helping companies grow.

A conversation with Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonary and critical care physician who is professor of Health Metrics Sciences at the University of Washington and chief medical officer for Amazon’s COVID-19 response. Hear Dr. Gupta’s thoughts on health technology in the workplace, from pandemic supports and preventative health to privacy.

Participate in 1:1 roulette style conversations.