How KBH+ disrupts traditional innovation models in neurodevelopmental disability
Approximately 10 per cent of children and youth in Canada live with a neurodevelopmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. While science and supports continue to advance, too often those discoveries fail to reach the families who need them. KBH+ exists to change that.
Since 2009, Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) has led transformative projects to improve outcomes for children and families, funded by the Government of Canada. In 2016, the Kids Brain Health Foundation (KBHF) was created to mobilize philanthropy and public support, amplifying that impact. The Kids Brain Health Innovation Fund (KBH-IF) further accelerates the growth of tested and effective innovations by leveraging private capital to scale up access to programs through both commercialization opportunities and sustainable social enterprises.
KBHN, KBHF, and KBH-IF form KBH+, working together to invest in projects from its three revenue streams and creating a critical mass and complementary strength that amplify and expand the impact that the Network has built since its inception.
“We are building the systems needed to bring proven solutions to children and families across the country and globally. Our goal is to create a future where all children have access to the supports they need to thrive,” said Geoff Pradella, KBH+ CEO.
To date, KBHN and KBHF have invested more than $100 million in initiatives that are making a meaningful difference. The launch of KBH-IF allows us to scale those investments even further.
Dr. Nicholas Graham, a lead researcher supported by KBHN, said the funding has been instrumental in advancing his team’s work. “This has enabled us to take critical steps toward commercializing Liberi, refining the technology, improving reliability and preparing it for broader use.”
KBH+ supports early identification, effective interventions and improved access to family supports. Project teams working in these three challenge areas receive wraparound services to help scale their work.
“Researchers are gaining unique skills they need through training from KBH+, particularly in areas such as commercialization and implementation,” said Kim van der Hoek, KBHN COO. “These capabilities are essential for KBH+ to achieve its mission, and it’s clear we can’t do it alone.”
The success of KBH+ has been driven by collaboration with more than 800 funders and partners committed to a shared vision of improving the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
“Our approach is collaborative and built for scale, because when evidence meets action, the future for kids changes for the better,” said Shannon Gill, KBHF CFDO. “Philanthropic support unlocks potential, expands opportunity and helps build a Canada where every child has the support they need to shine.”
With projects active across five continents: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, KBH+ demonstrates that meaningful change is possible through collaboration. Partnerships are at the heart of this work, helping to scale solutions beyond borders.
Organizations, funders and investors interested in driving real-world impact are invited to connect with KBH+ and explore opportunities to collaborate.