August 29, 2011 — Ottawa, Ontario
Canadian soldiers may soon benefit from a new technology that prevents muscle and bone injuries from carrying heavy combat gear during field operations, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding was announced today for Quebec-based B-Temia Inc. by the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry.
“Our country’s prosperity is fundamentally linked to science and technology and the innovative technologies that Canadian firms bring to life,” said Minister Paradis. “The Government of Canada is pleased to support new technologies that will protect our soldiers’ health and well-being.”
Through the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), B-Temia Inc. will receive up to $349,500 to develop its “Dermoskeleton” project, which will produce wearable protective equipment for soldiers during on-the-move operations. The equipment, patented by the company as a “dermoskeleton”, could potentially prevent musculoskeletal injuries and maintain soldier mobility which is otherwise threatened while carrying heavy loads. This is achieved by supplying extra strength to the joints of the user.
“We’ve been hearing over and over again about the challenges caused by overloading soldiers, from both an operational and economic standpoint” said Stéphane Bédard, President and CEO of B-Temia Inc. “This partnership with the NRC will allow us to address these challenges and simultaneously support Canadian foreign exchange through global commercialization.”
Headquartered in Quebec City, Quebec, B-Temia Inc. is a private medical technology company that develops and markets products in the human augmentation systems market, particularly to defense and security as well as healthcare organizations in the United States, Canada and Europe. With these applications in mind, B-Temia Inc. aims to create annual increases in R&D positions within its organization.
The Industrial Research Assistance Program provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada.
The program is delivered by a field staff of professionals in communities across Canada. The National Research Council of Canada is committed to working with small and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.
