Enhancing communication and creative expression
During her first year as an engineering student at McMaster University, Lianna Genovese met a woman named Elissa, who loved to paint but was no longer able to hold a paintbrush due to cerebral palsy.
“Losing the ability to express herself creatively was devastating for her,” recalls Genovese. “So, I created an assistive device that allows people with limited hand mobility to write, paint, draw and use touch-screen devices.”
Canada has an amazing startup entrepreneurial ecosystem. It has allowed us to grow the company in Canada, to employ Canadians.”
Setting out to engineer Guided Hands®, which enhances communication and creative expression for people with a range of conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, strokes, Huntington’s and arthritis, Genovese worked directly with patients and clinicians and drew on the expertise of the CFI-funded McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute. Then followed an encounter that made her realize she needed a company to make a tangible difference.
“I met Bella, who, after painting with Guided Hands, turned to her mother and said, ‘Mom, I want one,’” says Genovese. “At this point, I wasn’t selling the product; I only had a prototype. A week later, I incorporated ImaginAble Solutions.”
Keeping manufacturing in Canada
With the advice of mentors and support from local incubators and accelerators, Genovese was able to scale up ImaginAble Solutions. “The great thing about innovation in Canada is the support that is available through grants and programs,” she says. “This has allowed us to grow the company, employ Canadians — and manufacture our products in Hamilton, Ont. We’re proud of our made-in-Canada products.”
Genovese was 18 when she created her first prototype. She founded her company at age 19. Now, at 25, her innovation is used in 23 countries and she has won over 40 international awards, including the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award and the James Dyson Award, and making the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2023.
