From conversation to impact

On December 1, we were pleased to welcome more than 60 participants to our bi-annual Health Innovation Exchange.


Designed as a space for open dialogue and connection, this event brings healthcare and industry partners together to explore innovative opportunities and strengthen the partnerships that drive meaningful change. Throughout the day, that vision came to life through thoughtful presentations, energizing conversations and valuable time to connect.


Participants included members of Nova Scotia Health’s research community, the Health Innovation Hub team, partner organizations, and others committed to advancing our health system.


Thank you to everyone who shared their insights, curiosity, and expertise — your contributions are essential to shaping the future of healthcare innovation in Nova Scotia.


We were also delighted to welcome Novartis as a new partner and extend a sincere thank you to Merck for generously sponsoring the December event.


In 2026, we’re excited to build on the momentum and ideas sparked at the Exchange.

Together, we’re creating a more innovative, collaborative, and connected health system for all Nova Scotians.

Medventions Atlantic milestones

January was a big month for Medventions Atlantic, with not one, but two exciting milestones to celebrate.

First, we welcomed the seventh Medventions Atlantic fellowship cohort!

This four-month paid fellowship gives its fellow hands-on experience through shadowing clinician mentors, identifying real clinical needs, assessing markets and IP, and building early commercialization pathways.

At the same time, the very first Medventions Atlantic NL cohort kicked off a pilot program in Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador. This cohort will focus on innovation opportunities in anesthesiology.

Read more about Medventions Atlantic or Medventions Atlantic NL.

Mapping the mind: Innovative approaches to stroke rehabilitation

Every five minutes, someone in Canada experiences a stroke — more than 108,000 cases each year.

Behind these numbers are researchers working to improve recovery and outcomes.


For Dr. Gail Eskes, Neuropsychologist and affiliate scientist with Nova Scotia Health and stroke research is a lifelong commitment.

From understanding how stroke affects attention and memory to developing innovative digital tools that support recovery at home, her work is helping reshape stroke care and advance brain health.


Read how her research is translating into real-world recovery.

Innovation Spotlight: AfterStroke

“You’ve had a stroke.”

Those words are life-changing, and for many stroke survivors and their caregivers, recovery doesn’t end when they leave the hospital.

A new pilot program, made possible through a partnership between March of Dimes Canada and the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, is helping stroke survivors and their families navigate what comes next. After Stroke connects people with peer support while they’re still in hospital, then provides personalized, community-based guidance once they return home.

Programs like After Stroke show how care can extend beyond hospital walls and make a real difference in helping people rebuild their lives.

Read the full story to learn how this innovative program is supporting stroke survivors across Nova Scotia.

Drug repurposing research paper presents a new path for a rare disease

Dalhousie varsity soccer players and three-time Academic All-Canadians Ricky Schwartzkopf and Andrew Chen are already making their mark on the medical world.

As undergraduates, they co-authored a clinically significant research paper exploring a new use for an existing drug to treat a rare and serious condition with few options.

Working alongside Andrew’s father, hematologist Dr. Luke Chen of Nova Scotia Health, the students helped document the first new treatment for this condition in 25 years.

Learn more about how the next generation of clinician-scientists is shaping the future of care in Nova Scotia.

The Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub is leading innovation and research within the healthcare system to deliver high-impact solutions for patients and providers. Through strategic partnerships with clinical champions, industry, healthcare foundations, governments and academic partners, we're harnessing the best available evidence and innovative solutions. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media.