17 April 2014

PRESS RELEASE – In Sherbrooke, things are on the move for life sciences start-up Archimed Medical. The fledgling enterprise specializes in developing, manufacturing, and selling innovative products for the medical and physical rehabilitation sectors.

Nathalie Morier, Pro-Gestion Estrie, Josée Fortin, director general at Sherbrooke Innopole, Jean-François Tardif, CEO of Archimed Medical, and Danye Desrochers, financial analyst at Sherbrooke Innopole

Founded in 2013, Archimed Medical is counting on technological innovation to make its name in the marketplace. The Sherbrooke firm has developed cutting-edge expertise in the use of textiles. Its achievements include using an exclusive type of antifungal and antibacterial textile and developing a back for a bath chair that can be adjusted by the use of just one hand. The firm is also currently working on a new type of undergarment that will protect elderly people from hip damage.

“Our R&D efforts have two guiding principles: come up with innovative materials and manufacturing processes; understand the real needs of users and patients so as to improve their quality of life and make it easier for them to work,” says Jean-François Tardif, Archimed Medical’s chief executive officer, who is a joint shareholder in the company along with Martin Charron and Yannick Audet. “This allows us to offer our clients the best possible solutions. Our longer-term goal is to see our new technology set the standard for the sector’s requirements.”

According to the CEO, product quality, competitive pricing, and customized and quick service are other strengths that set Archimed Medical apart: “We pay close attention to what our clients need, and we have the flexibility required to satisfy them within a short time frame.”

To get off the ground, the fledgling company, part of Estrie’s SAGE-Innovation Accord niche, was coached by Pro-Gestion Estrie. It also received financial assistance from Sherbrooke Innopole’s New Entrepreneur Fund, help finding business premises from Sherbrooke Innopole’s location services, and support from a Sherbrooke-based business partner, medical technology firm IBIOM. To date the project, which is expected to create five jobs by 2015, has required an investment of about $65,000.

Josée Blanchard, Director of Business Development, Life Sciences, one of Sherbrooke Innopole’s key sectors, is delighted that a new firm is adding its weight to Sherbrooke’s innovative economy: “By using its unique technology and constantly improving its products, Archimed Medical is well placed to take advantage of a market niche that is set to expand in the coming years as a result of population aging. Sherbrooke Innopole is proud to support the growth of this fledgling enterprise and congratulates the team on its innovative spirit.”

Archimed Medical’s products are typically used by occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and staff providing medical care, patient care, and home care. The firm already has agreements with the Centre de santé et de services sociaux – Sherbrooke Geriatric University Institute (CSSS-IUGS), the Research Centre on Aging, and Longueuil’s Hôpital Pierre-Boucher.

Archimed Medical’s flagship products include patient slings made out of textiles, transfer tubes, and silicone chair backs and seats. The company recently launched a new range of bath chair products. Archimed Medical also distributes NeuroGym mobility training devices, walking belts, and hip protectors.