July 31, 2015 – Edmonton, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, announced three federal investments, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP), to enhance competitiveness and innovation in the health sciences sector for Western Canada.
Federal funding of $1.2 million will support the nanoFAB at the University of Alberta in the purchase of specialized equipment to accelerate the commercialization of micro and nanotechnology products to meet high industry demand for development and prototyping services. This project is also receiving support from Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education and Alberta Innovates Technology Futures. Businesses will now have greater local access to equipment and expertise, which will foster faster and more efficient product delivery.
A second investment of $900,000 will enable the University Hospital Foundation and the University of Alberta, to establish a major industry sponsored health sciences incubator in Western Canada for health start-up companies to develop innovative technologies for the life sciences sector. This project will leverage funding from industry and will provide early health start-ups with access to valuable knowledge in product development, commercialization activities, educational and mentorship programs.
Further funding of $420,000 will support the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation in the establishment of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Research, Innovation and Technology Hub (GRRIT). This investment will support the activities of a project coordinator, occupational and physical therapists, software design and design development engineers, as well as prototype manufacturing.
Quick Facts
- The nanoFAB was established in 1999 and is located at the University of Alberta. It is the largest centralized, open access research and development facility specializing in micro and nano scale fabrication and characterization in Canada.
- The market for micro and nanotechnology enabled products is projected to be worth over US $3.1 trillion.
- GRRIT is an innovation hub that will facilitate the collaboration between clinicians, physicians, academia and industry with the goal of developing and commercializing innovative rehabilitation healthcare products.
- The Western Canadian Health Science Incubator will be located at the University of Alberta and will enhance Alberta’s emerging biomedical health innovative ecosystem.
- Western Canadian based and global companies who will be tenants at the incubator will have access to industry experience and expertise in product development and commercialization.
Quotes
“Alberta is a leader in health research and innovation, and by strengthening our position through investments in innovation we are helping to drive new commercial opportunities. By building on our region’s strength, we are helping to create jobs and economic growth.”
- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health
“We are delighted to partner with the Government of Canada to take health research and innovation to the next level. Investments like these multiply the economic impact of research and innovation, and have the potential to change and save the lives of the patients we serve.”
- Kim Wheaton, Board Chair, University Hospital Foundation
“This funding will provide crucial resources for Canadian researchers and members of our growing high-tech sector, giving them greater access to technical expertise and world-class facilities. Through this kind of collaboration, government, universities, and industry ensure that key facilities are available to increase Canadian competitiveness in research and technology commercialization.”
- Fraser Forbes, University of Alberta Dean of Engineering
“This grant is significant for the Glenrose Foundation. This will heighten our ability to improve rehabilitation while also creating economic opportunities. We are launching an official platform where industry, innovators, front line clinicians and patients will actively collaborate to solve real challenges & develop rehabilitation medical products for commercialization. We thank Western Economic Diversification for having the foresight to invest in this unique & dynamic approach.”
- Wendy Dugas, President & CEO, Glenrose Rehablitiation Hospital Foundation.
Additional Links
Contacts
Joanne Kunstek
Regional Affairs Advisor
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Telephone: 780-782-8686
Email: joanne.kunstek@hc-sc.gc.ca
Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-220-6208
Email: nicholas.insley@wd-deo.gc.ca
Christy Holtby
Vice President, Donor Relations
University Hospital Foundation
Telephone: 780-407-6474
Email: Christy.Holtby@albertahealthservices.ca
Richard Cairney
Communications Officer
Faculty of Engineering
University of Alberta
Telephone: 780-492-4514
Email: rcairney@ualberta.ca
Trina Johnson
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
Telephone: 780-782-5703
Email: Trina.Johnson@albertahealthservices.ca
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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