Foqus Technologies Inc., a Kitchener, Ontario-based startup founded in 2021, is developing a groundbreaking AI-enabled software solution that uses quantum physics to significantly reduce MRI scan times. The company claims its software can cut scanning durations by up to 75%, producing high-quality medical images faster than traditional platforms. This innovation could transform the efficiency of MRI services, which are essential for diagnosing a wide range of conditions. By utilizing quantum-based algorithms, Foqus's DeepFoqus-Accelerate platform works with existing MRI machines and offers a lower-cost alternative to purchasing new hardware. The potential benefits are substantial: a hospital running MRI equipment for 12 hours a day could nearly double its daily patient capacity, from about 15 to 30 or more per day, according to Sadegh Raeisi, co-founder and CEO.
Across Canada, medical imaging is at a breaking point. The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) has labeled the situation a 'crisis,' citing a national median wait time for MRI scans of 18 weeks by 2025—15 days longer than before the pandemic. Such delays not only hinder patient care but also cost the healthcare system billions in lost productivity and delayed treatments. Raeisi highlights the urgency of early detection, particularly in cases like breast cancer, where outcomes drastically differ by diagnosis stage. For example, five-year survival rates for stage 1 breast cancer are nearly 100%, while they drop to 23% at stage 4. Quick access to accurate imaging is, therefore, crucial for effective treatment planning and improved survival rates.
Foqus' funding and regulatory milestones
To support the commercialization of its quantum imaging software, Foqus Technologies has received significant financial backing. The company secured $601,975 in 2024 from the Regional Quantum Initiative, a federal program aimed at advancing quantum technologies. An additional $300,000 in 2025 came from the National Research Council of Canada through the Industrial Research Assistance Program, supporting both the development of DeepFoqus-Accelerate and its market expansion. In total, the startup has received $901,975 in government grants, demonstrating strong public interest in its innovative approach.
The regulatory landscape has also shown support for Foqus’ technology. Food and Drug Administration, proving its safety and effectiveness. At the same time, Health Canada granted its approval. These clearances open the door for broader adoption within North American healthcare systems. To date, the platform has been tested on over 20,000 MRI images, further solidifying its potential. In March 2026, Foqus joined the Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX), a Kitchener-based non-profit accelerator designed to scale medical technology across major health systems.
Challenges in Canadian medical imaging
Despite the demand for faster diagnostic imaging, Canada faces serious infrastructure gaps in its medical imaging services. A 2025 report from the Fraser Institute ranked Canada 27th out of 31 countries with universal healthcare in terms of medical imaging availability. The nation has only about 10 MRI machines per million people, compared to 38 in the U.S., according to data from The Commonwealth Fund, a U.S. health policy research foundation. This shortage is exacerbated by the high cost of acquiring new MRI machines and the limited number of trained technicians. Many technologists are nearing retirement, further straining the system. As Raeisi notes, simply adding more hardware is not economically feasible for most hospitals, especially in an era of tightening public budgets.
The impact of slow MRI services extends beyond individual patients. With 2.33 million MRIs performed annually, the delays affect thousands of people waiting for results. CAR President Alison Harris emphasized that patients should not wait longer than 30 days for non-urgent procedures. She stated, 'Diagnostic imaging is the gateway to treatment. You cannot treat what you cannot see, and timing matters enormously.' Delays in receiving scans can mean lost time in treatment, worsening conditions, and in some cases, the difference between life and death.
Strategic risks and market potential
Foqus is not only trying to solve a domestic problem but also addressing broader strategic risks in Canada's reliance on imported medical technology. Over 40% of Canada’s medical tech, including MRI machines, comes from the United States. Recent U.S. trade threats and tariff discussions in 2025 have exposed the country's vulnerability. Raeisi argues that healthcare technology must be considered critical infrastructure, not just an economic product. 'Building it domestically is not just an economic strategy, it’s a matter of sovereignty,' he said. This stance underscores the importance of developing homegrown solutions to safeguard patient care from geopolitical uncertainties.
The global medical technology market is expected to surpass US$1 trillion by 2035, and Foqus is positioning itself to capture a share of this growing demand. Its platform is already delivering results, including more scans per day, fewer rescans, and reduced sedation use in patients. Foqus aims to scale its technology across North America over the next few years, leveraging its regulatory approvals and partnerships. By accelerating the diagnostic process, the company hopes to not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce the long-term costs associated with delayed treatment. As the company continues to expand, its quantum-based solution could offer a new model for how medical imaging is delivered worldwide.