Myant, the pioneer of textile computing, has partnered with URtech Manufacturing a Toronto-based provider of electronics manufacturing services, to produce the first commercial scale run of electronic components for Skiin, Myant’s textile-based wearable solutions.

By partnering with another Toronto-based company, Myant is creating a local ecosystem to accelerate innovation and the first production run of 15,000 Skiin Pods has commenced at URtech’s plant.

Commercial scale applications of textile computing, such as the clothes produced for Skiin, are made possible only through deep collaboration between designers, engineers, textile specialists, electronics manufacturers, health practitioners, and other experts.

Partnership shows that the culture of making is returning to Canada

Even in the rare instances when such expertise is available within the same organisation, the teams and the infrastructure needed to support their work are typically disconnected and scattered across the globe, making rapid iteration and innovation practically impossible.

URtech has a long track record of reliable EMS and OEM manufacturing and its Burlington-based plant is just a 30-minute drive away from Myant.

Both companies are ISO 13485 certified for the manufacturing of medical devices.

“Building a network of local partners helps us innovate with agility.” said Tony Chahine, founder and CEO of Myant. “Not only does this partnership signal the commercial arrival of textile computing, it shows that the culture of making is coming back to Canada.”

Myant has recently also announced agreements with PACE at Southlake Regional Health Centre and with the KITE Research Institute at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute for the clinical validation of textile computing solutions.

In addition, NGen – Next Generation Manufacturing Canada – a non-profit organisation which is on a mission to position Canada as a leader in advanced manufacturing, has been a key supporter.

“NGen is exceptionally proud to support this world-leading initiative in smart textile manufacturing,” said its CEO Jayson Myers. “This partnership between two Canadian innovators is a fantastic example of the world-leading manufacturing and technology capabilities that we have in our own backyard. Our hope is that this project serves as a beacon for more Canadian companies to consider the benefits of home-grown partnerships to enable growth, share risk, enhance global competitiveness, and make a real difference for Canadians.”

www.myant.ca