PRE Labs Inc. has recently been awarded a research contract through the Innovative Solutions Canada Program (ISC) to develop Robust Omniphobic Coatings (ROCs) for personal protective ensembles worn by military personnel and first responders. ROCs are unique chemical compounds which, when applied to many types of fabrics, exhibit extreme solid and liquid repellency. The objective of this research contract is to incorporate ROCs into personal protective ensembles in order to develop enhanced protective clothing, which can provide the wearer with significantly improved protection from chemical, biological and radiological threats.

"We are excited to be working on this program with our partners from UBC Okanagan," said Brad Field, CEO of PRE Labs Inc. "It is a unique opportunity for PRE Labs to collaborate with Dr. Kevin Golovin and his team at UBCO to enhance the performance of protective clothing worn by the Canadian military, law enforcement, and first responder personnel." 

The first phase of the ISC program, valued at $150,000, is to develop and deliver a proof of concept of the ROC technology, demonstrating its technical feasibility and commercial potential. If Phase 1 is successful PRE Labs may receive additional funding from ISC for up to $1,000,000 for Phase 2, which will focus on the development of prototype clothing ensembles for further testing and evaluation. Phase 3, the final phase of the program, will create a pathway for commercialization of the ROC technology, with support from the Federal Government departments that originally issued the challenge.