A wave of innovation is rippling through Montreal’s healthtech scene, and Vopemed is leading the charge.
The early-stage startup, formerly Vope Medical, just announced CAD 2.29 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate the development and clinical rollout of its flagship product, Claris, an AI-powered tool designed to enhance visuals during surgery.
Backing from Home Turf
Genson Capital led the funding round, contributing $1.5 million, and Investissement Québec (IQ) added another $750,000. According to Genson partner Jacques Courtois, Vopemed is “well-positioned to make a lasting impact” on the future of surgical precision.
CEO Amy Lorincz echoed that confidence, saying the funding reinforces the growing demand for smarter, clearer, AI-supported surgical tools.
This funding validates the need for enhanced surgical visualization and reinforces our mission to bring AI-powered image enhancement into every operating room, said Lorincz.
Claris: Clearer Views, Safer Surgeries
So, what exactly does Claris do? In minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopy or robot-assisted procedures, visibility is everything. Claris enhances the video feed during these operations by removing visual obstructions, such as surgical smoke or murky fluids, and then reconstructs key visuals using generative AI.
The result? Sharper, clearer views of critical anatomy allow surgeons to make better decisions in real time.
It’s not just high-tech, it’s high-impact. Better visuals could translate to fewer complications, faster procedures, and more confidence in the OR.
The best part? Claris is designed to run on standard operating room hardware, meaning integration is simple no need for hospitals to overhaul existing systems.
Next Stop: Clinical Validation and Expansion
Vopemed plans to channel the new funds into accelerating product development, expanding clinical research, and building stronger partnerships with hospitals and surgical teams. The startup is aiming to kick off validation studies in 2025 and hopes to receive regulatory clearance across North America by mid-2026.
The move also strengthens Montreal’s position as a fast-emerging healthtech hub. Genson Capital, a frequent investor in local medical innovation, has previously backed ventures like Neurenati and Morphocell, while IQ’s recent portfolio includes cancer immunotherapy firm Epitopea.
As geopolitical factors nudge Canada toward self-reliant innovation ecosystems, homegrown players like Vopemed are stepping up to shape the future of healthcare, not just in Quebec, but globally.
