OBI Portfolio Company HeadFirst Featured for Breakthrough Saliva-Based Concussion Test

18 février 2026

University of Waterloo highlights NERVE program startup developing rapid diagnostic tool for brain injuries

HeadFirst, a University of Waterloo startup that joined the Ontario Brain Institute portfolio through the 2025 NERVE program, has been featured by the university for its innovative work developing a saliva-based concussion detection device.

The medical device, currently in development, detects concussion-related biomarkers that appear in saliva following a head injury. This technology aims to remove the guesswork from concussion screening by providing objective diagnostic tools where they're needed most: athletic departments, sports organizations, healthcare facilities, and beyond.

Beyond the Sidelines

While the device is designed to transform concussion screening in contact sports, its applications extend to other high-impact environments where rapid assessment is critical. Potential use cases include roadside accident scenes, emergency departments, and military combat zones: anywhere immediate, objective evaluation of potential brain injury could inform critical care decisions.

HeadFirst Co-Founder and CEO Andrew Cordssen-David and his team are currently conducting research and pilot programs with academic and athletic partners. The company is working toward regulatory submissions with both Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Lab to Life in Action

HeadFirst's progress exemplifies OBI's commitment to advancing brain health innovation from research through to real-world application. Through the NERVE program, OBI supports early-stage companies commercializing breakthrough neurotechnology, helping translate cutting-edge science into tools that make measurable impact on patient care and outcomes.

Learn more about HeadFirst's technology in the University of Waterloo feature story.

About the NERVE Program

The Neurotech Entrepreneurship to Validate Emerging Innovations (NERVE) program is Canada's single largest award that catalyzes early stage entrepreneurs to commercialize brain-related technologies by accessing funding and support to launch or grow their neurotechnology ventures.

Learn more about the program at braininstitute.ca/nerve