To support health technology and innovation, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced over $1.5 million through research and development funding for three local businesses.
Polyamyna Nanotech Inc. is a next generation biotechnology company located in St. John’s that was founded and incorporated in 2017. The company has innovated advanced technologies to battle hospital acquired infections caused mainly by six of the world’s deadliest bacteria pathogens and viruses that have reached pandemic status across the globe. Polyamyna Nanotech is undertaking a research and development project to assess how its antimicrobial coating, Keep Klear, adheres to commonly used surfaces in the health care environment and to discern the effectiveness of the coating in reducing bacterial growth. This research will help gather important data and assist with the growth of the company. The Provincial Government is supporting this business diversification by providing the company with non-repayable funding of $543,537 with the aim of improving patient outcomes.
Incorporated in 2018, BreatheSuite Inc. is designed to provide users with the education and support needed to improve their health outcomes. BreatheSuite’s mission is to help people with respiratory problems by maximizing their lung capacity and mobility by reducing their symptoms and activity limitations through exercise and self-management in turn, keeping their respiratory health condition as stable as possible. To expand their services into the United States, the company proposes the building of a senior-oriented automated exercise program facilitation and tracking tool, plus the facilitation of an internal electronic medical record system to reduce administration time and improve profitability, as they administer and deliver remote pulmonary rehab services to their COPD/asthma client base. To support this business growth, the Provincial Government is providing $521,431 to the company as non-repayable funding.
PolyUnity Tech Inc. is an additive manufacturing company located in St. John’s. The company was founded and incorporated in 2018 by three physicians with a passion for 3D printing and the innovative impact additive manufacturing could have on health care. Over the next 16 months, PolyUnity is undertaking the proposed research and development project to scale its current operations moving from platform and service validation into commercialization and growth. The proposed project sees the company undertaking a series of major activities designed to support the expansion of the i3D.Health platforms’ capabilities and performance, as well as researching new materials and technologies to develop new innovative products for the health care sector. To support this business development effort, the company is receiving non-repayable funding of $449,150 from the Provincial Government.
The Provincial Government offers programs to support research and development projects for both commercial and non-commercial applicants. These programs aim to both realize the commercial potential of innovative products, processes or services and develop and implement research and innovation projects for the long-term economic benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“Our province has been making great strides in research and development and we are committed to continue to support medical technology and health innovation. These projects assist with the identification of new opportunities to expand their important work, as well as develop solutions to ongoing challenges that can benefit the health of not only Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but people around the world.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Supporting health innovation is not just an investment in technology, it’s an investment in the health and well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Through innovative research and development, we are able to improve health care delivery and accessibility while guaranteeing positive health outcomes well into the future.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“We’re beyond thankful and thrilled for this approval. At Polyamyna, our mission is to save lives by reducing hospital-acquired infections. This support empowers us to showcase our advanced technology worldwide, thanks to NL partners. Deep gratitude to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Health Authority for championing our vision of a safer health care future. Together, we’ll make a significant impact.”
Ramesh Kumar Mani
Polyamyna Nanotech Inc.
“We are delighted with this funding announcement from Industry, Energy and Technology that shows their commitment to innovation in the province. We are proud to be on a journey to improve outcomes for patients with COPD worldwide. We’re very excited for what the future holds for BreatheSuite.”
Brett Vokey
Founder and CEO, BreatheSuite Inc.
“The ongoing support from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is critical to the success of PolyUnity as we push the bounds of cutting edge technology to improve healthcare. We are delighted to have the province behind us as we continue essential research and development resulting in accelerated innovation for our healthcare clients across the country and beyond.”
Jacqueline Lee
CEO, PolyUnity Tech Inc.
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Research and Development Funding Programs
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