Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is launching CDL Neuro, a new stream that will harness the extraordinary advances in brain and nervous system science in order to improve health and quality of life. Based at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, CDL Neuro will bring together world-class scientists, investors and operators in the field of neurotechnology, neuromonitoring, and brain-machine interfaces to provide business judgment, mentorship and opportunity for investment to technical founders and innovators. 

Recent breakthroughs in robotics, machine learning and sensor technology have led to unprecedented opportunities in drug discovery, neuromonitoring and the brain-machine interface. “Humanity has put a lot more energy into using technology to interact with the brain,” says Shivon Zilis, founding member of Bloomberg Beta and Director of the Office of the CEO at Neuralink, who joins CDL Neuro as a Founding Fellow of the new stream.

Zilis brings her experience investing in machine intelligence and commercializing ultra-high bandwidth brain-machine interfaces to connect humans and computers. “Many of the engineers I speak to don’t realize their skills could be massively useful in advancing progress in brain-machine interfaces,” she says. “My hope is that this program helps talented minds from other industries realize just how much of a difference they can make.”

Drawing in particular from the deep expertise of CDL-Toronto’s scientists and mentors in the fields of health and artificial intelligence, CDL Neuro will accelerate the commercialization of advances in brain science. “The increase in computing power and democratization of non-invasive technologies like MRI, PET CT and cerebral oximetry allow us to assess the brain in action like never before,” says Jehangir Appoo, surgeon and founder of AloTHealth. “In my experience, neuroscience is one of the most exciting fields for learning and innovation in medicine.”

CDL Neuro is accepting commercially driven, seed-stage ventures from all over the world that have technology or deep-tech applications in: drug discovery and pharmaceuticals (for direct improvements in brain health, including mental health); neuromodulation (to treat neurodegenerative disorders); neuromonitoring and data utility (to leverage complex data generated from neuromonitoring technologies); and brain-computer interfaces (for reading impulses of the brain to boost damaged, injured or paralyzed motor, cognitive and sensory systems).

“With its fusion of technologies, the CDL-Toronto Neuro stream presents a compelling vision and opportunity for the future,” says Ray Muzyka, co-founder and former CEO of BioWare and now CEO and Founder of ThresholdImpact. “I’m honoured and excited to participate in the Neuro stream as a Mentor Fellow for 2021-2022.”

Join a CDL Neuro webinar and learn more about how the CDL program can help you build a massively scalable business. 

Companies interested in applying to the CDL Neuro stream can contact neuro@creativedestructionlab.com for more information. Applications will be accepted online at creativedestructionlab.com/apply-now-2021 until July 30, 2021.

ABOUT CREATIVE DESTRUCTION LAB

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Its nine-month program allows founders to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their likelihood of success. Founded in 2012 by Professor Ajay Agrawal at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, the program has expanded to ten sites across four countries: Oxford (Saïd Business School, University of Oxford), Paris (HEC Paris), Atlanta (Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology), Madison (Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison), Seattle (University of Washington, Foster School of Business), Vancouver (Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia), Montreal (HEC Montréal), Calgary (Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary), and Halifax (Rowe School of Business, Dalhousie University).

Media Contact
Amarpreet Kaur
Marketing Lead, Creative Destruction Lab
Email: amarpreet.kaur@creativedestructionlab.com