Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Governments of Canada and Manitoba today announced they are contributing to a $10 million strategic initiative to enhance the capacity of the province’s medical device industry to develop and commercialize specialized joint replacement technology.
“Our Government believes that science, technology and innovation are vital to stimulating productivity, competitiveness and growth,” said Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Today’s investment will provide the tools needed to develop and commercialize innovative joint replacement technologies.”
The Western Economic Diversification Canada investment of $2.5 million will enable the purchase of wear-testing and related product validation equipment for the new Musculoskeletal Innovation and Product Development Centre (MIPDC). The Centre is the commercialization component within the larger $10 million strategic initiative. This supportprovides the MIPDC with the tools it needs to conduct business with international industry leaders, capturing opportunities to produce, test and commercialize new technologies.
“The Concordia Hip and Knee Institute Strategic Research Initiative is a unique collaborative effort where surgeons and professional engineers work side by side in developing, testing and assessing novel solutions under both controlled laboratory environments and in clinical trials,” said the Honourable Dave Chomiak, Minister of Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines. “This collaboration will establish a local bioengineering industry in the research, development and manufacturing of customized total joint replacements.”
Funding of $2.5 million from Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines will support operations and capital equipment for theConcordia Hip and Knee Institute Strategic Research Initiative research program.
In addition to the two levels of government, the Concordia Foundation and private industry are providing funding for the overall strategic research and innovation project.
“This Federal and Provincial support is most timely and inspiring, as we look forward to the economic opportunities of working more closely with large international companies in this sector and attracting new talent to Manitoba – all fostering our centre of excellence for hip and knee joint replacement surgery,” said Les Janzen, Chief Operating Officer of the Concordia Foundation. “The Concordia Foundation is delighted to be a supportive partner in this $10 million strategic initiative. Our success to date is entirely thanks to the hard work of our partners in the joint replacement and Concordia Hospital teams, and our network of Concordia donors.”
Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines (IEM) supports research and innovation for the Province of Manitoba. One of the primary objectives of IEM is to increase Manitoba’s capacity for innovation through the support of business development, technology commercialization and other strategic initiatives.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, co?ordinate federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.