Contribution: Industrial Research Assistance Program – Contributions to Firms
illumisonics Inc.
$322,000.00
AI-Driven Advanced Imaging Device for Biomarker Identification in Histology Slides
FY 2025-26 · 2025-07-01
Summary
illumiSonics is developing the Photon Absorption Remote Sensing (MLI®) Advanced Imaging Device (AID), a high-resolution, label-free imaging system that enhances digital pathology through multiplexed virtual staining of unstained FFPE tissue. By capturing multiple optical contrasts in a single scan, the device enables AI-driven image reconstruction of standard histological stains, such as H&E and Masson’s Trichrome. The project will finalize and validate the system, deploy it to a research partner, and generate revenue through scan-per-use and licensing models in support of translational research, biomarker discovery, and advanced cancer diagnostic tests.
Department
Program
Industrial Research Assistance Program – Contributions to FirmsIndustrial Research Assistance Program-Contributions to Firms (linked with high confidence)
Recipient
Location
Waterloo|Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
For-profit organization
Business Number
804440790
Type
Contribution
Source
Proactive Disclosure - Grants and Contributions
As published
Agreement End Date
2026-06-30
Agreement Number
1034070
Agreement Start Date
2025-07-01
Agreement Title
AI-Driven Advanced Imaging Device for Biomarker Identification in Histology Slides
Agreement Title (French)
Dispositif d’imagerie avancée piloté par l’IA pour l’identification des biomarqueurs dans les lames d’histologie
Agreement Type
Contribution
Agreement Value
$322,000.00
Amendment Number
0
Coverage
IRAP Contributions to Firms projects stimulate wealth creation for Canada through technological innovation. | Les projets des Contributions aux entreprises stimulent la création de richesse au Canada grâce à l’innovation technologique.
Description
illumiSonics is developing the Photon Absorption Remote Sensing (MLI®) Advanced Imaging Device (AID), a high-resolution, label-free imaging system that enhances digital pathology through multiplexed virtual staining of unstained FFPE tissue. By capturing multiple optical contrasts in a single scan, the device enables AI-driven image reconstruction of standard histological stains, such as H&E and Masson’s Trichrome. The project will finalize and validate the system, deploy it to a research partner, and generate revenue through scan-per-use and licensing models in support of translational research, biomarker discovery, and advanced cancer diagnostic tests.
Description (French)
illumiSonics développe le dispositif d’imagerie avancée (AID) Photon Absorption Remote Sensing (MLI®), un système d’imagerie à haute résolution et sans étiquette qui améliore la pathologie numérique grâce à la coloration virtuelle multiplexée de tissus FFPE non colorés. En capturant de multiples contrastes optiques en un seul balayage, le dispositif permet une reconstruction d’image pilotée par l’IA des colorations histologiques standard, telles que H&E et le trichrome de Masson. Le projet permettra de finaliser et de valider le système, de le déployer auprès d’un partenaire de recherche et de générer des revenus par le biais de modèles de numérisation à l’utilisation et de licences, afin de soutenir la recherche translationnelle, la découverte de biomarqueurs et les tests diagnostiques avancés pour le cancer.
Expected Results
The purpose of IRAP Contributions to Firms is to support research, development, adoption and/or adaptation of innovative or technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada up to their commercialization
Expected Results (French)
Le PARI, par le biais des Contributions aux entreprises, vise à appuyer la recherche, le développement, l’adaptation et/ou l’adoption au Canada de produits, de services ou de processus novateurs ou axés sur des technologies nouvelles ou améliorées, et ce jusqu’à leur commercialisation
Federal Riding
Waterloo
Federal Riding (French)
Waterloo
Federal Riding Number
35112
NAICS Code
541710
Organization Code
nrc-cnrc
Organization
National Research Council Canada | Conseil national de recherches Canada
Program Name
Industrial Research Assistance Program – Contributions to Firms
Program Name (French)
Programme d’aide à la recherche industrielle – Contributions aux entreprises
Program Purpose
The purpose of IRAP Contributions to Firms is to support research, development, adoption and/or adaptation of innovative or technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada up to their commercialization
Program Purpose (French)
Le PARI, par le biais des Contributions aux entreprises, vise à appuyer la recherche, le développement, l’adaptation et/ou l’adoption au Canada de produits, de services ou de processus novateurs ou axés sur des technologies nouvelles ou améliorées, et ce jusqu’à leur commercialisation
Recipient Business Number
804440790
Recipient City
Waterloo|Waterloo
Recipient Country
CA
Recipient Legal Name
illumisonics Inc.
Recipient Postal Code
N2J 1N8
Recipient Province or Territory
ON
Recipient Type
F
Reference Number
172-2025-2026-Q2-1034070