Laura Curiel

Dr. Curiel’s research concentrates on therapeutic development and design of ultrasound technology, known as focused ultrasound (FUS). Most recently, her research has focused on user-centred design approaches to improve FUS devices’ utilization. Outcomes from this work, have led to the development of pre-clinical FUS devices that integrate functional imaging to increase the adoption of FUS technology by non-traditional user groups.

Dr. Curiel’s academic career demonstrates a strong connection between research and innovation. She has been granted three patents leading to the commercialization of FUS therapy devices and imaging guidance techniques. Two designs have been successfully assigned to companies who are currently commercializing FUS therapy devices for prostate cancer treatment (Ablatherm II) and perioperative surgery. The Ablatherm II device has obtained 510(k) clearance for clinical use at a global scale. A third patent for an imaging guidance technique for FUS is also being commercialized.

In 2019, Dr. Curiel and her colleagues from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, were issued a patent for their multiaxial ultrasound transducer technology based on a multiaxial driving discovery. This innovative technology changes the way piezoelectric materials are driven by applying two orthogonal electrical fields with a phase difference versus the traditional single electrical field. Multiaxial driving improves energy conversion, decreases coercivity and energy dissipation during operation, and through specific element arrangements reduces the focal size of the array by up to ten times. These results have been validated numerically and experimentally and supported through MaRS Discovery District (formerly MaRS Innovation) and Innovate Calgary.

Based on these results and commercialization potential, the team founded NovusTX Devices. The start-up will focus on design, development, and fabrication of multiaxial transducers for low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) devices. They have been granted a patent for the multiaxial driving technique and have filed a provisional patent application.

Funding from the Parex Innovation Fellowship will be used to hire a student intern with a business background to assist NovusTX Devices CEO and CTO with ongoing business activities. This position will complete a comprehensive market analysis for the LIFU multiaxial device, collaborate with the CEO to update the current business plan, and follow-up with expert advisors to incorporate feedback where needed.

Outcomes from the market analysis will highlight potential markets for expansion or licensing, provide data needed to appropriately valuate the preclinical device niche market, and identify possible investors. The student intern will have a unique opportunity to be part of a medical technology start-up and gain valuable business experience within the innovation ecosystem. Not only will they benefit from Dr. Curiel’s expertise, but they will also have access to her extensive network of researchers from the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and other leaders from the biomedical field.

Dr. Curiel will continue investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs through learning outcomes, and outreach and mentorship opportunities. Starting Fall 2021, her Fundamentals of Biomedical Devices and Applications course will include a new entrepreneurial component. Students will explore and find solutions to an unmet biomedical, develop a business plan, and pitch their ideas to the class. Dr. Curiel will also incorporate her entrepreneurial experiences into outreach and mentorship activities. In particular, she will continue her work to develop student leadership skills and encourage more women to participate in the biomedical engineering field.