A financial commitment to the future In 1999, Carilion Health System celebrated 100 years of service, and to mark the occasion, has contributed significant start-up funds to the Institute. As a measure of their commitment to the emerging field of Biomedical research, the two universities are also contributing significant funds to the Institute. In the future, the Institute will be self-supporting and will rely on funding sources such as patent licensing, foundations, industry, and state and federal agencies. Diagnostic instruments such as X-ray imagers, blood sample analyzers, and heart monitors are examples of current biomedical devices. Advanced technology biomedical procedures, such as laser surgery and non-invasive treatment, are becoming increasingly familiar.
Gene therapy is a rapidly emerging part of biomedicine.
Developing more efficient and cost-effective hospital and clinical procedures is an increasingly important part of biomedical research. Teams of scientists from University of Virginia and Virginia Tech will conduct biomedical research at their individual campuses. As university research projects evolve, the Institute will promote projects beyond the initial concept. The Institute will facilitate prototype development, conduct testing, and position products for production and distribution through strategic business partnerships. Robotic concepts At University of Virginia's MARC, one of the center's areas of expertise is using robotics in the field of medical automation.