Entangled Vision wins $5K Velocity Startup Pitch Prize
Friday, July 21, 2023
Connor Kapahi of Entangled Vision, who is a PhD candidate for Physics in Quantum Information, explained how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60 years old — has existing treatments that can effectively slow and stop vision loss. But there are no treatments which can reverse vision loss once a patient is diagnosed with AMD.
Their solution is a technology that allows their team to create a screening test using quantum information tools to detect macular degeneration before vision loss occurs.
While as a PhD student, Kapahi developed a prototype device and conducted research trials at Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science. With the future in mind, Kapahi and his team made certain that they can upgrade the functionality of the device so clinicians can test for other diseases through software updates.
“This year, our first patent was approved, and then we submitted a second provisional patent. The $5K grant will allow us to begin the process of full clinical trials seeking FDA approval as a diagnostic device,” Kapahi said.
Through the Velocity Cornerstone program, Kapahi was able to perform extensive business development and hone the skills he needed to present Entangled Vision within a three-minute pitch.
