A trailblazing startup launched by graduates from the University of Waterloo is revolutionizing decades-old gynecological equipment with their innovative pad.
CELLECT Laboratories Inc., a female-founded health-tech firm located in Waterloo, has been granted $44,420 at a national level for their groundbreaking cervical cancer detection device—a sanitary napkin designed to function as a diagnostic instrument. This financial award was bestowed upon them via the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch contest held in Vancouver. It marks yet another advancement toward their objective of simplifying cervical and HPV screenings, making these processes less uncomfortable and significantly more available.
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CELLECT was founded by CT Murphy, who graduated from the Nanotechnology Engineering program at the University of Waterloo. Originating as a senior thesis project during her final year, the concept aimed to replace the frequently uncomfortable and sometimes intrusive Pap smear test with an alternative method: a pad, which is commonly used monthly by women.
CELLECT’s breakthrough involves attaching nanomaterials to a standard sanitary pad, enabling the capture of cervical and bacterial cells present in menstrual flow. Users just have to wear this pad, mail it to a laboratory, and get their test results without needing a speculum examination.
“I hadn’t grasped the extent to which women’s healthcare has been neglected and understudied,” explained Ibukun Elebute, CELLECT’s co-founder and COO, who brought to the team her expertise in biomedical engineering along with ten years of experience in health technology.
CBC News
I felt extremely angry but also got intensely enthusiastic about it since I understood that what we’re developing at CELLECT could truly revolutionize the industry.
Verification, financing and what comes after?
The $44,420 award from The Forum’s pitch contest, where more than 800 people gathered at the final event in Vancouver, will assist CELLECT in validating their prototype and progressing towards preclinical trials. Elebute referred to the pitching occasion as “electric,” highlighting both the acknowledgment received and the highly supportive feedback she got from numerous women who spoke with her following her presentation.
“It’s significant proof of what we’re working on,” she stated. “The speculum, which has been utilized to examine the cervix for more than five decades, was originally created… every piece of equipment, all our understanding, medications, and tools have essentially been based on male physiology.”
Murphy previously garnered initial-phase backing via Velocity’s Up Start and Cornerstone initiatives in March 2024. As they have an accumulating list of interested parties on their site, CELLECT is gearing up for clinical trials followed by a comprehensive product release.
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CELLECT’s achievements provide a blueprint for other Canadian entrepreneurs aiming to transform groundbreaking concepts into well-funded enterprises, especially within the realm of women’s health—a field that has traditionally been neglected by conventional investment pathways.
Canada is intensifying its efforts. Initiatives such as the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch provide targeted assistance to female business owners through financial backing and guidance. Additionally, the Business Development Bank of Canada has allocated $500 million via their Thrive Venture Fund exclusively for ventures led by women.
Early-stage entrepreneurs can likewise access:
- University-affiliated startup accelerators like Velocity at the University of Waterloo
- Government grants, such as IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program) and SR&ED tax incentives, are available.
- Nonprofit accelerators like the Women’s Health Innovation Network
- Through pitch contests, angel investment networks, and venture capitalists specializing in health care and biotechnology, private financing can be obtained.
Monetary guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs
Introducing a new product into the marketplace requires more than just a brilliant concept—it demands thorough planning, unwavering perseverance, and astute fiscal oversight. Below are some strategies for budding business owners aiming for triumph:
1. Develop a comprehensive plan.
2. Cultivate an adaptable mindset.
3. Master your money matters efficiently.
-
Build a financial runway
Maintain distinct budgets for personal and business finances. Strive to accumulate savings equivalent to at least six months’ worth of operational costs prior to transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. -
Get early feedback
Utilize grants and contests to verify your product without relinquishing equity prematurely. -
Track every dollar
: Invest in basic accounting tools or apps, and consider a financial advisor experienced with startups -
Protect your intellectual property
: Allocate funds for legal expenses associated with patents, trademarks, or regulatory clearances at the beginning of the procedure. -
Apply often
You’ll encounter “no” more often than “yes,” and that’s alright. CELLECT reached success after applying to several funding sources.
Canada is set — how about you?
The innovative strides being made in women’s healthcare are gaining much-needed recognition and funding, with CELLECT Laboratories at the forefront of this movement. If you’re a Canadian woman equipped with groundbreaking concepts and an unwavering drive to tackle practical challenges, this is your moment to shine. By carefully managing finances, securing a robust backing system, and demonstrating resilience, your concept might soon become newsworthy and potentially transform countless lives.
Sources
1.
CBC News:
A Waterloo-based start-up secures funding for their innovation that revolutionizes women’s healthcare (as of May 12, 2025).
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The content of this article serves solely as information and must not be interpreted as advice. It comes with no guarantee or warranty whatsoever.
