British Columbia’s reputation as an international hub for digital health-care solutions was reinforced this week with the announcement that an India-based medical device company will open an office in Surrey.
India-based uber Diagnostics, which made the announcement during Premier Christy Clark’s trade mission to India, also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Surrey’s Innovation Boulevard, which paves the way for collaboration in areas that may include:
- Sharing expertise and highly-qualified people.
- Expanding business activities and links between India and Canada.
- Research and development.
The two organizations share a common interest in investigating the role of, and delivering affordable health-care diagnostics.
The medical devices company offers diagnostic solutions to improve patient care, primarily in developing nations. Among other products, it makes CardioTrack, a low-cost, network-connected electrocardiogram (ECG) that enables remote diagnosis.
Innovation Boulevard is a network of health institutions, universities, companies and talented people located within one square mile in Surrey’s City Centre between Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) campus.
The Province’s International Trade and Investment Network was instrumental in linking the two organizations during a 2014 government-organized inbound life sciences mission from India to B.C. around the CINI2014 conference held in Surrey.
As part of B.C.’s Jobs Plan commitment to expand international trade and investment, Premier Christy Clark is traveling to Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai from Oct. 9 - 18, 2014, for face-to-face meetings with key business and government officials.
The Ministry of International Trade works with international enterprises to help them build strong links to the resources, skills and businesses that make British Columbia an attractive place to work and invest.
Quotes:
Premier Christy Clark -
“One of the reasons we go on trade missions is to promote investment opportunities to companies looking to expand into British Columbia. Partnerships like this will help launch innovative B.C. companies onto the world stage - and that helps us create jobs for British Columbians.”
Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat -
“This partnership opens the door to opportunities that are making the life science and biotech sectors key drivers for our economy. Our network of trade and investment experts abroad and here in B.C. has played a strategic role in facilitating and supporting collaborations like this.”
uber Diagnostics co-founder Ashim Roy -
“uber Diagnostics and Surrey Innovation Boulevard have entered into a mutually rewarding partnership which will see some very innovative work being done in the area of heart health-care. The company intends to open an office in Surrey very shortly, which is home to innovative work in medicine and medical technologies.”
Quick Facts:
- The technology sector is increasingly a key driver for B.C.’s economy.
- B.C.’s strong life sciences and research sector does leading-edge work in pharmaceuticals, robotics, aging and other areas within health-care.
- Over 84,000 people work in B.C.’s technology sector with 14,000 people specializing in life sciences - generating $800 million in annual revenue.
- In 2013, B.C. goods exports to India were worth $468 million, an increase of 45% compared to the same period in 2012.
- B.C. Trade and Investment offices are located in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chandigarh, London, and California.
- This international network connects B.C. businesses with new markets and trade opportunities and promotes British Columbia as a stable and attractive destination for investment, tourists and international students.
Learn More:
www.BritishColumbia.ca connects B.C. companies and communities with international opportunities and promotes our competitive advantages to investors and decision makers around the world.
Uber Diagnostics: www.uberdiagnostics.com
Learn more about the BC Jobs Plan at: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca
Media Contacts:
Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252
Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
778 977-0298