Over $2m investment to support Alberta’s health technology sector

Over $2.1 million through PrairiesCan will enable Alberta technology firms to ramp up commercialization of in-demand mobility and home health technologies.  

Edmonton – Small- and medium-sized health technology companies play a vital role in developing innovative solutions that contribute to the quality of life of Canadians of all ages and abilities. These technologies are pivotal in enabling many older adults who prefer to age in place within their own homes and communities to stay healthy, mobile, and active. The Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that increase the capacity of Alberta’s health technology sector to continue bringing new ideas and applications to market.

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.

PrairiesCan funding announced today is complemented by funding support by industry and additional not-for-profit partners. This collaboration is at the heart of the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy. The Framework was launched yesterday after extensive consultations with Prairie stakeholders, provinces, municipalities and Indigenous partners. It represents a new commitment for stronger collaboration between levels of government and sectors of the economy to grow a sustainable economy across the Prairies through actions aligned with the Framework’s five priorities:

• Growing key regional sectors, including natural resources, agriculture, and manufacturing;
• Effective movement of goods, people, and information;
• Expanding and capitalizing on clean electricity;
• Community economic development; and
• Economic reconciliation and inclusive growth.

This Framework is supported by dedicated PrairiesCan funding of $100 million over three years to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding, and attract new investments across the Prairies.