The Technopôle en réadaptation pédiatrique [pediatric rehabilitation technology hub] at the CHU Sainte-Justine's children's hospital was created out of a desire to provide a space for co-creation and open innovation among researchers, clinicians, young patients and their families in order to advance knowledge in pediatric rehabilitation. The goal is to eliminate the effects of disability on children and create an international ecosystem aimed at developing and commercializing innovations to ensure that children have an active future.
A total of $31.24 million has been invested in this project, including $15.61 million from the Government of Canada through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, and $9.37 million from the Government of Quebec.
This ambitious project, completed in a period of less than two years, is the result of an engagement of governments, the Sainte-Justine University Hospital foundation, manufacturers and the client. It includes the construction of a new 7,640m2 building as part of the Centre de réadaptation Marie Enfant. It aims to bring together Quebec researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and industrialists to develop partnerships and innovate in the area of pediatric rehabilitation.
Pediatric, physical or cognitive rehabilitation aims, through various interventions, to develop children's capacities, maximize their autonomy and enable them to acquire skills essential to everyday living, while promoting their integration and participation in the various activities specific to their age group.
The technological revolution, knowledge acquired in the field of genetics and new practices offer significant opportunities for innovation in pediatric rehabilitation. The environment of the pediatric rehabilitation technology hub brings together the patient, technology and knowledge to quickly test and validate the effectiveness of new and emerging applications.