This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (April 2017) |
 | |
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace Agriculture Agrifood Environment Infrastructure Environment Life Sciences Logistics and supply chain Manufacturing Medical Devices and Natural resources Security |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | 2740 Einstein Street, Québec, Québec CANADA G1P 4S4 |
Number of employees | 220 |
| Website | www.INO.ca |
About INO
INO is the largest center of expertise in optics and photonics in Canada and is among the best technological research centres in the world. For the past 30 years, it has created and developed innovative and valuable solutions to meet the needs of businesses in Quebec and throughout Canada.
A world leader in high technology, INO has implemented more than 6,500 solutions, carried out 75 technology transfers, and contributed to the creation of 35 new companies, which provide jobs to more than 2,000 people.
Through multiple light applications, from laser and fiber optics technologies to imaging systems, INO controls light to capture, identify, predict, decide or transform the real world.
Its innovative solutions support Canadian businesses in several key industries through four business units: Biomedtech; Defense, Security and Aerospace; Sustainable Resources, Agriculture and Infrastructures; and Advanced Manufacturing.
INO has offices in Quebec City, Montreal and Hamilton.
Mission
Bring to life innovations that enable the industry from all over the country to be more productive and competitive.
History
INO was officially created in 1985 at the instigation of the Université Laval, which, at the time, accounted for half of Canada's researchers in optics/photonics, as well as the Canadian Association of Physicists, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and various partners in the Quebec City area.
Services
INO offers a multitude of services such as research and development, materials characterization, prototype development and short production runs of products based on optical technologies. INO helps customers with projects including:
- Automation and robotics
- Process control and optimization
- Remote detection and monitoring
- Product development
- Digital transformation
- Technology transfers
INO works in a wide range of industries such as:
Organization
Business Units
Biomedtech
ISO 13485 certified, INO applies optics, photonics and vision-based innovations to create advanced medical devices, critical components of scientific instruments or optical sensors used in biological processes. INO provides engineering and design services from proof of concept, through prototyping, up to commercial production, supported by INO’s industrialisation team. INO also works in collaboration with research centers, biotech and pharmaceutical companies to develop technology to support industry in areas including medical research, drug discovery, disease diagnosis and personalized medicine.
Advanced Manufacturing
INO works with equipment providers in various industries to successfully navigate the digital transformation and industry 4.0 goals of their clients by harnessing the power of optical sensors, 3D scanners, smart cameras and vision systems to improve their productivity, efficiency and profitability. As robotics and automation have become an integral technology in manufacturing, INO supports automation equipment providers to enhance production quality and reduce costs of their clients thanks to technologies such as digital vision, artificial intelligence, terahertz imaging, hyperspectral imaging and optical coherent tomography (OCT). INO also is present in the agrifood and agriculture industry, providing solutions to optimize harvesting and production processes, automate sorting, packaging tasks, reduce costs and human error, address skilled labour challenges and produce more sustainably and efficiently.
Defence, Security and Aerospace
From space telescopes to optical lasers for communication and adaptive optics for sharp images, INO’s optics-based technologies are driving aerospace applications and enhancing the capacity for space exploration by providing sophisticated systems and cutting-edge tools for space observation and communication. INO contributes to solving major planet challenges such as climate event prediction, forest fire detection, soil and water temperature monitoring, encrypted communications, gas leak detection and space debris management. Harnessing the power of terahertz technology, INO is a leading partner for integrators and developers of security control and non-destructive testing solutions.
Sustainable Resources, Agriculture and Infrastructure
Optics-based technologies play an essential role in the environmental and infrastructure industries. INO specializes in the development of optical sensors and systems capable of inspecting infrastructure, pipes and pipelines to help detect maintenance problems, ensuring good condition and optimal operation. INO’s optical technologies are helping to ensure responsible resource use through advanced detection, imaging and analysis, as well as monitoring air quality through the detection of fugitive dust emissions. In addition, INO develops systems for agricultural soil and plant sample analysis to help those in the agricultural sector collect accurate data on crops, soil and environmental conditions.
Expertise
INO posses a wide range of expertise in areas such as applied spectroscopy, beam shaping, bolometer infrared modules, fiber sensors, laser micromachining, fiber lasers, LIDAR and remote sensing, MEMS/MOEMS, microfabrication, optical design, specialty optical fibers, vision systems and 3D sensors.