Medical Devices Research Centre

We support the Canadian ecosystem in the development, translation and implementation of medical device innovations. Relying on scientific fundamentals and biomedical engineering expertise, we maintain a deep understanding of the research path from idea to market. To achieve this, we rely on an extensive collaborative network of industry, clinicians, academics and government collaborators.

Services and information

Facilities

  • Polymer lab-on-a-chip and microfluidics laboratories
  • Digital health software platforms, developed to industry standards
  • Materials processing and manufacturing laboratory

Research focus

  • Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics
    • Fast-result, low-cost polymer microfluidics innovations scalable for mass production
    • Select applications: Molecular diagnostics, cell and gene therapy, and drug discovery
  • Digital therapeutics
    • Evidence-based biomedical software innovations developed to industry standards
    • Select applications: Patient monitoring, assessment and therapy, clinician decision support

Expertise

  • Micro-nanofabrication for bioanalytical devices
  • Microfluidics and lab-on-chip systems
  • Devices for in-vitro diagnostics, organ-on-chip and cell therapy
  • Biomedical software, data science and extended reality (xR) development
  • Cognitive and psycho-motor human-machine interactions
  • Digitally augmented physiological and neurological sensing

Collaboration centres and partnerships

  • Centre for Research and Applications in Fluidic Technologies (CRAFT)
    • A national collaboration centre with the University of Toronto – enabling R&D in microfluidic lab-on-chip technologies.
  • Collaborative Unit for Translational Research (CUTR)
    • A collaboration centre with CHU Sainte-Justine enabling critical research for improved pediatric care.
  • Cognitive care network
    • A network with world-leading clinical sites across Canada, to deliver digital therapeutics for a variety of neurological and mental health conditions.
    • LIFT: An industry-facing initiative targeting the translation of NRC innovations in lab-on-a-chip to market
    • V-Care: An industry-facing initiative targeting the translation of NRC innovations in virtual care to market

Research activities

Research and technical services

  • Biomedical device and software R&D
  • Prototype design and development
  • Implementation of innovative concepts into product lines
  • Testing and manufacturability
  • Technical support and advice

Why work with us

We believe we can support the growth of Canada's medical device ecosystem, given our:

  • Deep biomedical acumen, commitment to research excellence and translation to clinical use
  • strong connectivity with clinicians, industry, academia and government
  • track record of ideation-to-market, with the ability to skillfully navigate at any point of the translation