Mark Torchia and Richard Tyc - 2016 Governor General's Innovation Awards Winners
This article was originally written and submitted as part of a Canada 150 Project, the Innovation Storybook, to crowdsource stories of Canadian innovation with partners across Canada. The content has since been migrated to Ingenium’s Channel, a digital hub featuring curated content related to science, technology and innovation.
Mark Torchia and Richard Tyc
Mark Torchia and Richard Tyc are the creators of the NeuroBlate System, a medical device that combines a novel laser probe system with real-time image guidance. Using magnetic resonance imaging and sophisticated software, the tool allows neurosurgeons in Canada and abroad to treat brain tumours and other intracranial targets in a minimally invasive way that also reduces post-operative care and health costs.
As the executive director of the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Mark G. Torchia works with his colleagues to support partnership, research and professional development. He thrives on collaborating for positive, lasting change—opportunities he has had in health care, education and business. Richard Tyc, P. Eng., is the vice-president of technology and advanced development at Monteris Medical Inc. A graduate of the University of Manitoba engineering program and the recipient of numerous awards and patents, he started his career in the life sciences sector with developments in prosthetics, orthopedics and pharmacy automation. Mr. Tyc teamed up with Dr. Torchia more than 15 years ago to help bring NeuroBlate technology to reality and clinical success.
On May 18, 2016, Mr. Tyc and Dr. Torchia were among the first individuals to receive the inaugural Governor General’s Innovation Awards.
Announced in June 2015, the Governor General’s Innovation Awards inspire Canadians to embrace innovation and to emulate innovative, entrepreneurial risk-takers who have developed new or better ways of creating value and who are having a meaningful impact on our quality of life. For more information, visit https://innovation.gg.ca/.
Transcript
Mark Torchia and Richard Tyc are the creators of the NeuroBlate System, a medical device that allows neurosurgeons in Canada and abroad to treat brain tumours and other intracranial targets in a minimally invasive way that also reduces post-operative care and health costs. Watch this video to find out how NeuroBlate System is revolutionizing the way we treat all brain tumours.
Governor General's Innovation Awards
Innovation is one of the primary driving forces behind Canada’s prosperity, standard of living and quality of life. While Canadians are some of the world’s most accomplished innovators, we seldom recognize ourselves as such or celebrate our outstanding contributions to our society.
