“It’s also a quality of life measure, trying to make sure you can get the help before it’s too late,” Bronwyn Bridges told Northeastern Global News as she developed an artificial intelligence tool to evaluate Parkinson’s disease motor skills in rural Canada. Bridges shifted her doctoral focus from blueberry antioxidants to neurological access after finding widespread specialist shortages in Newfoundland and Labrador, Northeastern Global News reported.
Building PRIMS With Co-Founder Gord Genge
Faced with long waitlists and limited access to nervous system experts, Bridges teamed up with Gord Genge, who received a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019. Genge shared his own frustrating experiences attempting to see specialists in the region. Together, the pair launched PragmaClin in 2020 to tackle gaps in neurological care.
The startup developed the Parkinson’s Real-Time Intelligent Medical System, known as PRIMS. The clinical decision support tool uses 3D imaging and artificial intelligence analysis to evaluate patient motor skills. The assessment follows a widely used scale backed by the Movement Disorder Society.
Assessing Movement Symptoms in Eleven Minutes
The entire assessment process takes about 11 minutes to complete. PRIMS guides patients through evaluations covering speech, facial expression, balance, tremors, and gait. Clinicians then review the resulting report to determine the next steps for patient care.
PragmaClin also developed a mobile application currently in beta testing. The app prompts patients for weekly cognitive function assessments between regular doctor appointments. These recurring checks help track disease progression and assist clinicians in deciding whether to adjust medication dosages.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder caused by malfunctioning or dying brain cells that produce dopamine, the chemical responsible for movement coordination. While incurable, treatments such as medication help manage movement symptoms as the condition advances.
While the device remains in the validation stage, more than 10,000 movement recordings have been completed across 15 clinical studies in six countries, according to Bridges. The system allows individuals living in rural areas or dealing with limited mobility to complete evaluations without traveling long distances to a specialist’s office.
In 2023, Bridges brought the venture to the inaugural cohort of the Future of Healthcare Founder Residency at the Roux Institute in Portland, Maine. The program offers a $50,000 investment alongside mentorship, facilities access, and analytics, design, and legal services.
During the residency, Bridges worked with Tom Arena, an executive with experience building and scaling healthcare technology ventures. Arena praised her drive, calling her the “chief hustler” of the enterprise. Bridges noted that the program helped her understand the market differences between the U.S. and Canada and plan future steps to reach the market.
Recognizing Innovators in 2026
Bridges is one of eight fellows selected for the 2026 Women Who Empower Innovator Awards. Run through Northeastern University, the program invests in women founders across artificial intelligence, technology, health, arts, entrepreneurship, and social change.
When she virtually met her fellow finalists during the selection cycle, Bridges remarked that the group comprised individuals who would change the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRIMS and PragmaClin
What does PRIMS stand for and how does it work?
PRIMS stands for Parkinson’s Real-Time Intelligent Medical System. It uses 3D imaging and artificial intelligence to evaluate a patient’s motor skills through an 11-minute guided assessment covering speech, balance, tremors, and gait.
Who co-founded PragmaClin with Bronwyn Bridges?
Bridges co-founded the startup in 2020 with Gord Genge, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and experienced firsthand the lack of access to neurology specialists in rural Canada.
How many clinical studies have tested the technology?
PragmaClin has recorded more than 10,000 movement assessments across 15 clinical studies conducted in six countries while the device undergoes ongoing validation.
What support did PragmaClin receive at the Roux Institute?
Bridges joined the first cohort of the Future of Healthcare Founder Residency at the Roux Institute in Portland, Maine, in 2023, receiving a $50,000 investment, mentorship from healthcare executives like Tom Arena, and access to business and legal services.
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