Technology is accelerating at a faster pace than ever before, inspiring Canadian companies to break boundaries and create innovative products with the goal of making a difference in people’s lives.

In Toronto, this is exactly what SenseTech Solutions is doing by developing accessible and realistic VR and AR simulations for those living with a disability.

Of course, like any small business, SenseTech Solutions needs mentorship and capital to work towards smashing their next goal. Earlier this year, the team received exceptionally good news when they emerged as one of three winners of Staples Canada‘s “This is How I Grow My Business” contest.

Since then, the Toronto-based company has been receiving support from Staples with $20,000 worth of new technology and Solutionshop services as well as mentorship from style icon and champion of entrepreneurs,Joe Mimran.

SenseTech Solutions was founded by four engineering graduates who met when they attended York University: Ali Raza Syed, Rui Amoah, Robert Ingino, and Rijul Aggarwal. During their time at university, they worked on a project for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), which allowed them to discover the need for a specific kind of technology.

“Once we had made our first simulation, we saw how it affected people’s lives, and it was a really good feeling to see instant gratification for what you’re doing,” CEO of SenseTech Solutions, Robert Ingino, tells Daily Hive. “From there, it inspired me and my team to start our company.”

Today, SenseTech Solutions creates simulations that replicate environments for training and rehabilitation for those who need it most. They also create simulations that act as outreach tools for organizations to raise disability awareness.

“We are currently mainly serving CNIB in expanding the virtual reality that’s available to their clients. But we’re also going across other sectors of disabilities, such as wheelchair accessibility, and even the health sector,” says Ingino.