Claire Dixon
Claire Dixon has 25+ years’ international leadership, strategy and operational experience, including 15 years as a strategic consultant to capital and technology-intensive businesses, 5 years in senior operational roles and 6 years as a deeptech founder.
She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a MEng/MA (Cantab.) in Mechanical Engineering from Cambridge University.
Claire was recently named one of the Top 200 Trailblazing Leaders in Women’s Health and FemTech by Women of Wearables and nominated for DMZ’s Women of the Year.
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
I come from a family of blue-collar entrepreneurs; my family business, which my cousin runs today, is in tire-fitting. I was the first person in my immediate family to stay at school past the age of 16 and was fortunate to study at leading global institutions; I have an MEng/MA from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/ business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
LoOoP will be the first effective and accessible solution for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). LoOoP combines a minimally-invasive bioelectronic that alleviates symptoms with a digital platform to lessen the overall burden of disease.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
Since switching our primary focus to PCOS in Q4 2022, Neuraura has achieved a number of significant milestones, including:
- Commercialization: secured LoI for up to C$1M in pre-sales from leading Canadian online pharmacy, secured support from leading advocacy group, PCOS Challenge, and built ecosystem of referral partners including aima Laboratories, a.ray, D2Type Health, Evelyn Health, Femity, Hoopsy, Nanotess, NatureMary, Peace and Pure, Perfect Fit and Unpause;
- LoOoP device: integrated pre-production prototype of device and MyLoOoP companion app; completed pre-production prototype with support of ST Innovations and Alberta Innovates, developed prototype packaging, completed functional prototype with support of University of Calgary Engineering Capstone Project and completed proof of concept prototype (“Project MacGyver”);
- MyLoOoP companion app: developed and secured user feedback on preliminary wireframe with support of SAIT Bootcamp UX / Product Development Capstone project; developed preliminary prototype with support of Centennial College Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Services (ARIES);
- LoOoP electrode patch: validated feasibility of Neuraura’s electrodes for use in chronic, stimulating application with support of Neo-Bionica and Technology Voucher Program and secured preliminary human evidence around translation of Dr. Stener-Victorin’s findings on efficacy of electro-stimulation in PCOS to our micro-electrodes;
- LoOoP platform: re-launched GetLoOoP.com as digital MVP with reliable content and curated clinical and wellness solutions; refreshed LoOoP brand with support of The Crowdfunding Hub; secured partnership with MyNormative;
- Regulation: completed FDA pre-submission meeting confirming Class II 510(k) regulatory pathway with no clinical data required for market launch for pain application;
- Quality management: validated readiness for ISO13485:2016 certification and FDA submission with support of Springborne Life Science and Alberta Innovates Voucher program; and
- Intellectual Property: core micro-electrode patent granted in US and Australia (other jurisdictions pending).
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is. Share with us and let’s celebrate the amazing people in our lives who make a positive impact.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have an extension network of support. These include mentors / advisors from accelerators and other programs as well as peers in my industry. I’d like to highlight Rachel Bartholomew as someone who continues to inspire me and provides both emotional support without judgement as well as being a champion and an advocate for myself and Neuraura.
As a young woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world and what opportunities are you seeking?
I am driven by equity so I would like to see a world where the best ideas win, the best candidates are hired, the best startups receive funding and everyone is able to honour the rights of others.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
I believe that we have a long way to go and that it is incumbent on female leaders to be role models and champions for others.