Québec invests $3M to develop additive manufacturing into the medical sector

The Government of Québec has recently announced its commitment to invest approximately $3 million into a medical 3D printing center. The center, which will be located in Québec City, is aimed to help accelerate the development of additive manufacturing within the medical sector.

Following an announcement from the Canadian government on their intention to create the largest academic center dedicated to additive manufacturing, with the University of Waterloo receiving a $27 million investment to help strengthen their already established lab. Today, the Canadian government is continuing their evolution in additive manufacturing, with a medical center that will work in collaboration with the Québec Industrial Research Center (CRIQ) and the Québec-Université Laval hospital. Through this collaboration, they’re hoping to improve medical technologies and equipment through the use of 3D printing.

The Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity of Quebec was present for the announcement

Being able to manufacture custom prostheses, create human tissue or surgical simulation models through additive manufacturing represents a major advance in the medical field. Many are turning to this technology to dramatically improve patient care at a lower cost. Canada is no stranger to 3D printing, having incorporated a 3D printer for medical needs at the CHU in Québec City. Today, they have incorporated a second printer and have been able to 3D print metal bars that were used in the reconstruction of jaws for cancer patients.

“3D printing will enable the medicine of tomorrow to open previously inaccessible fields of application. For our patients, this means increased comfort and shorter surgery thanks to custom-made prostheses and possible access to new surgeries that were previously unattainable. For our medical teams, this reduces intervention time and costs, facilitates fitting of prostheses and reduces the risks associated with medical interventions,” explained Gertrude Bourdon, President, and CEO of Québec-Université Laval University Hospital.

The medical 3D printing center will allow Québec to be more autonomous since as of now, it mostly depends on the United States for the delivery of supplies and equipment. Having 3D technology on-site will provide greater accessibility at lower costs.

Denis Hardy, CEO de CRIQ

The announcement of this funding is part of the City’s economic plan that was introduced this year titled the Québec Research and Innovation Strategy 2017-2022. CRIQ CEO Denis Hardy is very enthusiastic about this plan, saying “Collaboration between our organizations is a unique opportunity to innovate to advance health care. The complementary nature of the expertise of CRIQ and the CHU of Québec-Université Laval is a key factor that gives every chance of success to such a project.” He hopes to install 3D printers in all hospitals in the region within the next 10 years.

Could this investment allow the City of Québec to further develop additive manufacturing in the medical sector? Let us know in a comment below or on our  Facebook and Twitter page! For all the latest 3D printing news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our weekly newsletter today!