The Orthopaedic Innovation Centre:
Positioning Manitoba at the Leading Edge of Health Innovation
“Strategic investment in innovation infrastructure is how Manitoba stays ahead of the curve— creating solutions, talent, and economic growth at home rather than importing them later.”
Why This Matters Now
Manitoba has a rare, strategic advantage in orthopaedic innovation—one that directly advances provincial priorities in innovation, technology, education, and economic growth. In a global economy where jurisdictions that invest early in innovation infrastructure set the pace, targeted public investment is essential to ensure Manitoba remains a creator of solutions rather than a consumer of them.
A focused $2 million investment in new laboratory equipment at the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre (OIC) will ensure Manitoba stays ahead of global innovation curves rather than reacting after opportunities move elsewhere.
This non-profit organization operates a fully functioning lab located at the Concordia Hip and Knee Institute. With a staff of 15 full time and numerous students we work on some of the most sophisticated research projects.
However, our equipment is over 15 years old and is seriously outdated for today’s needs. A capital expense of this nature is not in our budget and we are looking for public and private funding together with the Concordia Foundation.
OIC is Canada’s only comprehensive orthopaedic research centre, uniquely combining applied bioengineering, medical device testing, training, and clinical collaboration in a working lab located in Winnipeg. Modernized equipment is essential to maintain credibility with global innovators, attract top talent, and translate research into real-world impact.
Manitoba’s Innovation Advantage
The Orthopaedic Innovation Centre:
Driving Patient Care and Manitoba’s Economy
Manitoba’s leadership in joint replacement innovation spans more than 50 years, beginning with Dr. Frank Gunston of Flin Flon, inventor of the modern knee replacement. That legacy continues today through OIC, which turns research excellence into safer surgeries, faster recoveries, and better patient experiences.
OIC delivers on multiple provincial priorities simultaneously:
Independent testing and validation for Canadian and international medical device companies
H ands on, applied training for engineers, surgeons, researchers, and students; including Student
Science Fairs at our lab to inspire secondary school students about careers in bioengineering.
Over $1 million annually brought into Manitoba through international contracts
Faster recovery, fewer complications, and improved patient satisfaction.
We turn turn innovation into sovereignty strengthening Canada’s health care resiliency, agility, and adaptability through 15 years of consistent, home grown impact.
Global competition for innovation leadership is intensifying. Leading jurisdictions are investing aggressively in advanced research infrastructure to attract talent, anchor intellectual property, and accelerate commercialization.
A $2 million investment in new lab equipment will:
E nable next generation orthopaedic research and testing
Support Manitoba based and Canadian innovators to scale and expor t
Expand training capacity for highly skilled STEM and health professionals
Strengthen Manitoba’s reputation as a national hub for applied health innovation
This is a high impact, low risk investment that leverages existing expertise, partnerships, and infrastructure already in place.
What Success Looks Like (3–5 Years)
With this investment, Manitoba will:
The Orthopaedic Innovation Centre:
Be recognized nationally as a leader in applied health innovation and medical device testing
Driving Patient Care and Manitoba’s Economy
Train and retain top-tier engineers, clinicians, and researchers in Manitoba
Anchor more research dollars, intellectual property, and commercialization activity in the province
Support Canadian companies to innovate faster and compete globally
Deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes and system efficiency
Invitation
We invite Minister Moroz to visit the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre to see firsthand how this investment would accelerate innovation, strengthen education and talent development, and deliver tangible economic and health benefits for Manitobans.
Trevor Gascoyne M.Sc., P.Eng
Dr. Thomas Turgeon MD, B.Sc., MPH, FRCSC, FAAOS MD, B.Eng., M.Sc., FRCSC
1155 Concordia Avenue, Suite 320
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2K 2M9 Phone: 1-204-813-4354 info@concordiafoundation.ca
1155 Concordia Avenue, Suite 320 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2K 2M9 Phone: 1-204-813-4354 tgascoyne@orthoinno.com
1155 Concordia Avenue, Suite 320
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2K 2M9 Phone: 1-204-813-4354
sbarkman@concordiafoundation.ca
Orthopedic Innovation Centre The Concordia Foundation
Concordia Arthroplasty Research Chair