Commercialization and Knowledge Translation

We believe it’s important to move research findings into practice and ideas into marketable products so that people can benefit.  At Toronto Rehab, scientists work closely with clinicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs and others to translate our discoveries into action.

Out of the lab and into the market

 
Commercialization is an important thrust at Toronto Rehab. We are determined to get innovative solutions into the market so people can use them as soon as possible. We welcome industry as a partner in developing meaningful products.

That’s why we pioneered a new and different model of research-industry collaboration. Our Club program involves companies as equal partners in developing products, from the concept stage onwards.

Our list of industry partners is growing as more companies take advantage of our expertise and state-of-the-art design and prototyping workshops. Prototypes for much-needed assistive technologies can be created quickly and accurately, and tested with patients.

Our interaction with the private sector is producing innovations and products designed to enhance people’s quality of life. These inventions include medical devices, assistive technologies and advanced home care products. We are also creating jobs and wealth in our community by providing the assistive devices sector in Ontario and Canada with an important boost and competitive edge.

Toronto Rehab is a member of BioDiscovery Toronto and MaRS Innovation. The Ontario Rehabilitation Technology Consortium (ORTC), a network of assistive technology researchers, is headquartered at Toronto Rehab.

Translating knowledge into practice

With so much exciting rehabilitation research going on, it’s crucial that results are transformed into practice.  There are many examples of our research in action.

We also put valuable findings into the hands of decision-makers. Our special Strategic Policy and Research Communication (SPARC) unit plays a vital role in identifying and responding to opportunities for knowledge translation between our scientists and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

And we share what we are learning through scholarly publications, by hosting international conferences and events, and through collaborations.