The federal government is investing almost $12-million to develop McMaster’s new Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing centre. Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development made the announcement at the site of the new Centre, joined by McMaster leaders and other officials.

The Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (BEAM) research facility, will be home to several of McMaster’s leading researchers operating from a state-of-the art facility to be constructed at the McMaster Innovation Park.

There, researchers will work to improve the quality of life of Canadians and those all over the world, including the development of novel technologies for eye care, point-of-care medical devices and cancer treatments.

The overall value of McMaster’s BEAM project is more than $33-million with significant investments from the University, Fraunhofer IZI, the Government of Ontario and the City of Hamilton, as well as other organizations and private sector partners.

“The Government of Canada is committed to positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation – one that creates well-paying jobs for the middle class, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today’s announcement is a prime example of that priority in action. The most innovative solutions often happen when people from different fields collaborate,” Bains says.

The project is expected to create at least 74 full-time jobs, produce  35 new industrial collaborations bringing together several partners, including small businesses and multi-national enterprises, university-based researchers, and the German-based Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI.

“This investment in the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing will lead to the creation and commercialization of innovative biomedical technologies and services. Companies, and individuals, will benefit from the strategic partnerships, resources and jobs made available through this new centre,” says Filomena Tassi, MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas. 

The Centre will help commercialize new products, accelerating  the growth of small businesses by providing them with access to facilities, expertise and global value chains. They will also attract other businesses and talent to the region, which will diversify Hamilton’s economy.

“Capturing the true economic value of McMaster University’s research is essential to developing and diversifying our regional economy,” says Rob Baker, vice-president of research. “This investment will ensure that happens, allowing us to capitalize on this unique partnership with Fraunhofer, our talent, and our resources, to accelerate the commercialization of our research for the global market.”   

“This investment from the Government of Canada is critical to the success of the Fraunhofer Project Centre. The new facilities will ensure BEAM scientists have the infrastructure required to move their research on biomaterials, diagnostics and cell therapies, into market-ready technologies,” says Frank Emmrick, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI.

The 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is slated to open late next year.