Technology and IP
Magnetica has specialist skills and proprietary IP in the design of high performance superconducting magnets, gradients and RF coils for use in magnetic resonance imaging.
We currently have 24 granted patents and 16 patent applications in major international jurisdictions and actively seek to protect our proprietary IP in major international MRI markets including the US, Europe, Australia and developing markets. These patents and patent applications cover four key design 'families':
- Extremity magnet designs;
- Asymmetric technologies relating to whole body superconducting MRI magnet design where the imaging zone (sweet spot) is moved towards the end of the magnet, increasing patient comfort and clinician access. No other company has produced a magnet with this characteristic;
- Associated asymmetric magnet system components (RF coils and gradients);
- Two different asymmetric technology approaches relating to specialist superconducting MRI magnet design (two approaches)
Magnetica will generate new intellectual property as the design of each new magnet and its associated gradient and RF coils progresses, and will continue to seek protection for its new innovations through patents wherever appropriate.
Research & Development and Government Grants
Magnetica has successfully sought to leverage its investor funds with grant monies, attracting attracted over $2.2 million to date, and will continue to do so. R&D and Government grants received since 2004 include :
- a Queensland Government International Alliances Project of A$598,500 (completed successfully in 2008);
- three Technology Diffusion Projects from the Queensland Advanced Computing initiative QCIF for a total of $100,000 (2005-07);
- Export Markets Development Grants of $360k (2007-2010);
- a Queensland Government Smart Futures Fund grant for $1 million awarded in May 2010.
The Company is currently exploring potential applications to the new Federal Commercialisation Australia schemes.
The Company will continue to seek grant funding to support highly innovative technology development, and partnerships with companies or research groups with complementary technologies or knowledge.