The HI_DOS program aims to support the security certification and regulatory approval processes as well as the interoperability activities of Quebec companies wishing to market connected objects in the health sector.

Description of the thematic call for projects

Objectives

• Support the security certification and regulatory approval processes of Quebec SMEs;
• Support the adaptation of solutions to make them interoperable with existing systems;
• Promote the wider adoption of contactless care with a view to reducing risks for healthcare professionals;
• Facilitate commercialization of targeted technologies;
• Enable companies that have developed them to reach new markets;
• Develop and strengthen the niche of the Internet of Things in healthcare.

Program Partners

Prompt and MEDTEQ+ are the two sector-based industrial research clusters (RSRI) that are partners in the implementation of the program. Their respective expertise will allow them to support SMEs that submit projects. Companies can be accompanied by both organizations according to their needs.

PROMPT, with its partners, will support companies in the field of connected objects and cybersecurity certification.

MEDTEQ+, with its partners, will accompany more particularly the companies as regards certification and validation in real environment.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible, SMEs must meet the following characteristics:

• They are legally constituted according to the federal or Quebec laws in force and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
• They have their head office in Quebec and their employees or subcontractors must work mainly from Quebec.
• They have 249 employees or less in Quebec.
• They are not owned in a proportion of 50% or more by other existing businesses or organizations.
• They wish to homologate or certify connected objects that have already been developed: functional technology (TRL 7-9), or even already commercialized.

Eligible projects?

Projects may, exclusively or in combination, take the following form:

• To seek a Health Canada licence to be certified as a Class II, III, IV medical device;
• Aim for a Health Canada certification in a higher class of the standard;
• Achieve a relevant cybersecurity standard for Connected Objects in Healthcare;
• Achieve a relevant certification/approval in the US (FDA), Europe or other jurisdiction.

Program Overview

• Maximum assistance of $350,000 per project and per company;
• Maximum financial assistance of 50% of eligible expenses;
• Minimum private contribution of 25% of eligible expenses;
• Maximum cumulative government spending rate: 75% of eligible project expenses;
• Maximum project duration: 2 years;
• 5% of the budget must be reserved for RSRI project management costs.