Space Investment Spin-Off Boosts Canadian Telemedicine
Helping to Keep Patients Healthy on Earth
A telemedicine hub pilot project has been unveiled at the Pierrefonds CLSC, a local community healthcare service center in the Montreal area. The telemedicine hub is a concrete example of how space innovation can help address pressing issues on Earth, such as improving access to quality healthcare.
"Space investments drive innovation, create high-quality jobs and fuel economic growth. Canada is more committed than ever to supporting its thriving space sector.”
The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
While space activities require us to be at the forefront of innovation with transformative technologies, space exploration also paves the way for ground-breaking advancements that help improve the well-being of Canadians across the country.
The CSA's C2M2 initiative encourages the development of technologies that will enable astronauts to monitor their health and handle their medical issues in a more autonomous fashion while they are far from Earth. Baüne's C2M2 prototype is now being adapted to meet the needs of patients here on Earth in a telemedicine hub. This hub features cutting-edge devices with which users will be able to take several measurements themselves, such as blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen levels.
"Space investments drive innovation, create high-quality jobs and fuel economic growth. Canada is more committed than ever to supporting its thriving space sector by helping our companies scale up and push the limits of innovation, just like Baüne did with its healthcare solution," said The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "This will not only allow Canada to seize important economic opportunities as a key player in the global space industry, but also help change lives here on Earth with impressive technologies."
"Today's unveiling reflects Canada's vision to harness space technologies for the benefit of all Canadians. Humans are going back to the Moon, and this time we are investing in sustainable and long-term exploration," said Lisa Campbell, Canadian Space Agency President. "To achieve this, we need technologies that will keep astronauts safe and healthy on the lunar surface for months at a time. Healthcare solutions such as Baüne's hold great potential for the future of space exploration, and bring immediate, meaningful impacts right here at home."
C2M2s are equipped with an AI-powered computer system that integrates and connects different medical technologies to detect, diagnose, treat, and monitor certain health conditions. Launched in 2022, the CSA's C2M2 initiative funded five Canadian companies, including Baüne, approximately $2 million each to develop a first round of medical solutions for autonomous care.