Spotlight on PragmaClin: Revolutionizing Parkinson's care with NERVE support
For Bronwyn Bridges, CEO and co-founder of PragmaClin Research Inc., the NERVE program was the catalyst that turned her vision into reality. PragmaClin is on a mission to revolutionize Parkinson's disease management with its innovative software, PRIMS—a digital patient assessment tool designed to deliver accurate and timely information to both patients and clinicians. By delivering consistent analysis of disease progression, it is set to bridge the gap for patients in remote and underserved areas, delivering high-quality care regardless of proximity to urban centers, enabling patients to take an active role in managing their condition, fostering hope and improving their quality of life.
From the outset, OBI played a crucial role in PragmaClin’s evolution with the structured support from NERVE playing a vital role in navigating the complexities of the healthcare landscape, including regulatory pathways and market entry strategies—essential for any MedTech startup. “The NERVE program connected us with a network of industry experts, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs, which was instrumental in refining our approach to scaling PRIMS,” she said.
A significant milestone for PragmaClin was securing a strategic partnership with a leading Parkinson's disease clinic. This collaboration was pivotal in validating PRIMS in a clinical setting, providing real-world data to enhance the platform. “Initially, this partnership seemed uncertain due to logistical challenges, but with the guidance from our mentor and the OBI team, it has become a massive success,” Bridges explained. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support from OBI—that’s a truly honest statement.”
Adding to their achievements, PragmaClin was recently selected as a Canadian finalist in the Global Entrepreneurship Network’s Entrepreneurship World Cup. Co-hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Saudi Arabia’s MonshaatSA, this prestigious competition is one of the largest and most diverse pitch contests globally. As a top performer, PragmaClin will participate in a three-day bootcamp and compete for a place among the top 100 companies in the Global Finals in Riyadh this November. Competing alongside over 250 innovative companies from 85 countries, PragmaClin looks forward to showcasing their work and contending for a share of $1M in cash prizes.
The NERVE program also equipped PragmaClin with essential knowledge into regulatory affairs and commercialization strategies, which have been critical in advancing their mission. “The insights into fundraising strategies and investor relations, combined with the NERVE funding, have put us on a stronger path to securing investment,” Bridges noted. So far, PragmaClin raised over $2,000,000 in funding through non-dilutive sources including pitch competitions and grants such as the GSEA (Global Student Entrepreneur Awards), Mel Woodward Cup, and the Bounce Health Embryo Grants Competition.
With the support of the NERVE program and the dedication of the PragmaClin team, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the management of neurological diseases. Their journey exemplifies the transformative power of innovation and underscores the critical role that programs like NERVE play in helping entrepreneurs turn groundbreaking ideas into reality. By empowering early-stage entrepreneurs to ignite their success, OBI continues to ensure the delivery of innovative products and services that enhance the quality of care for people with brain disorders. Join us in creating a future where technology bridges the gap in neurological care.