FedDev Ontario Invests in Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Centre

News Release

July 26, 2016 – Hamilton, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Hamilton residents will benefit from well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it as a result of an $11.96-million investment to establish a biomedical engineering and advanced manufacturing facility. The products developed as a result of this investment have the potential to change diagnostics and treatment, which could improve the quality of life of Canadians as well as people living in countries around the world.

This investment to McMaster University by the Government of Canada was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). He was joined by Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, and Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek.

The Government's Innovation Agenda aims to make Canada a global centre for innovation – one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is a prime example of that vision in action.

The investment will be used to establish a new facility called the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing—commonly known as BEAM. The centre will house the development of novel technologies for eye care, point-of-care medical devices and cancer treatments, creating an anchor facility for a new industry around biomedical manufacturing to flourish in Hamilton.

The project is expected to create 74 full-time equivalent jobs and result in 35 new industrial collaborations that bring together 35 partners, including small businesses and multi-national enterprises,university-based researchers and the German-based Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI. These partnerships will result in the commercialization of new products. They will accelerate the growth of small businesses by providing them with access to the facilities, expertise and global value chains they need to succeed. They will also attract other businesses and talent to the region, which will diversify Hamilton's economy.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation – one that creates well-paying jobs for the middle class, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today's announcement is a prime example of that priority in action. The most innovative solutions often happen when people from different fields collaborate. That's why it's important for universities, health-care institutions, the business community and government to work together. That's how we will come up with solutions that improve the quality of life for all Canadians."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"This investment in the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing will lead to the creation and commercialization of innovative biomedical technologies and services. Companies, and individuals, will benefit from the strategic partnerships, resources and jobs made available through this new centre."

– Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas

"Capturing the true economic value of McMaster University's research is essential to developing and diversifying our regional economy. This investment will ensure that happens, allowing us to capitalize on this unique partnership with Fraunhofer, our talent, and our resources, to accelerate the commercialization of our research for the global market."

– Dr. Rob Baker, Vice-President of Research, McMaster University

"This investment from the Government of Canada is critical to the success of the Fraunhofer Project Centre. The new facilities will ensure BEAM scientists have the infrastructure required to move their research on biomaterials, diagnostics and cell therapies, into market-ready technologies."

– Professor Frank Emmrich, Director, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Quick Facts

  • FedDev Ontario's non-repayable contribution, under the Investing in Commercialization Partnerships (ICP) initiative, will support total project costs of up to $33.27 million and will leverage investments from McMaster University, Fraunhofer IZI, the Government of Ontario, the City of Hamilton, not-for-profit organizations and private sector partners.
  • Eleven collaborations leading to nine biomedical innovations will be developed through the project in the areas of eye care, point of care medical devices and cancer treatments.

Related Products

Associated Links

Contacts

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca

Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
Subscribe to our news updates and follow us on Twitter @FedDevOntario

Page details

Date modified: