Although Quality Electrodynamics (QED) has achieved great success in its first 10 years, Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, the company’s CEO and founder, realized his company could have an even greater impact in the healthcare industry by working with some of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers. So he turned to JobsOhio for support in creating a research and development (R&D) center for collaboration and innovation.

QED, based in Northeast Ohio, has been a rising star in the biomedical space since its founding in 2006. Today, QED is a global developer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced medical equipment electronics. Current products include cutting edge MRI radiofrequency antennas and coils for diagnostic imaging at the full range of magnetic strengths.

Dr. Fujita wanted QED to partner with other biomedical companies to develop innovative imaging solutions that improve the diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases across the health continuum. But he needed support to create an R&D center that would facilitate the type of collaboration he wanted to be involved in.

In 2016, JobsOhio launched its Research and Development Grant Program as a way to make strategic investments in new corporate research centers established in Ohio and support the development and commercialization of emerging technologies and products. JobsOhio awarded the very first grant to QED. The company will use the funds to create the Advanced Imaging Systems Research Center. The new facility enables the company to collaborate with some of the world’s most prominent imaging equipment manufacturers to improve patient care.

“For patients to have a more effective device and treatment, we have to collaborate more. Everybody has to come together to work for the greater good,” Dr. Fujita said.