Federal government announces investment in Alta.’s health technology mfg. sector
by CM Staff
Federal funding is directed towards the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital's Research & Innovation program, which focuses on commercial applications of clinical research and in assisting industry with product design, validation, and access to clinical facilities.
$2M in funding to support innovation in Alberta’s health industry (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)
EDMONTON — Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of more than $2.1 million for the Glenrose Hospital Foundation in Edmonton to accelerate industry applications for human mobility and home health technologies.
Federal funding is directed towards the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital’s Research & Innovation program, which focuses on commercial applications of clinical research and in assisting industry with product design, validation, and access to clinical facilities. The investment will support the hospital to acquire equipment and develop a testing centre to support health firms across Alberta working to refine prototypes and devices such as wheelchairs, adaptive bikes, remote monitoring systems and wearable technologies. The hospital will also establish a province-wide network of companies, post-secondary institutions, and other organizations to bolster collaboration in advancing new technologies to market.
Ultimately, these innovations have the potential to help transform the ability of people to age in place, carry out daily tasks, enjoy recreational activities and remain independent at home for longer and with more ease.
Today’s investment is expected to lead to the creation of 35 jobs in Alberta’s growing health and medical technology sector, assist at least 30 small- and medium-sized businesses and leverage an additional $2 million in research and development investment over the next three years.
“Our government is proud to partner with the Glenrose Hospital Foundation to support the development of new technologies and solutions that improve the quality of life of Canadians and help ensure they can remain healthy, active, and mobile in their homes and in their communities. This initiative will further strengthen Alberta’s impressive and growing life sciences sector by providing local firms with more opportunities to commercialize their ideas, create jobs and bring their products to global markets,” said Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.
