Breathe Easy

startup name: Lungpacer Medical Inc.

founded: 2009

number of employees: 13

lead product: The Lungpacer Diaphragm Pacing System strengthens the diaphragm muscles of patients on a ventilator, speeding recovery and lowering costs.

milestone: Won the B.C. Innovation Council’s Emerging Technology Award in 2009.

The world needs this product because: According to CEO Andy Hoffer, Lungpacer provides a “high-impact solution to an unmet need, both in terms of saving lives and also saving a lot of money.”