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Collision will be bringing together tech companies, entrepreneurs, and world-class speakers in Toronto from June 17 to 20. Dubbed the “Olympics of Tech,” at its core Collision remains a conference for the freshest and brightest business ideas and this year there are outstanding companies from Alberta attending with Innovate Calgary’s support.
Innovate Calgary helps bridge the gap between discovery and innovation for startup companies while operating as a technology transfer and business-incubation centre for the University of Calgary.
We’re highlighting seven companies leading up to Collision. Today our spotlight is on MHCombiotic Inc.
Company Overview
MHCombiotic (MHC) is helping to save tens of thousands of lives by formulating novel and safe antibacterial agents with a very low chance of future resistance. Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leads to millions of deaths around the world. As such, there is an urgent need to break down the AMR cycle between humans, the environment, and animals, as well as a call for alternative antibacterial agents.
The company has formulated novel components with high antibacterial and anti-biofilm potency while also containing antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties to address this worldwide affliction.
Funding and Development
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Ali Pormohammad, the company’s start stems from his postdoctoral research work in AMR led by Professor R.J. Turner at the University of Calgary. Despite the challenges of acclimating to a new language and culture upon his arrival from Iran in 2019, Pormohammad’s dedication led to collaborations with Harvard University and the University of Barcelona, as well as with various research groups across Canada and the U.S.
The company screened over 18,000 novel formulations over three years to discover the most optimal solution, which is called “Combiotics.” To validate the technology, several lab tests on the safety and efficacy of combiotics were conducted by third-party FDA and Health Canada approved laboratories.
Pormohammad has received a number of awards and accolades during his career, including a Top 40 Under 40 designation in 2022.
In 2023, the company received a $300,000 award under the Accelerating Innovations into Care (AICE) program, which validates Alberta’s health-tech innovators and helps them accelerate the commercialization of their technologies.
In 2024, the company was selected to be a part of the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking’s inaugural Summer Accelerator cohort. The accelerator is a 12-week program designed to help University of Calgary startups continue to develop their companies. The company has also received an Innovate Calgary Life Science Fellowship for pioneering innovative technology.
Expert Leadership
Dr. Pormohammad has been dedicated to combating AMR, working alongside Professor Turner, now the company’s Chief Scientific Officer, whose expertise in antimicrobial resistance research spans over 25 years. With the unwavering support of CCrest Laboratories Inc., a publicly traded pharma company based in Montreal, the team has dedicated their careers to tackling this global health issue.
As MHC continues to expand, it is evident Dr. Pormohammad and his team are driving meaningful progress in the battle against AMR. Their journey serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the transformative potential of science to build positive change in the world.
“Our work is important as it can save lives. Our entire team takes the company mission seriously and we are striving to bring new and innovative treatments into the market. The contributions we have received from others in our field and the support from groups like Innovate Calgary have been essential to our progress,” says Dr. Pormohammad.
What’s Next?
MHC is poised to make a significant impact on the field of antimicrobial resistance. Their innovative approach to developing novel antibacterial agents represents a major leap forward in addressing one of the world’s most pressing health crises.
With the support of Innovate Calgary and the exposure gained from attending Collision, the company is well-positioned to lead the way in this field and drive advancements that will save lives and improve health outcomes.
Those attending Collision can drop by the University of Calgary booth, powered by Innovate Calgary and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, to connect with MHCombiotic Inc.
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