bringing imaging innovations to the world · dr. aaron fenster is a professor at western university...

CIMTEC was created to facilitate the commercialization of world-leading medical imaging technology

Our vision is to be the driving force in the advancement and growth of the Canadian medical imaging technology sector, and to ultimately create better health outcomes for Canadians and people around the world.

Our mission is to enable and accelerate commercialization of medical imaging innovations, ensuring that Canada’s investment in imaging technology translates into economic growth and job creation.

London Toronto#130, 100 Collip Circle Rm. K3W 18, 2075 Bayview Ave.London, ON N6G 4X8 Toronto, ON M4N 3M5519-858-5013 647-725-1013

[email protected]

Bringing imaging innovations to the world

Make CIMTEC part of your team

What can CIMTEC do for you?

Why choose CIMTEC?Medical imaging technology is our expertise

CIMTEC helps researchers, start-ups and small to medium-sized companies translate their medical imaging innovations into commercial products for clinical use.

CIMTEC has built a strong team that includes a select group of intellectual property and regulatory experts, as well as software and mechanical engineers with extensive commercial experience in medical imaging.

In addition, CIMTEC’s two Centre Directors have over 80 years combined experience in medical imaging research, including more than 23 years of industry experience commercializing imaging innovations.

Our technology development team designs and develops hardware and software prototypes, as well as products for clinical application in the broad areas of:

• Image Processing

• 3D Visualization

• Mechatronics Design

We also provide business development services to assess the potential of bringing an innovation to the marketplace, including:

• Opportunity Evaluations

• Intellectual Property Assessments

• Regulatory Assessments

• Customer Research

CIMTEC Centre Director Dr. Aaron Fenster is a professor at Western University and Director of the Imaging Research Laboratory at Robarts Research Institute.

CIMTEC Associate Centre Director Dr. Martin Yaffe is a professor of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto and a Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute.

3D Segmentation of a Lung Tumour

Digital PathologyMechanical DesignWho do we work with?CIMTEC is currently working with researchers, start-ups and established medical device companies across Canada, as well as in the U.S. and India. We provide assistance to technology transfer offices on medical imaging specific projects.

We will provide an initial consultation at no charge, and subsequent technology development services at competitive prices. CIMTEC’s team has expertise in the specialized areas of image processing, image analysis, visualization, mechatronics design, systems design and clinical validation.

We can help you navigate the complex commercialization process, including how to work with CIMTEC and a technology transfer office at the same time.

How to make CIMTEC part of your teamIf you have a novel innovation in the field of medical imaging, including digital pathology and image guided interventions, and your innovation is past the discovery phase with proof of principle work completed, you are ready to contact CIMTEC.

You don’t apply to CIMTEC

We will work collaboratively with you to determine the best approach for your project to achieve the desired outcomes. We will provide a fee schedule for our services and, if appropriate, help guide your efforts to source funds.

Mo explaining breast density measurements to CIMTEC team members.

“One of the greatest benefits of working with CIMTEC is the continuity and coherence that comes from its ability to provide assistance along the entire continuum of commercialization; from product development and technical know-how to considering regulatory issues as part of the commercialization process.”

– Mo Abdolell President and Founder, Densitas Inc.

What can CIMTEC do for you?

Why choose CIMTEC?Medical imaging technology is our expertise

CIMTEC helps researchers, start-ups and small to medium-sized companies translate their medical imaging innovations into commercial products for clinical use.

CIMTEC has built a strong team that includes a select group of intellectual property and regulatory experts, as well as software and mechanical engineers with extensive commercial experience in medical imaging.

In addition, CIMTEC’s two Centre Directors have over 80 years combined experience in medical imaging research, including more than 23 years of industry experience commercializing imaging innovations.

Our technology development team designs and develops hardware and software prototypes, as well as products for clinical application in the broad areas of:

• Image Processing

• 3D Visualization

• Mechatronics Design

We also provide business development services to assess the potential of bringing an innovation to the marketplace, including:

• Opportunity Evaluations

• Intellectual Property Assessments

• Regulatory Assessments

• Customer Research

CIMTEC Centre Director Dr. Aaron Fenster is a professor at Western University and Director of the Imaging Research Laboratory at Robarts Research Institute.

CIMTEC Associate Centre Director Dr. Martin Yaffe is a professor of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto and a Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute.

3D Segmentation of a Lung Tumour

Digital PathologyMechanical DesignWho do we work with?CIMTEC is currently working with researchers, start-ups and established medical device companies across Canada, as well as in the U.S. and India. We provide assistance to technology transfer offices on medical imaging specific projects.

We will provide an initial consultation at no charge, and subsequent technology development services at competitive prices. CIMTEC’s team has expertise in the specialized areas of image processing, image analysis, visualization, mechatronics design, systems design and clinical validation.

We can help you navigate the complex commercialization process, including how to work with CIMTEC and a technology transfer office at the same time.

How to make CIMTEC part of your teamIf you have a novel innovation in the field of medical imaging, including digital pathology and image guided interventions, and your innovation is past the discovery phase with proof of principle work completed, you are ready to contact CIMTEC.

You don’t apply to CIMTEC

We will work collaboratively with you to determine the best approach for your project to achieve the desired outcomes. We will provide a fee schedule for our services and, if appropriate, help guide your efforts to source funds.

Mo explaining breast density measurements to CIMTEC team members.

“One of the greatest benefits of working with CIMTEC is the continuity and coherence that comes from its ability to provide assistance along the entire continuum of commercialization; from product development and technical know-how to considering regulatory issues as part of the commercialization process.”

Creating solutions to help your innovation

succeed.

“Working with the people at CIMTEC has been crucial for us. They understand our challenges and needs and what we are trying to accomplish. Parallax is in a strong position because of our work with CIMTEC. Now, our company has real potential to be successful.”

– Del Archer Co-Founder/Co-Owner, Parallax Innovations Inc.

CIMTEC’s competitive edge is our singular focus

on medical imaging technology. Our select group of

software and mechanical engineers has extensive

research and industry experience, including

expertise in image-guided robotic interventions and

digital pathology. We know what it takes to bring an

imaging innovation to the marketplace.

Parallax Innovations Inc.

Parallax Innovations Inc. is a small software company operating in southwestern Ontario that focuses on the preclinical imaging sector. Parallax needed help developing a miniaturized robotic needle guidance mechanism for research CT scanners. In the words of its co-founder: “Large companies are simply not interested in smaller scale projects like ours. A small start-up like Parallax could never have gotten this project off the ground without CIMTEC’s help.”

CIMTEC designed and built a robotic device to Parallax’s specifications for their CT Sabre system, which can operate under fluoroscopy while remaining in the bore of a CT scanner. Since there are hundreds of in vivo scanners in research institutions all over North America, Parallax saw significant potential for sales of the device.

Having the CT Sabre as a product offering gives Parallax greater credibility and visibility in the marketplace, which can help the company’s capacity to grow, attract funding and develop further product offerings.

[email protected]

CIMTEC develops medical imaging software and hardwareCIMTEC can help you develop the technology associated with your medical imaging innovation to move it along the commercialization continuum.

Our team offers specialized skills in medical imaging with extensive industry experience in:

Image Processing 3D Visualization Mechatronics Design

We have solved some difficult technical challenges for customers in image-guided interventions, algorithm development and in providing enhanced mechatronics design to satisfy commercial requirements for clinical application.

Our Technology Development Services:

I mage ProcessingCustomized, clinically-validated image processing algorithms for rapid segmentation, registration and classification.

3D VisualizationClinical graphical user interface (GUI) development, multi-modal 3D imaging and real-time quantification.

Mechatronics DesignDesign and manufacture of prototypes with expertise in motion control and image-guided interventions.

Systems DesignEnsure that systems integrate smoothly into clinical workflow with attention to training requirements, impacts of pathology process developments and optimizing performance for time savings.

Clinical ValidationEnlisting clinicians as early users and beta testers for feedback to validate and improve a product.

Working with CIMTEC is a collaborative processWe will work with you to determine the best approach for your project and develop a plan that sets out the details for how to achieve the project goals. Once the project has begun, weekly update meetings will help us keep your project on schedule and determine if there is a need to define additional phases of work.

“In principle, we could have gone to any machine shop. But, having a one-on-one, interactive level of involvement with peers who have insight into medical imaging devices combined with mechanical expertise was key for us. We would love to work with CIMTEC again.”

– Dr. Ian Cunningham President and Founder, DQE Instruments

DQE Instruments is a start-up company formed with WorlDiscoveries as a spin-off out of Robarts Research Institute at Western University in London, Ontario. It had developed a novel device, called DQEPro, for quickly evaluating the performance of new x-ray imaging systems and their ability to produce high-quality images with very low levels of radiation.

Every sale is critical for a young company. With an approaching delivery deadline on an overseas contract, DQE came to CIMTEC for help solving a problematic vibration in the motor system of the first production prototype.

Working closely with DQE and building upon shared expertise in imaging and mechanical systems, our mechanical engineers were able to present several potential solutions within a short timeline. The best solution was agreed upon and developed, and a new mechanical assembly was fitted into the DQEPro making it more usable and cost-efficient for clinical use.

The collaboration between CIMTEC engineers and DQE was critical to finding a solution quickly and efficiently, allowing the acceleration of product sales to international customers.

DQE Instruments

Densitas Inc.Densitas Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia became incorporated shortly before it started working with CIMTEC. When its founder first approached us for help, Densitas simply needed its algorithm validated. The company’s needs changed from validation to include design and development, as well as business advice.

In helping Densitas understand how to think about its design requirements, we were able to work together to deliver the algorithm according to the specific requirements associated with functionality, publication and marketability to investors. CIMTEC’s relationship with Densitas has grown into a collaborative effort that demonstrates key value to potential investors.

CIMTEC continues to mentor Densitas through the product development process and help it evolve its innovation into a commercially viable product.

“CIMTEC is a one-stop-shop. It’s impossible to put a value on having access to that pool of skills in one place.”

CIMTEC develops medical imaging software and hardwareCIMTEC can help you develop the technology associated with your medical imaging innovation to move it along the commercialization continuum.

Our team offers specialized skills in medical imaging with extensive industry experience in:

Image Processing 3D Visualization Mechatronics Design

We have solved some difficult technical challenges for customers in image-guided interventions, algorithm development and in providing enhanced mechatronics design to satisfy commercial requirements for clinical application.

Our Technology Development Services:

I mage ProcessingCustomized, clinically-validated image processing algorithms for rapid segmentation, registration and classification.

3D VisualizationClinical graphical user interface (GUI) development, multi-modal 3D imaging and real-time quantification.

Mechatronics DesignDesign and manufacture of prototypes with expertise in motion control and image-guided interventions.

Systems DesignEnsure that systems integrate smoothly into clinical workflow with attention to training requirements, impacts of pathology process developments and optimizing performance for time savings.

Clinical ValidationEnlisting clinicians as early users and beta testers for feedback to validate and improve a product.

Working with CIMTEC is a collaborative processWe will work with you to determine the best approach for your project and develop a plan that sets out the details for how to achieve the project goals. Once the project has begun, weekly update meetings will help us keep your project on schedule and determine if there is a need to define additional phases of work.

“In principle, we could have gone to any machine shop. But, having a one-on-one, interactive level of involvement with peers who have insight into medical imaging devices combined with mechanical expertise was key for us. We would love to work with CIMTEC again.”

– Dr. Ian Cunningham President and Founder, DQE Instruments

DQE Instruments is a start-up company formed with WorlDiscoveries as a spin-off out of Robarts Research Institute at Western University in London, Ontario. It had developed a novel device, called DQEPro, for quickly evaluating the performance of new x-ray imaging systems and their ability to produce high-quality images with very low levels of radiation.

Every sale is critical for a young company. With an approaching delivery deadline on an overseas contract, DQE came to CIMTEC for help solving a problematic vibration in the motor system of the first production prototype.

Working closely with DQE and building upon shared expertise in imaging and mechanical systems, our mechanical engineers were able to present several potential solutions within a short timeline. The best solution was agreed upon and developed, and a new mechanical assembly was fitted into the DQEPro making it more usable and cost-efficient for clinical use.

The collaboration between CIMTEC engineers and DQE was critical to finding a solution quickly and efficiently, allowing the acceleration of product sales to international customers.

DQE Instruments

Densitas Inc.Densitas Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia became incorporated shortly before it started working with CIMTEC. When its founder first approached us for help, Densitas simply needed its algorithm validated. The company’s needs changed from validation to include design and development, as well as business advice.

In helping Densitas understand how to think about its design requirements, we were able to work together to deliver the algorithm according to the specific requirements associated with functionality, publication and marketability to investors. CIMTEC’s relationship with Densitas has grown into a collaborative effort that demonstrates key value to potential investors.

CIMTEC continues to mentor Densitas through the product development process and help it evolve its innovation into a commercially viable product.

“CIMTEC is a one-stop-shop. It’s impossible to put a value on having access to that pool of skills in one place.”

Creating solutions to help your innovation

succeed.

“Working with the people at CIMTEC has been crucial for us. They understand our challenges and needs and what we are trying to accomplish. Parallax is in a strong position because of our work with CIMTEC. Now, our company has real potential to be successful.”

– Del Archer Co-Founder/Co-Owner, Parallax Innovations Inc.

CIMTEC’s competitive edge is our singular focus

on medical imaging technology. Our select group of

software and mechanical engineers has extensive

research and industry experience, including

expertise in image-guided robotic interventions and

digital pathology. We know what it takes to bring an

imaging innovation to the marketplace.

Parallax Innovations Inc.

Parallax Innovations Inc. is a small software company operating in southwestern Ontario that focuses on the preclinical imaging sector. Parallax needed help developing a miniaturized robotic needle guidance mechanism for research CT scanners. In the words of its co-founder: “Large companies are simply not interested in smaller scale projects like ours. A small start-up like Parallax could never have gotten this project off the ground without CIMTEC’s help.”

CIMTEC designed and built a robotic device to Parallax’s specifications for their CT Sabre system, which can operate under fluoroscopy while remaining in the bore of a CT scanner. Since there are hundreds of in vivo scanners in research institutions all over North America, Parallax saw significant potential for sales of the device.

Having the CT Sabre as a product offering gives Parallax greater credibility and visibility in the marketplace, which can help the company’s capacity to grow, attract funding and develop further product offerings.

[email protected]

Providing business development support for your imaging innovation.

[email protected]

CIMTEC has expert knowledge in

bringing medical imaging products to

market. We offer customized market

research, as well as intellectual property

and regulatory assessments to provide

a solid foundation for your projects.

esCIMTEC is here to help you move your imaging innovation along the product development continuum toward the marketplace. CIMTEC’s team has experience in research, intellectual property and regulatory consulting, technology transfer and multi-national product development, all in the field of medical imaging.

Working with CIMTEC is a collaborative process. At no charge, we will provide an initial consultation to discuss your innovation, what steps you need to take and how CIMTEC can be involved.

We will help you navigate the complex commercialization process, including how to work with technology transfer offices and understanding where and how to find appropriate sources of funding.

We offer business services at competitive prices with the added value of access to CIMTEC’s highly-qualified, professional team whose specialized knowledge includes image processing, image analysis, visualization, mechatronics design, systems design and clinical validation.

Commercializing a medical imaging device.

“The value of working with CIMTEC is huge for any company or researcher trying to bring an imaging innovation to the marketplace. Working with them was crucial for us because we didn’t have the in-house expertise, knowledge or skills to build a sound business case. CIMTEC really made us focus on our value proposition.”

– Dan HosseinzedahChief Technology Officer, PathCore Inc.

Intellectual Property (IP) AssessmentsEnsures appropriate IP protection is in place.

Regulatory AssessmentsTakes the necessary steps to meet regulatory requirements and assess possible validation requirements.

Customer ResearchDevelops a plan to discover market need, as well as reimbursement, partnership and funding potential.

Imaging Opportunity EvaluationProvides a strategic analysis to help researchers and technology transfer offices evaluate the commercial potential and business risks associated with an invention.

Our Business Development Services:

Medical imaging technology is CIMTEC’s expertise

Through customer surveys we gather information about a product’s usefulness in the clinical environment and its potential marketability.

By working closely with PathCore’s founders and understanding their unique situation, we were able to tailor a solution to their needs.

We conducted freedom-to-operate and patentability searches to assess the IP landscape and were able to produce a summary analysis that provided context about what relevant patents already exist and how PathCore’s technology was differentiated in the market and potentially patentable.

We provided an assessment of the regulatory class of PathCore’s product in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, and described how comparable products have previously been cleared for approval.

Using our customer research strategy we helped PathCore identify and connect with key opinion leaders, gaining important insights for establishing PathCore’s value proposition.

In addition to providing important information, the interviewees have become engaged in PathCore’s progress and have expressed interest in seeing more of its platform when it is ready for pilot testing.

CIMTEC uses a customer-driven model based on validating assumptions

PathCore Inc. is a small start-up digital pathology software company in Toronto, Ontario. Its founders developed a scanner agnostic software used in digital pathology image analysis and wanted to bring it to market, but realized they didn’t have the in-house resources necessary to do all the foundational work.

They sought out CIMTEC because of our expertise in image processing, image analysis, digital pathology and business development services specifically designed for early-stage start-ups.

CIMTEC acted as an integral member of the PathCore team, providing services that have helped it build a strong foundation for the company’s future success.

PathCore Inc.

Strong business planning is key to long-term success