Innovation Application – Computer-Assisted Navigation Systems for Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Section 1: Introduction

This Call for Proposals (“CFP”) is issued by Ontario Health (“Ontario Health” or “OH”) as an invitation to health service providers interested in the opportunity, as set out and defined in Section 1.2 (“Opportunity”). Health service providers who wish to be considered for the Opportunity are to submit an application for evaluation (the “Respondent”).

1.2 Opportunity
On September 4, 2025, the Ontario government launched the Health Innovation Pathway, a streamlined system to accelerate the adoption of new health technologies and improve patient care. Co-developed by Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health, the pathway will create a consistent process for reviewing and adopting technologies like medical devices, digital tools and models of health care delivery – ensuring more patients receive world-class care close to home.

Through the Health Innovation Pathway (HIP), Ontario Health is launching a time-limited technology project to further understand the benefits of adopting computer-assisted navigation systems for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and/or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with chronic and debilitating end-stage arthritic conditions in Ontario. These benefits may include but are not limited to improving surgical precision, reducing the need for revision surgery, and improving patient outcomes and provider experience.

Duration: Up to three (3) years

Total Project Funding Available for All Sites: Up to $5,000,000.00 for capital and associated administrative costs for capital including device procurement, operating, evaluation and associated administrative costs

Number of Proposals Supported: TBD

Interested applicants are asked to provide detailed information for each question in the application template found in section 2 below (the “Response”). Proposals are to demonstrate how the project will:

Identify requirements for procurement and implementation of using a computer-assisted navigation system in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and/or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including deployment parameters, training needs, infrastructure, and cross sector collaboration
Evaluate the effectiveness and economic impact of using a computer-assisted navigation system in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and/or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with standard of care

Note: Successful applicants will be required to procure a computer-assisted navigation system for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and/or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (the “Technology”) as described in the project budget submitted and following receipt of confirmation of a successful application.

1.3 Timeline

Call for Proposals Issue Date: January 30, 2026

Deadline for Questions: 5pm, May 22, 2026

Response Submission Deadline: 5pm, May 29, 2026

1.4 Call for Proposals
Health service providers are invited to submit a proposal for funding consideration in line with section 1.2 to explore the incorporation of a computer-assisted navigation system for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and/or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with chronic and debilitating end-stage arthritic conditions in Ontario, to be used according to the approved Health Canada indications for the specific device. Respondents may submit proposals which reflect cross-sector collaboration.

1.5 Who is Eligible
Community or academic hospitals currently performing THA and/or TKA but do not currently use computer-assisted navigation systems as stand-alone systems or integrated with other robotic systems, and the ability to dedicate resources towards:

Project management, and data collection/analysis to support evaluation
Change management support to ensure the technology is adopted smoothly, and to identify any required clinical workflow changes to successfully integrate the technology at different sites
Participation in Ontario Health surveys to provide feedback on user experience

Health service providers with existing computer-assisted navigation systems for THA and TKA in their organizations as of the Call for Proposals issue date are not eligible to receive funds as the sole Respondent through this Opportunity. Individual sites within a hospital network might qualify if they meet the eligibility criteria even if other affiliated sites would be ineligible. However, these provider organizations may contribute resources through a consultative collaboration with health service providers that have not incorporated computer-assisted navigation systems into their organizations.

1.6 Reporting
Selected Respondents will be required to submit the following deliverables:

Interim reports at predefined milestones (e.g., quarterly), outlining progress, challenges, and mitigation strategies
A comprehensive final evaluation report within 90 days of project completion summarizing findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future research or implementation

All reporting must adhere to applicable ethical and regulatory standards, ensuring transparency, accuracy and reproducibility.

1.7 Questions
Respondents can submit requests for clarification by email through the Ontario Health HIP program page or emailing at: HealthInnovationPathway@ontariohealth.ca

When submitting a request for clarification, Respondents must include contact information such as an email address. If the question relates to a specific section of this Call for Proposals, reference should be made to the specific section number and page number of the Call for Proposals. All requests for clarification must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the Call for Proposals Submission Deadline.

Ontario Health will make reasonable efforts to provide Respondents with written responses to questions that are submitted. Questions and answers resulting in any change to the Call for Proposals, will be formally documented through the issue of a separate addendum reflecting that change.

To continue to SECTION 2: APPLICATION