NSERC CREATE: bioMedic - a training program in biomedical technology innovation and commercialization

Biomedical engineers need solid engineering skills in medical technology and also strong professional skills and business knowledge in the areas of intellectual property, medical device regulation and starting new ventures. Indeed, growth in medical-device technology is increasingly being driven by entrepreneurs. Training will occur in three areas: (i) Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologies, including joint motion tracking and imaging, cardiac and respiratory function technologies, surgical tools for brain and gastrointestinal surgery; (ii) Implantable Devices, including biomaterials research for implant and drug-delivery technologies; and (iii) Rehabilitative and Assistive Devices, including cochlear implants, robotics and mobility aids such as advanced joint braces and wheelchairs. Our program integrates this core training with skills in areas necessary for direct translation of research. We have developed partnerships with the Faculty of Management, and support from government, industry and hospital stakeholders. Students will develop thesis projects focused on biomedical devices and receive training in (i) biomedical engineering theory and practice (ii) understanding the clinical environment and clinical needs for biomedical technology and iii) business, intellectual property, regulatory and product financing knowledge and skills. Training will also include onsite industry experience both nationally and internationally. Our team brings expertise from engineering and science, and includes several clinician entrepreneurs with a history of training science and engineering graduates. Most of our team works closely with industry and many have formed companies. This proposal has garnered financial and in-kind support from government and industry stakeholders and our industry partners range from orthopaedic to hearing technology, from local to international and from small to large companies. This initiative seeks to fill a gap in current biomedical engineering education both regionally and nationally and produce graduates with skills to more effectively stimulate research, development and economic growth in biomedical devices.