“The opening of this centre is a testament to the power of community support and a shared vision for the future of health care,” said Dr. Jodi Abbott, President & CEO of the Foundation. “At the University Hospital Foundation, we pride ourselves on being a catalyst for health innovation. This facility ensures that patients in our province have access to the world’s best technology right here in Edmonton, giving them the best possible chance at recovery.” 

This milestone was achieved through a massive community effort, including over $1.14 million raised specifically for the project. These funds were made possible through dedicated donations and significant contributions from the Foundation’s Festival of Trees event—Edmonton’s favourite holiday tradition, which has championed local health care innovation for decades. 

Translating Research into Recovery 

The centre is designed to treat patients with complex neurological conditions—including stroke, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries—using specialized equipment previously unavailable in the region. Encompassing more than 200 square metres of specialized space, the facility includes a modern neurorehabilitation gymnasium and an electrophysiology research suite designed to foster real-time collaboration 

This “living lab” environment means research is inspired by real-world patient challenges, enabling fast translation of scientific discovery into patient care to significantly improve long-term outcomes for Albertans. 

The Neuro Rehabilitation Innovation Centre is made possible by the extraordinary generosity of donors who believe in the life-changing potential of neuro-innovation and the University Hospital Foundation’s commitment to advancing world-class care at the University of Alberta Hospital.

[Sidebar] The Innovation Toolkit 

The facility features a suite of cutting-edge tools—including wearable robotic exoskeletons and dynamic body-weight support systems—that allow for the high-intensity, repetitive movement training critical for rewiring the brain and nervous system after injury 

• Ekso: A wearable robotic exoskeleton that enables patients with lower-extremity weakness to stand and walk. 

• Zero-G: A robotic track system that provides dynamic body-weight support, preventing falls while allowing patients to practice movements safely. 

• FES Cycling (RT-300): Functional electrical stimulation that uses computer-controlled pulses to stimulate muscles in paralyzed or weakened limbs. 

• X-cite: Multi-channel FES used for task-specific training, particularly for hand and upper-extremity recovery.