Innovation in space medicine is becoming a priority for future interplanetary missions, such as manned missions to Mars or exploration missions to the Moon.

Context

There are many challenges involved in ensuring astronauts’ health in the extreme conditions of space, caused by remote distances and limited medical accessibility. As a result, many engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs are currently helping to develop innovations to support space exploration, which may also be applicable to our planet’s rural, remote or northern communities, where medical resources are difficult to access.

Orbit Health, powered by MEDTEQ+, is a call for projects designed to support Canadian companies in the development of technologies that will meet telemedicine and autonomous healthcare needs. This thematic call is part of MEDTEQ+’s IMPACT program.

This call for projects is carried out with the financial support of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) via the Class Grant and Contribution Program to support research, awareness and education in space science and technology – Research section.

Portfolio

1,8 M$

A total of $1.8 million has been allocated to MEDTEQ+ for this call, which will be redistributed to research and public health establishments to support collaborative projects with Canadian industry.

Are you interested in this call for projects, or would you like to find out more ?

We invite you to read the project description guide, as well as the eligibility and selection criteria. All projects will be evaluated by a Scientific Committee.

Who is MEDTEQ+ ?

Founded in 2012 and comprised of over 200 members, MEDTEQ+ is a non-profit organization strategically located at the core of the healthcare technology sector, with a mission to stimulate collaboration among key players within the ecosystem.

In collaboration with

 

As part of this Call for projects to support the development of healthcare technologies that can support space exploration and healthcare in remote regions, the collaborative projects submitted must address one of the following 3 themes:

Space innovation

Your technology meets the needs of space innovation, such as: altered or variant gravity zones and closed environments.

  • Examples
    • Ultrasound technologies
    • Biosensors
    • Decision support tools

Projects can be submitted throughout the duration of the call for projects.

Innovation in telemedicine and remote regions

Your technology offers specialized solutions for telemedicine and telemedicine in remote areas, such as: long distances between Earth and space and isolation and confinement zones on
Earth.

  • Examples
    • Communication technology
    • 3D printers
    • Tools for monitoring psychological behavior

Projects can be submitted throughout the duration of the call for projects.

Futuristic medicine and beyond

Your technology specializes in health innovation, such as the detection of radioactive areas and long-term health effects on Earth or in space.

  • Examples
    • Medication to be consumed in space
    • Body fluid analysis systems
    • Electronic medical records

Projects can be submitted throughout the duration of the call for projects.

Collaborative projects and eligible organizations

Eligible projects are intended to support companies who develop healthcare technologies that can serve populations in remote regions on Earth and/or in space. Priority will be given to projects led by startups and SMEs.

Projects must meet the following priorities and requirements:

1

The proposed project is focused on research and development of healthcare technology innovations specifically designed for use in remote space environments and distant regions on Earth to enhance the autonomy of healthcare professionals working in these areas.

2

The proposed project involves a technology with an initial Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4 and 7 (see Appendix 1) in line with the priority of generating tangible outcomes with short-term adoption potential.

3

The developed innovations must offer a significant advantage over existing solutions on the market.

All individuals interested in this call should contact MEDTEQ+ as soon as possible via the following email address: projet@medteq.ca

Information Sessions

Two online information sessions will also take place, one in French and one in English, on January 13 (FR) and 15 (EN) 2024 at 1pm (EST). The recorded information sessions and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will be available on the MEDTEQ+ website. For full details, see the call for projects guide, section 5.1.

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