A Vancouver Island company that uses technology to make a positive difference in the world has been named a finalist in a Canada-wide contest.
Victoria Hand Project provides upper-limb prosthesis to amputees in five developing countries, including Haiti, Nepal and Guatemala.
It also works with the local community to supply training and technological support.
This week it was named a top 10 finalist in Google’s Impact Challenge contest in Canada, an initiative that aims to build a better world through technology.
The winner will be awarded with a $750,000 grant to use toward their project.
The group says if they win the grant they’ll be able to expand their global reach.
According to VHP, eight out of 10 people in need of prosthetic care live in developing countries.
“We’ll be able to immediately help 750 amputees in the developing world with no cost to the patient, we’ll also be able to enter five new countries,” said Alex Burden, a designer on the project.
The non-profit organization consists of a team of engineers, designers and volunteers based in Victoria.
Other innovative ideas in the running include a smartphone app that helps doctors diagnose pneumonia in people living in developing countries and a food access app that diverts quality food away from landfill and towards people in need.
Canadians can cast their votes until March 28.
Additional winners will be selected by a panel of judges, including Canada’s Heritage Minister Melanie Joly and NHL defenceman PK Subban.
