SQI Diagnostics announced a technology development partnership and licensing agreement with the McMaster University Department of Engineering to develop chip technology for use in multi-array disease testing.
SQI is a Toronto-based life sciences and diagnostics company that develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and products for advanced multiplexed diagnostics. SQI's existing proprietary technology enables global pharmaceutical and diagnostic testing companies to perform highly complex multiplex tests much faster, more accurately and at a lower cost.
The market for these tests is global, measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and growing. And an even larger market awaits in testing for diseases at the point of care such as hospitals, ER units and medical offices, using rapid, portable diagnostic devices that can provide results in minutes. Early in 2017 SQI approached Dr. Ishwar Puri's team of the McMaster University Department of Engineering who are pioneers in creating novel detection technologies.
Their initial work has now advanced to the stage where SQI and McMaster are partnering to further develop the instant chip technology and detection devices that will enable a wide-array of multi-result tests to be offered directly to health care professionals and patients in clinical settings worldwide.
The SQI-McMaster collaboration was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Ontario Centres of Excellence through the VIP program which helps eligible Ontario companies develop, implement and commercialize technical innovations by supporting industry-academic collaborations. Industry can leverage Ontario's world-class academic institutions to solve business challenges, develop new products and processes, and increase productivity while advancing innovations that help to build and sustain Ontario's knowledge-based economy.
"Part of SQI's transition from a research company to a commercial enterprise involves constantly seeking out new markets, technologies and applications in diagnostic testing. The McMaster relationship is part of that market-development strategy," Andrew Morris, President and CEO of SQI Diagnostics said.