The Orthopaedic Innovation Centre:
Facilitator of Canadian Med-Tech
In OIC’s 15-year history, we have directly supported more than a dozen Canadian SMEs in their development and commercialization of new, innovative medical technologies and orthopaedic implants. Below is a brief description of each of the companies, their key product(s) and projects, how they are working towards better medical care for Canadians and the role that OIC played in their commercialization. 1
Cohesys [Toronto, ON]
https://h2i.utoronto.ca/startup/cohesys/ Cohesys is a spin-out from University of Toronto’s Health Innovation Hub (H2I) and is making waves with their novel implant; Bone Tape, a novel material for treating fractures in the face and jaw. Minimally invasive, easy to use, shortens surgery and reduces the length of healing after surgery, compared to traditional implants made of metal (screws and plates). OIC is strength-testing their implant over time to measure how it dissolves while inside the body, leaving no trace, only a healed fracture. Data is expected to be submitted to Health Canada and FDA in early 2026 for approval of clinical use. 2
Octane [Kingston, ON]
https://www.octaneco.com/
A novel spinal fusion implant Octane Exo that incorporates bone mineral into the structure which the body utilizes during the healing process. OIC has tested their product over the course of 2 years to ensure it meets strength and durability requirements and will gain approval by the US-FDA and Health Canada for surgeons to begin using it in patients. OIC is also partnered with the Biotherapeutics division of Octane, on an $8M collaborative project to develop next-generation cartilage repair implants and laboratory methods for testing their effectiveness. 3
Precision ADM [Winnipeg, MB]
https://precisionadm.com/
A spin-out of OIC in 2015, Precision ADM produces 3D printed medical implants as well as high-value complex parts for energy, mining, and aerospace industries. Precision ADM and OIC have worked together for over 10 years and of particular note, worked as one during the Covid-19 pandemic to produce over $50M worth of critical medical supplies (nasal swabs, masks, respirators) for Manitoba and Canada, including the first and only 3D printed nasal swab ($18M federal contract), the first medically designed and tested respirator ($38M provincial contract), the first medically certified fully compostable face mask ($1.3M federal grant), and over 50 million medical masks produced for Manitoba ($5M provincial contract).
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