FedDev Ontario Invests in Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Centre

HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 26, 2016) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Hamilton residents will benefit from well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it as a result of an $11.96-million investment to establish a biomedical engineering and advanced manufacturing facility. The products developed as a result of this investment have the potential to change diagnostics and treatment, which could improve the quality of life of Canadians as well as people living in countries around the world.

This investment to McMaster University by the Government of Canada was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). He was joined by Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, and Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

The Government's Innovation Agenda aims to make Canada a global centre for innovation - one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is a prime example of that vision in action.

The investment will be used to establish a new facility called the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing-commonly known as BEAM. The centre will house the development of novel technologies for eye care, point-of-care medical devices and cancer treatments, creating an anchor facility for a new industry around biomedical manufacturing to flourish in Hamilton.

The project is expected to create 74 full-time equivalent jobs and result in 35 new industrial collaborations that bring together 35 partners, including small businesses and multi-national enterprises,university-based researchers and the German-based Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI. These partnerships will result in the commercialization of new products. They will accelerate the growth of small businesses by providing them with access to the facilities, expertise and global value chains they need to succeed. They will also attract other businesses and talent to the region, which will diversify Hamilton's economy.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation - one that creates well-paying jobs for the middle class, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today's announcement is a prime example of that priority in action. The most innovative solutions often happen when people from different fields collaborate. That's why it's important for universities, health-care institutions, the business community and government to work together. That's how we will come up with solutions that improve the quality of life for all Canadians."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"This investment in the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing will lead to the creation and commercialization of innovative biomedical technologies and services. Companies, and individuals, will benefit from the strategic partnerships, resources and jobs made available through this new centre."

- Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas

"Capturing the true economic value of McMaster University's research is essential to developing and diversifying our regional economy. This investment will ensure that happens, allowing us to capitalize on this unique partnership with Fraunhofer, our talent, and our resources, to accelerate the commercialization of our research for the global market."

- Dr. Rob Baker, Vice-President of Research, McMaster University

"This investment from the Government of Canada is critical to the success of the Fraunhofer Project Centre. The new facilities will ensure BEAM scientists have the infrastructure required to move their research on biomaterials, diagnostics and cell therapies, into market-ready technologies."

- Professor Frank Emmrich, Director, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Quick Facts

• FedDev Ontario's non-repayable contribution, under the Investing in Commercialization Partnerships (ICP) initiative, will support total project costs of up to $33.27 million and will leverage investments from McMaster University, Fraunhofer IZI, the Government of Ontario, the City of Hamilton, not-for-profit organizations and private sector partners.
• Eleven collaborations leading to nine biomedical innovations will be developed through the project in the areas of eye care, point of care medical devices and cancer treatments.

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Backgrounder - FedDev Ontario Invests in Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Centre

Associated Links

Investing in Commercialization Partnerships Initiative

McMaster University BEAM

Fraunhofer IZI

Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca

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Backgrounder

FedDev Ontario Invests in Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Centre

The Government of Canada supports the development of new health technologies that have the potential to improve the quality of life of all Canadians, while creating well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it. As part of this program, McMaster University will receive an investment of up to $11.96 million.

This non-repayable contribution, through FedDev Ontario's Investing in Commercialization Partnerships (ICP) initiative, will bring together 35 partners in the life sciences, including university-based researchers at McMaster and the German-based Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI.

The Government's Innovation Agenda aims to make Canada a global centre for innovation - one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is a prime example of that vision in action.

This investment will go towards the creation and operation of the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (BEAM). The funding will also be used to upgrade a 20,000-square foot facility in the McMaster Innovation Park.

About McMaster University's Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (BEAM)

• This project will create 74 full-time equivalent jobs, while supporting the development of 35 novel technologies for eye care, point-of-care medical devices and cancer treatments, including: Ophthalmic Biomaterials (eye care) - The development of a new eye medication delivery system that will ensure proper dosage (currently medications are water soluble and during administration part of the medication is lost through tears).
• Point of Care - The development of new testing devices that could be used at the doctor's office or at home to detect the presence of E. coli and salmonella, as examples, and have rapid response times, much like home pregnancy tests.
• Cell Therapy for use in Cancer Treatment - The development of new devices for use in hospitals that will allow cancer patients to use their own blood cells during treatment.

For this project, the Fraunhofer Institute will have staff located at the centre in Hamilton to assist companies with biotechnology products and process innovations.

For more information, visit the McMaster University BEAM website.

About McMaster University

McMaster University, located in Hamilton, Ontario, operates six academic facilities and over 50 research networks that support almost 25,000 students. McMaster University is a leader in health sciences research, and is recognized internationally in biomedical innovation. In 2015, McMaster ranked seventh on the 2015 Canadian Innovation Leaders list of top Canadian research universities.

Previous FedDev Ontario Funding Received by McMaster University

Program		Project Description		FedDev Ontario Contribution (up to)		Anticipated Number of Jobs to be Created by Project		Leveraged Funding
Prosperity Initiative(2011)		Funding was provided to create the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), which offers resources for industry, government and academics working on hybrid powertrains, integrated automotive software, and electric vehicle infrastructure.		$11,500,000 Total project cost: $27,401,490		Five full-time jobs were maintained and 70 full-time equivalent construction jobs were created during project implementation.		This funding leveraged $15,901,490 from McMaster University, including $4,757,852 in donated equipment funded through McMaster University, the Ontario government and industry partners.
Graduate Enterprise Internship initiative(2012)		Funding was provided to place recent graduates and graduate students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in internships with small- and medium-sized businesses in southern Ontario.		$1,133,000 Total project cost: $3,946,250		Placement of 60 recent STEM graduates or graduate students.		This funding leveraged $2,813,250 in private sector investment.
Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative(2012)		Funding was provided to assist graduates and graduate students in STEM fields to develop their business skills and launch or expand their business ventures in southern Ontario.		$787,500 Total project cost: $1,552,500		53 STEM students or graduates received training and 26 new businesses were created by the end of the project.		This funding leveraged $765,000 in private sector investment.

About Fraunhofer-Gesellshaft

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe's largest organization for applied research. Fraunhofer operates 67 institutes and research units in Germany and has established subsidiaries and representative offices in Europe, North and South America and Asia.

In 2012, FedDev Ontario provided $13.7 million to Western University in London to support the creation of the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Composites Research. This centre is North America's premier facility for the development, validation, and industrial-scale testing of lightweight and advanced materials, products and related applications. To date, results include 19 collaborations with small- and medium-sized businesses, $1.7 million in contracts secured and five new processes and/or technologies developed.

FedDev Ontario's Investing in Commercialization Partnerships Initiative

The Investing in Commercialization Partnerships (ICP) initiative supports business-led partnerships with a focus on developing globally-competitive products and services, or innovation platforms that can demonstrate commercial value.

Post-secondary institutions and incorporated not-for-profit organizations, publicly-funded colleges and universities, research institutions, and industry associations located in southern Ontario are eligible to apply under this initiative for projects that are business-led and focus on new technologies or platforms with demonstrated commercial value.

For more information, visit the Investing in Commercialization Partnerships webpage.

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News release: FedDev Ontario Invests in Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Centre