NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Four Massachusetts companies have been chosen as finalists for Lever's Berkshire Health Technology Challenge (BHTC). 

 

Over the next two months, participants will refine their business plans and will deliver their final pitches to a panel of  judges at the BHTC virtual event on June 10. The winning company will be awarded $25,000.

 

This is Lever's third BHTC, which focuses on health technology companies with fundable and scalable business models. Dr. Marie Pavini of Healthy Designs won the 2020 BHTC for her movable restraint to keep hospitalized patients from pulling out critical tubes and monitors; Brittney Cappiello, a physical therapist who founded My Core Floor, an online platform with exercises, education, and a forum to help women address pelvic muscle issues, won the 2019 event. 

 

"Our BHTC finalists have the potential to make major impacts on the health care industry and in individual patients' lives," said Brent Filson, Lever's head of innovation. "I'm excited to work with each of them more closely through this Challenge."

 

 

BHTC Finalists

 

Biosensor.AI

Biosensor.AI is a modular olfactory sensor that provides a diagnostic reading for telehealth applications in less than a minute. Based in Cambridge, Mass., Biosensor.AI was founded by Nikhil Lal.

 

CathWear 

CathWear is medical underwear designed for patients struggling with wearing leg bags. CathWear significantly improves the patient's quality of life by removing unsanitary leg straps and increasing accessibility. CathWear was founded by Brian Mohika, BSN, RN, Hector Arce Jr., LT, NC, USN, and Edwin Alvarez, MBA.

 

Health Together

Health Together is a moderated, online peer health community sold to employers who want to reduce health care costs and increase well-being by giving employees and family members a way to find support and coaching. Based in Williamsburg, Mass., Health Together was founded by Nicolas Boillot and Deirdre Tomlinson.

 

Open Standard Industries

The OSR-M1 is a reusable, non-valved, elastomeric respirator that provides bidirectional filtration at 99% efficiency and is made using local supply chains. Open Standard Industries is based in Holyoke, Mass., and led by Dr. Matt Carney, Aaron Cantrell, Jake Horsey, Mike Stone, and Dr. Philip Brown.