Located within the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at St. Michael’s Hospital, iBEST offers a unique ecosystem where biomedical science, engineering, and clinical expertise converge. Our collaborative environment is designed to accelerate health research, technology development, and real-world impact by connecting researchers, clinicians, and innovators with shared resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and interdisciplinary partnerships.
We are always seeking new collaborations with academic partners, clinicians and industry to push the boundaries of what’s possible in health research and patient care. There are many ways to get involved, including exploring membership, engaging with our existing membership, participating in current opportunities, or requesting an iBEST tour to learn more about our community. If you’re looking to advance ideas that can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Industry Partnerships
The Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST) membership consists of more than 60 researchers and over 150 trainees. Our innovative approach to biomedical development and delivery offers unique opportunities for industry collaboration.
Whether you’re looking to address a specific biomedical business challenge or license new technologies, iBEST can connect you to researchers, clinicians, technicians, student trainees and funding to address your innovation needs.
Partnering with iBEST provides partners with end-to-end research and development support.
From establishing collaborative partnerships to incorporating patient needs and perspectives into the R&D process, iBEST ensures that concepts are effectively transformed into innovative health solutions.
iBEST offers three key advantages for our partners:
- Research Partnerships: iBEST directly connects partners with the expertise they need to address real-world challenges.
- Rapid Prototyping: iBEST’s access to onsite clinical facilities allows us to rapidly pilot, modify and re-introduce devices, accelerating the process from bench to bedside.
- Comprehensive Commercialization & Knowledge Translation: iBEST will drive health-care innovation by leveraging deep expertise, connections to markets and financing.
If you are a startup looking for incubation support, please visit the Biomedical Zone, a physician-led, hospital-based health technology incubator in downtown Toronto.
How to Collaborate with iBEST
The Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST) connects researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to advance healthcare innovation. Whether you’re developing new technologies, seeking clinical collaboration, or exploring research partnerships, iBEST provides access to leading experts and a network that bridges discovery and application.
Interested in partnering or learning more about our work? You can connect directly with iBEST researchers to explore collaboration, mentorship, or research opportunities. The iBEST researcher is your link to leverage internal iBEST resources and opportunities. Visit our Members Page to find researcher profiles and contact information.
You can find internal iBEST openings as well as opportunities from our external partners on our Opportunities Page. Stay tuned to discover upcoming programs, research positions, and collaboration calls.
Become an iBEST member
If you are a Professor from Toronto Metropolitan University or a Clinician from St. Michael’s looking to collaborate with like-minded researchers and clinicians, please review the How to Apply section below.
How to Apply
To apply to become an iBEST member, please submit a brief description (300 words or less) of your research that includes the following:
- The areas of your research that are linked to iBEST activities.
- The research theme(s) with which your work would most closely align.
- A copy of your current CV.
Please send your submission to us at ibest@torontomu.ca.
Application Process
Once your submission has been received by iBEST, it will be reviewed by the iBEST leadership.
Applicants will be advised on the status of their application results by email.
For any additional questions, please contact us at ibest@torontomu.ca.
Access to iBEST Labs
The iBEST Lab is a dedicated space located and designed to increase collaboration between our TMU and Unity Health Toronto members. The space is allocated to our membership on a long-term basis rather than for short-term projects.
Current iBEST Members:
If you are a current iBEST member seeking lab space, please inquire directly with your faculty leadership or academic administration.
Non-iBEST Members:
Our lab space is limited and managed to best support iBEST’s mission of fostering collaborative research and innovation between our members. Alternatively, access may also be arranged through collaboration with a current iBEST member with lab access.
Please note that iBEST does not rent lab space; however, Research Facilities Management at Unity Health may have space available for rent. For inquiries, please contact researchfacilities@unityhealth.to
Request an iBEST Lab Tour
If you are interested in learning more about our space and booking a tour, please complete the request form. To ensure we can offer visitors an engaging experience, we ask for a minimum of one month’s notice when scheduling tours.
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