Innovate BC Awards Funding for Aspect Biosystems-UBC Collaboration

Nov 18, 2019

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - November 18, 2019 -  Aspect Biosystems, a Canadian biotech company pioneering microfluidic 3D bioprinting of human tissues, has been awarded funding from the Innovate BC Ignite Program for its collaboration with Prof. Konrad Walus at the University of British Columbia. The Ignite program provides funding to advance research and commercialization activities for collaborative, industry-driven projects that will have significant benefits in British Columbia and around the world.

The collaboration with UBC is focused on developing machine-learning based technology to improve the quality of our 3D printing. The resulting 3D printed tissues will be used to radically advance the future of drug development and regenerative medicine. Award amount: $148,000. 


Quotes:

Tamer Mohamed, CEO of Aspect Biosystems

"Through this exciting collaboration, we look forward to accessing world-class research capabilities at the University of British Columbia. Investing in deep technology for medical applications does not only improve health outcomes, but drives our economy. This support from Innovate BC is a testament to the Provincial Government’s belief in innovation, and its power to create impact and value.”


Konrad Walus, Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of BritishColumbia  

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity with the support of the Innovate BC Ignite program to develop cutting edge technology in partnership with a Canadian biotechnology and innovation leader. Through this project our team at UBC will conduct cutting edge research to push the biofabrication capabilities of microfluidic 3D bioprinting systems by focusing on machine-learning and precision sensing technology. We aim to significantly advance the next generation of 3D bioprinting technology using state-of-the-art facilities at UBC."


Raghwa Gopal, President + CEO of Innovate BC

“The Ignite Program addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges by turning innovative ideas into real life solutions. In B.C., we’re extremely fortunate to have world-class researchers and industry leading companies working hand-in-hand to develop new technologies that have a positive impact on our economy, environment, and overall standard of living.”


About Innovate BC

Innovate BC is a one stop service centre to connect innovators — large and small — with funding, resources, and support. Innovate BC programs and initiatives serve and celebrate innovation in British Columbia, helping our industries grow, while ensuring the benefits of our thriving technology sector are felt by people in all regions of our province. Innovate BC is a Crown Agency of the Province of B.C.


About Aspect Biosystems

Aspect Biosystems is a privately held biotechnology company pioneering microfluidic 3D bioprinting of living, human tissue. The company’s proprietary technology is enabling advances in understanding fundamental biology, disease research, development of novel therapeutics, and regenerative medicine. In addition to its internal programs, Aspect is focused on strategically partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as academic researchers, to enable the creation of living, human tissues for medical research, therapeutic discovery, and regenerative medicine products.

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