Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

ACOA: Helping Spring Loaded Technology Ramp up Production to Improve Mobility

May 15, 2018 | News, Spring Loaded Technology

See original news release here

News release

Funding supports Dartmouth-based manufacturer of bionic knee braces May 15, 2018 – Dartmouth, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Breakthroughs in health technology result in jobs, create valuable intellectual property and further promote Canada’s standing as an innovation leader. High demand for a bionic spring-loaded knee brace pioneered by Spring Loaded Technology Incorporated is requiring the firm to scale up. That is why the Government of Canada is providing this award-winning company with a $460,458 repayable contribution to help it upgrade its manufacturing operations, increase productivity and improve the quality of life of more people affected by mobility issues. Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, was onsite today to make the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The funding is being made through ACOA’s Business Development Program. In addition to acquiring new production equipment, Spring Loaded will also purchase and implement new customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. These new programs will enable the company to expand its reach by facilitating business-to-business sales methods. With increased manufacturing capacity, this project will help maintain 30 full time positions in Dartmouth. As production increases, new positions will be required. This will build on previous projects that helped Spring Loaded establish its manufacturing facility, develop a commercialization strategy, create new products and product features, and further leverage investor dollars. 
 

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to encouraging innovation that increases productivity, growth and competitiveness. We want to turn ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and startup companies into global successes. That’s what innovation is all about.”
  • The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Dartmouth benefits greatly from having companies such as Spring Loaded choosing to do business here. Not only is Spring Loaded an employer of highly skilled people in the area, but it is also making significant strides in the quality of care for people with mobility issues all around the world. The Government of Canada is pleased to continue to support its long term growth and sustainability.” 
  • Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
“ACOA’s support to date has helped us bring a game-changing product to the market and stay ahead of the competition. Its most recent investment will help us ramp-up production so we can impact even more people’s lives by enhancing their mobility.”
  • Chris Cowper-Smith, President & CEO, Spring Loaded Technology Incorporated

Quick facts

    • Spring Loaded Technology is an innovative life sciences company focused on mobility restoring bionics. Incorporating its patented liquid spring technology, the company designs and sells Levitation™ – the world’s first bionic knee brace.
    • Levitation is equipped with Spring Loaded’s proprietary tri-compartment unloading technology to immediately reduce pain and damage caused by knee osteoarthritis, injured ligaments and meniscus tears. Spring Loaded’s bionic knee braces are starting to be used to enhance mobility for individuals with a wide range of neurologically based movement disabilities.
    • In 2015, Spring Loaded Technology won the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Young Entrepreneur Award, including a cash prize of $100,000.
    • Spring Loaded Technology was awarded a $1 million contract with the Canadian Armed Forces after successfully qualifying under the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP), which enables early stage companies to pre-qualify to sell to government departments.
    • Spring Loaded Technology has grown from three employees in 2012 to a current payroll of 30.

Contacts

Alex Smith Director, Communications and Outreach Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Cell: (902) 830-3839 Office: (902) 426-9417 E-mail: [email protected] Keith Gordon Director of Marketing Spring Loaded Technology Cell: (902) 877-4376 Email: [email protected]
]]>

ACOA: Sona Nanotech Limited Delivering Innovative Treatment Tools to Global Markets

May 14, 2018 | News, SONA NanoTech

See original news release here

Gold nanorod manufacturer exploring potential of dual revenue streams for diagnostic, life sciences technology May 14, 2018 – Dartmouth, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Helping Atlantic Canadian businesses succeed in technology-driven global markets is key to generating income, spurring growth and strengthening the middle class and those seeking to join it. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting Sona Nanotech Limited’s efforts to establish a development and production facility for gold nanorod technology production in the Dartmouth area. Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced a repayable investment of $500,000 on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The contribution is being made through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized companies’ innovations to improve competiveness in export markets. The assistance will allow Sona Nanotech Limited to introduce novel nanorod products and customization services into the diagnostic and life sciences markets. A gold nanorod is a microscopic particle that can be implanted into the body and used to deliver medicine to the area that requires treatment. The commercialization of these products and services is expected to enable the company to become a self-sufficient diagnostics and life sciences innovation company. The investment builds on the commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. The strategy supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential and skilled labour, to expand business activities between the region and international markets.
 

Quotes

“In order to grow a strong and sustainable economy in Atlantic Canada we must focus on connecting Canadian businesses with global customers to help turn our small companies into bigger ones, bringing our innovative goods, services and ideas out into the world. Curiosity, courage and creativity are what lead to the kinds of innovations and technologies that improve our daily lives and drive our economy, and our country, forward.”
  • The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Our government is committed to creating sustainable growth, economic opportunity and prosperity in communities across Canada. Today’s investment will allow Sona Nanotech Limited to make a significant contribution to the regional economy by encouraging it to capitalize on its export potential to compete successfully in global markets.”
  • Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour
“This funding will help us commercialize our products and services as we strive to grow a strong, sustainable business in the competitive life sciences market. Sona may have global ambitions but it will always be Canadian at heart, and we are proud to be part of the thriving Nova Scotia business community.”
  • Darren Rowles, Sona Nanotech Limited’s President and CEO

Quick facts

    • Gold nanorods are used for non-invasive targeted cell, tumor, tissue and organ therapies such as cancer treatment, liposuction, diagnostic imaging and location-specific drug and pain treatment.
    • The company plans to establish a development service for the diagnostic market, with its own nanorod technology at its core, which will be available through direct sales channels and/or licensed to prospective customers.
    • Customization services will be accessible for life sciences markets, where the product will be sold directly to clients, or purchased through distribution networks.
    • Sona’s gold nanorod particles are CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium) free, eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other gold nanorod technologies in medical applications.

Contacts

Alex Smith Director of Communications and Outreach Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell) E-mail: [email protected] Darren Evans Head of Communications Sona Nanotech Ltd. Phone: (+44) 07967 707160 E-mail: [email protected] 
]]>

ACOA: Precision BioLogic Inc. Banks on Developing New Diagnostic Tools

May 11, 2018 | News, Precision BioLogic

See original press release here Precision BioLogic Inc. Banks on Developing New Diagnostic Tools From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency News release

Government of Canada supports research project to advance medical technology for clinical coagulation tests May 11, 2018 – Dartmouth, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Helping Atlantic Canadian businesses succeed by fostering greater innovation through the commercialization of research creates well-paying jobs and improves the lives of all Canadians. This is why the Government of Canada is supporting Precision BioLogic Incorporated’s breakthrough ideas in bioscience and the research required to develop new diagnostic products for use in clinical coagulation laboratories. Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, announced a $500,000 investment on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The contribution is being made through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized companies’ innovations to improve competitiveness in export markets. The assistance will help Precision Biologic Inc. develop new products to complement its existing line of frozen plasma diagnostic items used for hemostasis testing throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The new research project will create one job. This investment builds on the commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. The Strategy supports targeted investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential and skilled labour to expand business activities between the region and international markets.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada focuses on supporting scientific research and providing equipment that Canadian researchers need to succeed in creating new technologies and medicines to diagnose diseases and treat patients. We are pleased to help an innovative company such as Precision BioLogic develop new products for identifying coagulation disorders.” –       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA “Investments such as this bring innovative services and more opportunities to our country, helping to generate wealth and economic growth in Atlantic Canada. This project will encourage Precision BioLogic Incorporated to bring additional focus to its commercialization and to reach new markets.” –          Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour “Precision BioLogic has been developing, manufacturing, and marketing frozen diagnostic products for more than 25 years. This funding will allow us to develop new products to help in the diagnosis of coagulation disorders.” –          Paul Empey, President & CEO of Precision BioLogic Incorporated 

Contacts

Alex Smith Director of Communications & Outreach Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell) Email: [email protected] Elaine Benoit Marketing & Communications Manager Phone: 902-468-6422 x 357 / 902-430-7795 (cell) Email: [email protected]
]]>