Expanding treatment options for women living with urinary incontinence

The challenge: A common condition with limited, invasive options 

While an estimated one in two Canadian women over the age of 65 experiences urinary incontinence, a condition that can significantly impact quality of life, it remains widely under-discussed. 

Surgical and laser-based treatments are available, but they can be costly, invasive, and sometimes prone to failure, which leaves many women feeling like the available options are not accessible or aligned with their comfort level. 

This gap highlighted the need for a minimally invasive treatment that could be delivered safely in a clinical setting, without surgery. 

The solution: A device designed to restore strength and function 

Fattah Haeri, a biomedical engineer and recent MBA graduate at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business, led the development of a vaginal probe designed to treat urinary incontinence using advanced radiofrequency and tissue stimulation technology. 

Developed in partnership with researchers M.H. Saadatfar and Nima Kohandani, the device works by gently applying controlled heat and stimulation to rejuvenate tissue, restore elasticity, and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. 

The treatment is delivered in a clinical setting under the supervision of a trained clinician. Patients begin with three sessions spaced two weeks apart, followed by gradually extended intervals over the course of several months. The procedure is designed to be no more invasive than a vaginal ultrasound — and does not require a full bladder. 

Unlike surgery, the goal is to provide an effective alternative that is both accessible and affordable. 

The outcome: From concept to company 

The research breakthrough led to the launch of Vancouver-based Femera Med Tech, co-founded by Haeri and Saadatfar with a mission to usher in a new era in female health. 

Promising early results, soon to be published, indicate faster recovery compared to other therapies and interventions. The company is now preparing for clinical trials and progressing through regulatory approval processes in North America. 

Haeri credits Mitacs for helping move the innovation beyond the lab. Through Mitacs, he related to Health Research B.C. and gained support that extended beyond funding. 

“The support of Mitacs goes well beyond a grant,” said Haeri. “They help enable key milestones and genuinely want to see the company succeed.” 

Talent in action: Turning research into real-world care 

For his work translating research into a practical solution for women’s health, Haeri has received a Mitacs Innovation Award — Canadian Start-Up Innovator of the Year. 

Raised in a family of doctors and having invented his first medical device at age 17, Haeri has long been driven by the desire to improve patient care through innovation. With Femera Med Tech, that vision is becoming reality, transforming years of research into a treatment designed to improve the daily lives of women worldwide. 

The award recognizes not only the technology itself, but the entrepreneurial leadership required to bring it to market. Haeri is one of 11 Mitacs award winners nationally, selected from thousands of researchers who participate in Mitacs programs each year. The awards were presented at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on November 17. 

About Mitacs  

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.   

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.   

This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.   

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.