Smart Solutions for Glaucoma: How LenSense Is Revolutionizing Eye Care
Eastern Ontario is home to some of Canada’s most ambitious innovators, and Launch Lab is at the heart of their growth journey. As a provincially funded Regional Innovation Centre (RIC), Launch Lab provides critical resources, mentorship, and support for entrepreneurs from a broad geographical area, serving areas such as Kingston, Trenton, Picton, Cornwall, Smiths Falls, and Bancroft.
In 2024, Launch Lab deepened its impact by partnering with Boundless Accelerator and four other RICs to deliver Cohort 3 of the i.d.e.a. FundTM, an initiative powered a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
This program offers more than just financial backing. With up to $20,000 in matching seed funding per company, combined with mentorship, business support, and market intelligence, the i.d.e.a. FundTM empowers early-stage innovators to develop viable, sustainable solutions that move the needle on environmental and economic challenges.
Garrett Elliott, General Manager at Launch Lab, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in i.d.e.a. FundTM Cohort 3:
"As the newest Regional Innovation Centre partner delivering the i.d.e.a. FundTM in Eastern Ontario, we're fortunate to build on two cohorts' worth of experience. The organization and administration by Boundless Accelerator have been a key factor in ensuring this third cohort runs smoothly and effectively. What also stands out is the drive and determination of the participating entrepreneurs! They are eager to find creative, sustainable solutions to move their business forward in a rapidly changing environment. We're proud to be working alongside some truly incredible companies."
The Story of LensSense
Among the 12 companies supported by Launch Lab in Cohort 3 is LenSense Inc., a health-tech startup spun out of Queen’s University. Led by Professor Yongjun Lai and Product Manager Tanzila Afrin, LenSense is reimagining how glaucoma is monitored, using a smart contact lens embedded with microfluidic technology that connects to a mobile phone.
Traditional glaucoma diagnostics require patients to visit clinics for routine tests, creating waste, inefficiencies, and accessibility barriers. LenSense’s solution offers non-invasive tools for continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure that can be used from the comfort of home, ushering in a more sustainable and patient-centric healthcare model.
Afrin considered the i.d.e.a. FundTM a significant part of their growth journey:
"The i.d.e.a. FundTM played a crucial role in helping us reach a major milestone. The funding helped us develop a wearable lens prototype for patients. The support enabled us to purchase essential materials, create custom moulds, and hire a part-time team member with hands-on experience. This not only accelerated our technical progress but also helped us transfer valuable knowledge to our collaborators and manufacturing partner. Thanks to this support, we're now significantly closer to commercialization."
LenSense’s journey wasn’t without challenges. From navigating tariffs to sourcing new manufacturers, the startup encountered complex decisions typical of scaling science-driven products. Through it all, Launch Lab provided mentorship and business development support that proved pivotal for the team’s success.
“If I could share one lesson with fellow scientist-entrepreneurs, it's this: start by deeply understanding the market. Is there a real need for your solution? And more importantly, are people willing to pay for it? That insight can shape everything. Second, find strong mentors early in your career. Their guidance is invaluable. And third, get clear on your budget! You must know what resources you'll need and how to manage them. Transitioning from science to business is a different world! It requires openness, adaptability, and the courage to move forward even when things aren't perfect. In science, we wait for certainty. In business, sometimes we need to act on an opportunity,” said Afrin.
That guidance paid off: LenSense reached key milestones, including Health Canada pre-approval steps and a pilot clinical study. Afrin also won a pitch competition at OCI Discovery X during the program—a testament to the company’s growing visibility and momentum.
What sets LenSense apart is its dual impact, delivering both environmental and health-system benefits. Its home-based monitoring reduces clinical waste and lowers the carbon footprint associated with hospital testing. This aligns directly with the i.d.e.a. FundTM’s broader mission to support innovators committed to sustainable, scalable solutions.
"The i.d.e.a. FundTM's focus on cleantech and sustainability aligns closely with our vision. Through continuous, home-based health monitoring, we're not only improving patient convenience but also reducing environmental impact. Traditional hospital-based testing generates significant medical waste, whereas our solution significantly reduces that need. We are supporting a greener, more efficient healthcare model," said Afrin.
A Growing Network of Sustainable Entrepreneurs
LensSense is one of 12 companies supported by Launch Lab through the i.d.e.a. FundTM, including County Cooperage, Carbon Utilized Inc., GreenLIB, Oat & Mill, Demagel Inc., Tiny Box Inc., CO2L Tech, A.R. Environmental Solutions Inc., SmartCocoon, Yofiit Inc., and iWasteNot Systems.
“Programs like the i.d.e.a. FundTM are invaluable because green technology isn't just an industry, it's also a movement with profound social and economic impact. These innovations create jobs, but more importantly, they pave the way for healthier, more sustainable lives. Ontario is home to incredible talent, and with the support of RICs and strategic funding like the i.d.e.a. FundTM, we can accelerate the growth and impact of companies leading the charge toward a greener future,” said Garret Elliott of Launch Lab.
As part of the i.d.e.a. FundTM network, Launch Lab continues to connect entrepreneurs with the mentors, funding pathways, and peer networks they need to scale sustainably. The collaborative spirit among RIC partners ensures that companies have access to diverse expertise and regional resources no matter where they are in their journey.
Elliott ended the interview with inspiring advice for business accelerators and funders:
"Listen to the innovators—to their needs, their challenges, and their feedback. They’re the ones pushing boundaries and shaping the future. Our role is to walk alongside them, offering the support they need to reach their goals faster than they could alone. Every conversation, every insight, and every ounce of support matters."
To learn more about the i.d.e.a. FundTM and how it is helping to promote a cleaner business ecosystem by providing funding to Launch Lab and other RICs, visit: "i.d.e.a. Fund — Launch Lab.
To learn more about FedDev Ontario, visit feddev-ontario.canada.ca
