2016 Governor General’s Innovation Awards laureate, Dr. Breanne Everett attended and participated in the Duke of York’s “Pitch@Palace” in April 2018, in London, England.

Dr. Everett is the CEO and co-founder of Orpyx Medical Technologies, as well as a medical doctor and resident in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Calgary. Orpyx allowed Dr. Everett to develop her innovative idea for shoe insoles that prompts patients with diabetic foot conditions to move their feet to improve blood flow, which she presented at the Palace. Those with diabetes often lose the feeling in their feet and are unreceptive to pain, Orpyx insoles has improved users’ quality of life and reduced health care costs by decreasing the risks of sores, infection, and amputation.

Pitch@Palace is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet with leading organizations in their fields, connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors, mentors, and business partners.  Those selected to attend Pitch@Palace participate in a Boot Camp, where they received guidance on how to develop and present their pitch.  Following the Boot Camp, the entrepreneurs are invited to the final event at St. James’s Palace. Dr. Everett’s Pitch earned her second place in the competition!

“I am overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received,” says Dr. Everett, “from the university, Calgary, the province, and the Rideau Hall Foundation. It’s really an incredible ecosystem that is building.”