Five finalists named in national cancer screening innovation challenge
Selected teams to receive funding and support to improve cancer screening in rural and remote communities.
TORONTO, September 3, 2025 – MaRS Discovery District and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) are proud to announce the five finalists of the Rural and Remote Community Cancer Screening Challenge, a nationwide initiative designed to identify and scale community-driven solutions that boost participation in cancer screening across underserved regions in Canada. Each finalist will receive $15,000 to begin implementing their solution in a rural or remote community.
Launched in May 2025, the challenge invited innovators, health leaders, non-profit organizations, researchers and residents of rural and remote communities to submit approaches addressing key barriers to cancer screening, including infrastructural, geographical, cultural and socio-economic challenges.
The challenge empowers communities to co-create solutions tailored to their unique needs. By expanding access to screening, it aims to reduce inequities in cancer care and improve outcomes for people living far from major urban health centres.
The five selected solutions reflect a range of strategies from across the country to better inform, educate and engage people in rural and remote communities on the importance of cancer screening.
The finalists are:
- Oncology Simplified (Northwest Territories/Ontario): Working with local health authorities, Oncology Simplified aims to improve screening participation rates, particularly within Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories, by increasing fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uptake through redesigned educational tools, community-led storytelling and cross-promotion with existing breast cancer screening initiatives.
- Virtual Health Hub (Saskatchewan): This initiative will bring a first-of-its-kind, mobile, remotely operated CT unit that can deliver lung cancer screening directly in communities. Supported by virtual care assistants and remote technologists, the device removes barriers of distance and workforce shortages while ensuring culturally safe care and building local capacity.
- Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Ontario): By embedding cancer screening education and promotion into existing trusted community programs for firefighters, farmers and seniors, this initiative aims to close the rural-urban screening gap and reduce late-stage diagnoses.
- Praxus Health Inc. (Alberta): In partnership with the Rotary Club, this initiative will raise awareness and support informed decision-making around lung cancer screening in Northern Alberta, preparing communities for a mobile screening service set to launch in Spring 2026.
- My Breast Day Inc. (Alberta): This digital, user-friendly app provides rural and Indigenous communities with accessible breast health education and early detection guidance. The initiative will integrate a localized outreach model and additional culturally responsive screening tools.
“The Canadian Cancer Society is proud to support this challenge and the five outstanding finalists,” says Annemarie Edwards, vice president of cancer strategy and innovation at the Canadian Cancer Society. “These community-rooted solutions reflect the kind of innovative thinking needed to address barriers and increase participation in programs and ultimately reduce screening disparities across Canada.”
The solutions these five finalists will be implementing span both technological and non-technological approaches, from culturally relevant communication tools to new process improvements and partnership models, all aimed at increasing participation in Canada’s screening programs for breast, colorectal and lung cancers.
“MaRS is very pleased to partner with the Canadian Cancer Society on this important work,” says Shilpa Sharma, senior manager of health equity innovation at MaRS Discovery District. “These finalists show us what’s possible when we prioritize equity and invite communities to co-create the solutions. We’re excited to support them as they move these innovative solutions from concept to implementation.”
Finalists will begin implementing their solutions in Phase 2 of the challenge beginning in September 2025. One grand prize winner will be announced in April 2026 and awarded an additional $100,000 to help further scale their solution.
“Each finalist brings a unique approach to the shared goal of improving cancer outcomes for underserved populations. We’re honoured to support their next steps,” says Sharma.
To learn more about the finalists and the Rural and Remote Community Cancer Screening Challenge, visit the MaRS Innovation Challenges page.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Media contact: Wendy Bairos
wbairos@marsdd.com
416-831-9820
MaRS Discovery District
About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District is a charitable organization and North America’s largest urban innovation hub, dedicated to helping Canadian technology companies succeed. With a focus on climate, health sciences and other emerging technologies, MaRS supports startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues.
MaRS spans more than 1.5 million square feet of cutting-edge office, lab, meeting and event space in downtown Toronto across two locations — the MaRS Centre and MaRS Waterfront. Since 2010, MaRS has helped ventures generate $11.5 billion in cumulative revenue, raise $19 billion in funding, and create and maintain more than 33,000 jobs. The MaRS platform also includes MaRS IAF, one of Canada’s top seed-stage venture funds. Through its world-class facilities, strategic programs and partnerships, MaRS accelerates the adoption of groundbreaking Canadian technology and bolsters a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.
Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.