User:Htx/Sandbox

The Health Technology Exchange (HTX)
In 2001, the following organizations came together to discuss the future of the Medical and Assistive Technology (MAT)sector in Ontario and Canada:

• Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT)- Ministry of the Ontario government responsible for employment, business, investment and trade development

• Medical Devices Canada (MEDEC) - Principal trade association of the medical devices industry in Canada

• Association of Ontario Medical Manufacturers (AOMM) (now known as Trillium Medical Technology Association) – Non-profit industry organization serving innovative Ontario manufacturers of medical devices and equipment

• Ontario Rehabilitation Technology Consortium (ORTC) – Ontario-based organization dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of assistive technologies

The major conclusion drawn from these discussions was that Ontario has significant strengths in Medical and Assistive Technology, particularly due to the size of its industrial base and the breadth of its academic research base. However, it was recognized that the industry faced a number of challenges that needed to be addressed to allow Ontario to make a significant impact on the global Medical and Assistive Technology industry. These challenges were centered mainly on the fragmented nature of the industry and the relatively small size of its companies.

The Medical and Assistive Technologies Consortium (MATC) was established as a temporary organization to bring together key stakeholders for the purpose of problem solving and facilitating networks and partnerships, and developing a sectoral strategic plan.

In the spring of 2004 htx.ca -The Health Technology Exchange (HTX)became an incorporated non-profit entity. MRI awarded the program funding in the amount of $1.5 million annually for an overall period of four years. $1 million annually is used for a Research and Development program and $.5 million is used for a Commercialization and Market Development program.

HTX has one over arching goal: to accelerate the development of the Medical and Assistive Technologies sector in Canada in general and Ontario in particular. In achieving this goal many highly valued goals and objectives will be realized for the province and the country. Ontario has many of the key elements necessary to create a world class cluster and is home to approximately 60% of the economic activity of the sector.