CAN Health Network brings nearly 400 leaders together to explore how adopting Canadian health technology can drive economic growth and global competitiveness
October 28, 2026 (Toronto, Ontario) – Canada’s hospitals should be among the country’s most powerful engines of economic growth – not only by improving health care, but by helping Canadian technology companies win customers, grow at home and compete globally.
That opportunity was at the centre of the CAN Health Network’s 2026 Annual Conference, Advantage Canada: Made in Canada. Built for the World., bringing together nearly 400 leaders from health care, business, government and the innovation sector in Toronto to examine how Canada can turn homegrown health technology into a competitive economic advantage.
“Something extraordinary is happening across Canada. Health care leaders and Canadian innovators are coming together to solve some of our country’s biggest challenges, and in doing so, they’re creating an incredible economic opportunity. We have the talent, the technology and the ingenuity to lead the world. By making our health care system the first customer and greatest champion of Canadian innovation, we can turn one of our country’s greatest challenges into one of our greatest competitive advantages, delivering better care for Canadians, building stronger Canadian companies and creating prosperity for generations to come.”
— Dr. Dante Morra, Founder and CEO, CAN Health Network
Unlocking the Canadian Advantage
Canada’s health care organizations have an extraordinary opportunity to become powerful engines of economic growth by championing homegrown innovation. Across the country, Canadian companies are developing world-class technologies that improve patient care, increase efficiency and transform how health care is delivered. By becoming early customers and creating opportunities for real-world validation and adoption, our health care organizations can help these companies grow and scale, strengthening our economy while delivering better care for Canadians.
Connecting health care organizations with Canadian innovators can help close that gap – giving providers access to promising solutions while helping businesses demonstrate results, win contracts, attract investment and expand into international markets.
The opportunity extends beyond hospitals. Successful commercialization can create high-quality jobs, generate revenue, strengthen domestic supply chains and build globally competitive Canadian businesses.
The message behind Advantage Canada is straightforward: when Canada adopts more of the innovation it creates, it can strengthen both its health care system and its economy.
This year’s conference expanded to two days for the first time, reflecting a growing focus on moving beyond innovation discussions to the practical work of procurement, adoption and commercialization. Working sessions brought CAN Health’s participating health care organizations, known as Edges, together with member companies to explore how Canadian technologies can move from promising solutions to real-world implementation and broader market growth.
The broader program brings together health system leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and industry partners. Hosted by Diana Swain, it featured entrepreneur and investor Wes Hall, a showcase of Canadian health technologies addressing real-world challenges, and the return of four-time Olympic gold medallist and physician Dr.
Hayley Wickenheiser, who presented the CAN Health Network Awards recognizing excellence in Canadian health innovation and collaboration.
2026 CAN Health Network Award recipients:
Network Award: for partnership between health care organizations and a Canadian company to solve a real challenge together.
2026 Winners: University Health Network, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), and Traferox Technologies Inc.
Groundbreaker Award: for those who challenge the status quo and create the conditions for homegrown solutions to thrive.
2026 Winners: Andriana Lukich (St. Joseph’s Health System), François St-Onge (Groupe Beaumier), Joey Deason (Virtual Health Hub), and Zach Kilburn (Horizon Health Network)
Edge of the Year Award: for a health care organization that pushes boundaries and shares what works so others can benefit.
2026 Winner: Hamilton Health Sciences
Company of the Year Award: for a Canadian company that built something here with the potential to change lives around the world.
2026 Winner: SterileCare
Trailblazer Award: for exceptional leadership and a powerful voice that continues to challenge the status quo.
2026 Winner: Dr. Steven Reynolds (Fraser Health)
Breakthrough Company Award: for a Canadian company that has moved quickly to meet an urgent need and set itself up for lasting growth.
2026 (Inaugural) Winner: Lingotec
Impact Award: for individuals whose vision and courage will be felt for generations.
2026 Winners: Chief Darcy Bear (Whitecap Dakota Nation) and Dr. Ivar Mendez, (Virtual Health Hub)
Legacy Award: for an individual whose generosity, counsel and long-term vision helped shape CAN Health and Canada.
2026 Winner: Ralph Turfus
Turning Canadian innovation into measurable impact
The CAN Health Network connects Canadian technology companies with health care organizations that can test, validate, procure and scale their solutions in real-world settings – helping bridge the gap between developing an innovation and bringing it to market.
Since its launch in 2019, the Network has supported 109 Canadian companies through 141 commercialization projects, contributing to more than $725.5 million in revenue generated and 2,558 jobs created. Its 52 participating health care organizations span the country, giving innovators opportunities to demonstrate their value in practice and build pathways to broader adoption.
For Canada, the stakes extend well beyond health care. In a global economy where countries are competing to attract investment, build domestic industries and develop technologies for international markets, Canada’s ability to become a first customer for its own innovations could be a significant competitive advantage.
The opportunity is to make Canada not only a place where world-class health technologies are developed, but a place where they are adopted, commercialized and scaled into successful global businesses.
