Innovation Application – Non-Invasive Abdominal Wall Surgical Support Device for Open Abdominal Surgery

Section 1: Introduction

This Call for Proposals (“CFP”) is issued by Ontario Health (“Ontario Health” or “OH”) as an invitation to health service providers interested in the opportunity, as set out and defined in Section 1.2 (“Opportunity”). Health service providers who wish to be considered for the Opportunity are to submit an application for evaluation (the “Respondent”).

1.2 Opportunity
On September 4, 2025, the Ontario government launched the Health Innovation Pathway, a streamlined system to accelerate the adoption of new health technologies and improve patient care. Co-developed by Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health, the pathway will create a consistent process for reviewing and adopting technologies like medical devices, digital tools and models of health care delivery – ensuring more patients receive world-class care close to home.

Through the Health Innovation Pathway (HIP), Ontario Health is launching a time-limited technology project to further understand the benefits of adopting non-invasive abdominal wall surgical support devices for open abdominal surgery in Ontario. These benefits include but are not limited to preventing damage, streamlining surgical flow, and improving patient outcomes.

Duration: Up to three (3) years

Total Project Funding Available for All Sites: Up to $500,000.00 for capital, operating and associated administrative costs

Number of Proposals Supported: TBD

Interested applicants are asked to provide detailed information for each question in the application template found in section 3 below (the “Response”). Proposals are to demonstrate how the project will:

Generate evidence on the clinical effectiveness and economic impact of using a non-invasive abdominal wall surgical support device compared with standard of care
Identify requirements for procurement and implementation of the technology, including deployment parameters, training needs, infrastructure, and cross sector collaboration

Note: Successful Respondents will be required to procure a non-invasive abdominal wall support device as described in the project budget submitted and following receipt of confirmation of a successful application.

1.3 Timeline

Call for Proposals Issue Date: January 20, 2026

Deadline for Questions: 5pm February 17, 2026

Response Submission Deadline: 5pm February 27, 2026

1.4 Call for Proposals
Health service providers are invited to submit a proposal for funding consideration to explore the incorporation of non-invasive abdominal wall surgical support devices for open abdominal surgery in Ontario. Respondents may submit proposals which reflect cross-sector collaboration, for example, collaboration between regional trauma centres.

1.5 Who is Eligible
Lead Trauma Hospitals (Level I and Level II Trauma Centres) with a focus on abdominal wall procedures, reconstruction, trauma and wound care are eligible to apply. Eligible organizations must have the capability to dedicate resources to:

Project management, and data collection/analysis to support evaluation
Change management support to ensure the technology is adopted smoothly, and to identify any required clinical workflow changes to successfully integrate the technology at different sites
Participation in Ontario Health surveys to provide feedback on user experience

Collaborative proposals involving more than a single trauma center are welcome. Health service providers who have incorporated non-invasive abdominal wall surgical support devices into their workflow of open abdominal surgery as of the Call for Proposals issue date are not eligible to receive funds as the sole Respondent through this Opportunity.

However, these health service providers who have incorporated non-invasive abdominal wall surgical support devices into the workflow of open abdominal surgery may participate as collaborators and may contribute resources in partnership with health service providers who have not yet incorporated abdominal wall surgical support devices into their abdominal surgery workflow.

1.6 Reporting
Selected Respondents will be required to submit the following deliverables:

Interim reports at predefined milestones (e.g., quarterly), outlining progress, challenges, and mitigation strategies
A comprehensive final evaluation report within 90 days of project completion summarizing findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future research or implementation

All reporting must adhere to applicable ethical and regulatory standards, ensuring transparency, accuracy and reproducibility.

1.7 Questions
Respondents can submit requests for clarification by email through the Ontario Health HIP program page or emailing at: HealthInnovationPathway@ontariohealth.ca

When submitting a request for clarification, Respondents must include contact information such as an email address. If the question relates to a specific section of this Call for Proposals, reference should be made to the specific section number and page number of the Call for Proposals. All requests for clarification must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the Call for Proposals Submission Deadline.

Ontario Health will make reasonable efforts to provide Respondents with written responses to questions that are submitted. Questions and answers resulting in any change to the Call for Proposals, will be formally documented through the issue of a separate addendum reflecting that change.