Cheelcare Named a 43North Finalist

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Oct 13, 2021

This year’s 43North finalists include a Complex Rehab Technology company: Cheelcare, a Canadian manufacturer of power-assist systems.

In an Oct. 6 news announcement, Cheelcare said it’s among the top 19 companies to advance to the finals in the Buffalo, N.Y.-based 43North program, which supports startups in industries ranging from artificial intelligence to sustainable farming, higher education, telemedicine, and artisan foods.

On Oct. 28, 43North will announce one $1 million winner and seven $500,000 winners, who will also receive office space at 43North’s Seneca One Tower in Buffalo and mentoring support.

The finalists were announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

“Buffalo has a rich history of innovation, and 43North is continuing this tradition by drawing some of the world’s most exciting startups to the region,” Hochul said. “The confluence of technology and talent is spurring remarkable economic growth, and we’re looking forward to seeing this year’s finalists compete to be a part of this transformation.”

Eugene Cherny, Cheelcare’s co-founder and CEO, said in the announcement, “We are ecstatic to have been selected as a finalist for this year’s 43North competition. Over the last 12 months, our company has made major progress launching our signature product, Companion, overcoming the effects of a global pandemic, and bringing a new level of independence to the disabled community around the world. The Companion was exceptionally well received by the market, and customers continuously tell us how greatly our product improves their life.

“We’ve now reached a pivotal moment, and an investment from 43North, along with the support from the program, would amplify our growth and radically change the lives of even more people living with physical disabilities.”

Cheelcare launched its Companion system in May. This summer, the Companion was named a Mobility Management Mobility Product Award winner for 2021.

Cheelcare is based in Richmond Hill, Ontario.