What happens when an idea goes from the research lab to a hospital?

It could lead to a breakthrough surgical system, or a new artificial bone material that could improve outcomes in half-a-million spinal fusion procedures annually. It could spark a photo-sharing app that helps doctors diagnose patients in isolated regions from rainforest villages to refugee camps.

What happens when we accelerate innovation from the research bench to the hospital bedside? Ryerson faculty, students and alumni transform global health care.

Ryerson’s bold idea began with an undergraduate Biomedical Science program in 2013. This was quickly followed by an exciting new partnership with nearby St. Michael’s Hospital, leading to the creation of iBEST (the Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technology), to develop novel health-care solutions, and support startup biomedical companies. In 2016, the university launched graduate programs in Biomedical Engineering. All this supports student development and faculty research to help meet the demand for better medical devices and more sophisticated biomedical procedures.

Just a few years later, these programs and partnerships are yielding incredible breakthroughs. They offer the unique combination of specialized training, hospital access, and multi-disciplinary collaboration that high-octane innovators need to create successful startups. →

Summer 2017 / Ryerson University Magazine 15