Q&A: Why MIX invests in future biomedical engineers

Can you provide an overview of Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX) and its core mission?

MIX is Canada’s first industry-led MedTech and healthtech commercialization hub, dedicated to helping scale-ups grow right here in Canada. We are a not-for-profit organization providing companies with shared resources, commercialization support, community connections, and collaborative opportunities. Our mission is simple: reduce barriers for health technology scale-ups—like talent, funding, mentorship, and specialized resources—so companies don’t feel they have to leave Canada to grow.

We take a community-driven approach. Companies don’t just get space—they get access to people, knowledge, and support. Our ecosystem includes:

• MIX Mentors – nearly 40 volunteer experts from startups who provide practical, real-world guidance.

• MIX Masters – specialists in areas such as HR, sales, project management, and operations, offering short-term, hands-on support.

• MIXers & Peer Programs – monthly sessions where teams across companies share experiences and best practices in areas like Quality & Regulatory, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales & Marketing, HR, and Fundraising.

• Impax Partner Program – brings in strategic partners to provide additional support in areas such as manufacturing, funding, SR&ED, and IP.

Can you provide specific examples of how MIX has helped health technology startups scale successfully in Canada?

Our programs provide direct mentorship, access to shared resources, and practical guidance that helps scale-ups navigate complex areas such as regulatory compliance, product development, commercialization, and funding. Our members have access to R&D labs, media studios, along with networking and commercialization support.

What are the key achievements of MIX companies in terms of job creation, investment, and patient impact?

In 2025 alone:

• 297 new jobs created
• Over 968 skilled professionals employed in our network
• More than 353,000 patients served worldwide
• $177.5M CAD in revenue and $268M CAD raised in investments
• 300+ patents and IP registered

What motivated MIX to sponsor the recent student-organized research conference?

We believe in investing in the next generation of biomedical engineers. By sponsoring educational initiatives like ToBE, we connect students with real-world startups and scale-ups, exposing them to practical innovation challenges and entrepreneurial opportunities. Many of our member startups were founded by graduates from local biomedical programs, highlighting the impact of education on the ecosystem.

How does MIX benefit from engaging with students and young researchers?

Students gain hands-on experience in MedTech and healthtech startups, building skills and understanding of real-world innovation. Meanwhile, MIX companies benefit from access to co-op students, interns, and emerging talent, helping to strengthen the regional talent pipeline.

How does supporting educational initiatives align with your organization's mission and values?

Engaging with students and universities allows us to bridge academia and industry, fostering collaborations that advance health equity, translational research, and applied innovation. We see universities as strategic partners in accelerating the growth of health technology companies.

How does MIX collaborate with universities and research institutions?

We work closely with several Ontario universities, expanding these partnerships as our ecosystem grows. Collaboration areas include:

• Research & Resource Sharing: Universities provide faculty expertise, co-op students, interns, and access to programs. MIX shares company needs to tailor research support and applied innovation projects.

• Talent & Training Opportunities: Students engage through internships, co-ops, and experiential learning programs. Universities leverage MIX networks to expose students to entrepreneurial projects, mentorship, and real-world healthcare innovation.

• Commercialization & Industry Partnerships: MIX and universities collaborate on IP protection, licensing, and commercialization, explore funding programs and grants, and foster faculty–industry partnerships.

What are MIX’s future goals in supporting research and innovation?

Our goal is to strengthen the Canadian MedTech ecosystem by reducing barriers to growth, scaling partnerships with academia, and expanding programs that combine mentorship, funding guidance, and technical expertise. We aim to create more opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and applied innovation to benefit patients, communities, and society.

How do you see partnerships with universities and student initiatives evolving in the coming years?

We anticipate deeper collaboration between universities, startups, and industry, where students gain real-world experience while contributing to MedTech scale-ups. Co-op programs, internships, and applied research will continue to grow, fostering a robust ecosystem where education, innovation, and commercialization mutually reinforce one another. This approach ensures that both students and companies thrive, strengthening Canada’s healthtech sector and advancing patient care.