Ottawa's Hyivy Scores Big at CHEO's Bear's Den
Ottawa-based health-tech startup Hyivy has claimed victory at this year's CHEO Bear's Den pitch competition, one of the capital region's most prestigious platforms for emerging healthcare innovators. The win is a proud moment for Ottawa's tech community and a major boost for a company working to transform pelvic health care for women.
For those unfamiliar, the CHEO Bear's Den is modelled after the classic "dragon's den" format — founders pitch their health-focused startups to a panel of seasoned investors and healthcare leaders, competing for funding, mentorship, and visibility. Being hosted by CHEO (the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) gives the competition serious credibility in the health-tech world, and winning it is no small feat.
What Is Hyivy?
Hyivy is a women's health technology company focused on pelvic floor rehabilitation — a space that has historically been underfunded and underserved despite affecting millions of Canadians. The company has developed a device-based solution designed to make pelvic health treatment more accessible, comfortable, and effective for patients recovering from conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum injuries, and cancer treatment side effects.
It's exactly the kind of bold, patient-first innovation that Ottawa's growing health-tech ecosystem is becoming known for — and the Bear's Den judges clearly agreed.
Why This Win Matters for Ottawa
Ottawa has been quietly building a reputation as a serious hub for health technology, alongside its more established strengths in cybersecurity, AI, and government tech. Hyivy's Bear's Den victory adds another data point to that story.
Kanata North may be the city's most famous tech corridor, but health-tech startups are increasingly finding Ottawa a fertile environment — with access to world-class research hospitals, a strong talent pipeline from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, and a tight-knit founder community that punches above its weight.
Winning a CHEO-backed competition also opens doors. The exposure, credibility, and mentorship that come with Bear's Den recognition can be transformative for an early-stage company, accelerating partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and investors who take the CHEO stamp of approval seriously.
What's Next for Hyivy
With the Bear's Den win under its belt, Hyivy is well-positioned to continue scaling its technology and expanding its reach across Canada and beyond. The pelvic health space remains a significant unmet need in the healthcare system, and companies like Hyivy that bring evidence-based, tech-enabled solutions to the table are increasingly attracting both clinical and investor interest.
For Ottawa's startup scene, this is another reminder that the city is producing companies tackling meaningful problems — not just writing enterprise software, but genuinely improving lives.
Watch this space. Hyivy is one to follow.
Source: Ottawa Business Journal via Google News Ottawa Tech
