Government of Canada supports growth of medical diagnostics company leading to job creation
News release
FedDev Ontario invests up to $2 million for SQI Diagnostics Inc. to expand commercial-scale production and create and maintain 30 jobs
November 10, 2022 – Etobicoke, Ontario
The Government of Canada is investing in Canadians to create jobs and growth in innovative health technologies.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of up to $2 million for SQI Diagnostics Inc., (SQI) a leading life sciences and diagnostics company that is working to discover and develop rapid diagnostic testing for North American clinical and patient markets. Diagnostic testing is an important tool in healthcare. It can improve how well treatments work and avoid long-term complications.
As a leader in lung health, SQI has developed a portfolio of novel respiratory health tests, including TORdx™ LUNG, the only test on the organ transplant market that can detect inflammation at the molecular level to assess the health of donor lungs that are currently being rejected.
With this FedDev Ontario investment, the company will be able to scale up and bring their diagnostic tests to market faster, including its RALI-fast ™ point of care test, which identifies and measures the severity of respiratory diseases in patients, while also providing results in under 15 minutes. They will also be able to scale the first commercial-sized microarray facility of its kind in Canada, as well as create and maintain 30 jobs across the Toronto region.
Strategic investments, like this one, help to provide our healthcare sector with greater accuracy and confidence, while securing our position as a leader in innovative health technologies.
Quotes
“When we invest in Canadian’s potential, we can create an economy that works for everyone. By developing first-of-its-kind innovative medical technologies, SQI Diagnostics Inc. is harnessing the talent in the region and creating good, local jobs.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“With this support for our very own Etobicoke-based SQI, the Government of Canada is investing in a stronger and healthier economy, while also creating and maintaining 30 good, skilled jobs across the Toronto region. Today’s announcement is a great step forward in providing next-generation diagnostic ability to address the gaps in medical testing and give us the insights we need to successfully support Canada’s healthcare industry.”
– Kirsty Duncan, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North
“SQI is extraordinarily pleased to have this investment from the Government of Canada allowing it to pursue the expansion of its product line by completing its advanced manufacturing and commercial proliferation of our technology from right here in Canada. Our project would not have been possible without their critical support.”
– Andrew Morris, CEO, SQI Diagnostics Inc.
Quick facts
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Incorporated in 2007, SQI Diagnostics Inc. develops and manufactures respiratory health and precision medicine tests, including tests for COVID-19 antibodies and tests to increases the chance of successful lung transplantation.
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SQI’s new suite of rapid diagnostic tests will enable hospitals, healthcare facilities, businesses, schools and employers to effectively manage resources while monitoring key health outcomes.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $235 million in 46 projects related to health and bioscience, creating over 2,900 jobs and maintaining over 2,500 jobs.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $550 million in more than 640 projects in the Toronto Census Division, estimated to create over 26,000 jobs and maintaining over 32,000 jobs.
Associated links
Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca
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