New laser microfabrication suite at U of A offers researchers sharper lab equipment
New microfabrication tools will give medical technology developers at the University of Alberta a boost.
The laser equipment will allow inventors across Western Canada to design and test precision medical devices at rapid speeds, according to a release from the U of A.
Developers will now have access to $1.5 million in new laser-based equipment at Smart Technology Innovations (ST), a non-profit business arm of the U of A’s SMART Network thanks to a new investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).
Prototypes can now be designed and tested using the laser microfabrication suite, the release said. This could include everything from medical implants to lab-on-a-chip technology in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods.
“This new equipment allows us to expand our capabilities and the services that we provide, not only to university entrepreneurs but to local industry in Alberta and across Western Canada to build the health technology sector of our country,” Vivian Mushahwar, professor in the faculty of medicine and dentistry, said.
The new suite is the only one of its kind in Western Canada, according to the U of A. It will include a femtosecond (quadrillionth of a second) laser for ultra fine cuts, an optical profiler to provide high-resolution 3D images and a fibre laser micro-welder to connect small pieces.
“We help entrepreneurs take their innovations and develop them in a meaningful way from concept to validation with a team approach that helps them position their innovation in the best way to be picked up by the marketplace,” Mushahwar explained.
“We are wholly focused on precision health technology, building intelligence into the devices to make them adaptive and predictive and able to work with their users in a very intuitive way.”
(Courtesy: Matt Marshall)
An Edmonton-based company that specializes in nano, quantum and biopharmaceutical markets is pleased to gain access to the new ST innovations.
“The prototyping, fabrication and quality-control equipment purchased under this project are going to directly change some of our tooling for biosensor technology, genomics and particle accelerator technologies,” Hooman Hosseinkhannazer, vice-president of business development for Norcada, said.
According to the release, the initiative aligns with WD’s focus on supporting commercialization of western Canadian technologies for the global market.
“This investment is about enabling even more small and medium sized technology companies to push the boundaries of product development and commercialization—from more effective medical treatments to better health monitoring, all with the potential to improve the quality of life for Canadians,” Jim Carr, minister and special representative for the Prairies, said.
The U of A said ST Innovations was founded in 2019 with funding from the Government of Alberta to provide access to $14 million in equipment and development services.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.