We’re shining a light on the incredible tech talent right here in Victoria, B.C. Through our Community Spotlight series, we’ll be profiling some of the amazing organizations, innovators, and startups that are helping shape the future of technology on the island and beyond. From cutting-edge software to impactful social enterprises, stay tuned as we celebrate the people and ideas driving our local tech scene forward.
Today, we’re featuring Patrick McFadden, co-founder and CEO of Iris Dynamics.
Patrick McFadden, co-founder and CEO of Iris Dynamics. Photo: Iris Dynamics
What inspired you to start this company?
Iris Dynamics was founded in 2012 with a focus on force feedback systems for the aerospace and aviation training industries. After developing the world’s first magnetic force feedback joystick, we recognized the broader potential of innovative magnetic force feedback technology. Over a decade later, Iris Dynamics has grown well beyond its startup roots. In 2022, we expanded our offerings to include a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and launched the ORCA™ Series Smart Linear Motors, aiming to make high-performance linear motion more intuitive and accessible than ever.
How would you explain what your company does to someone outside your industry?
Iris Dynamics is a technology company developing and manufacturing next-generation smart electric linear motion technology, including ORCA™ motors and six-degrees-of-freedom motion platforms. Our solutions serve a variety of industries including industrial automation, aerospace, testing and measurement, virtual reality, robotics, and more. From labeling bottles on production lines to precision pick-and-place tasks, advanced linear motion is used in countless applications across every industry, and is essential for efficient, accurate, and reliable performance. At Iris, we’re redefining what's possible with electric motion, making it smarter, more sustainable, and adaptive than ever before.
What’s a real-world example that best showcases the value of what you’ve built?
We’re proud to support Zipline, an autonomous drone delivery company known for transporting medical supplies to remote areas. Our ORCA™ motors are used for end-of-line compliance testing on their drone flight surfaces. Their previous pneumatic systems relied on compressed air and produced inconsistent results. After switching to our smart electric solution, Zipline saw significant improvements in reliability and consistency. With reduced maintenance, less downtime, and improved performance, they are now scaling the technology from 3 to 10 test stations.
What’s been the toughest technical or strategic challenge so far—and how did you overcome it?
The linear motion industry is highly competitive and saturated by established conglomerates, creating high barriers to entry. Our deeply innovative technology and products unlike any others available in the market provided the competitive edge we needed to differentiate ourselves in this dense marketplace. Iris Dynamics offers a unique, fully integrated smart linear motor with built-in force feedback and sensing capabilities, which few competitors provide. As the world moves toward Industry 4.0, our systems need to advance with it. Unlike conventional solutions, Iris developed a smart motor, with onboard communication, sensing, and logic, and the ability to respond in real-time.
What are you most proud of?
We take pride in working with disruptive innovators on high-impact, real-world solutions. In a recent project with the National Research Council of Canada, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and Carleton University, our RAVEN-6DoF motion platforms are being used to stabilize neonatal transport incubators in ambulances. The goal is clear: reduce morbidity and mortality rates for newborns en route to NICUs. While Vancouver Island has only one Level III NICU at Victoria General Hospital, however, this issue extends far beyond the island and the province. The project has the potential to improve neonatal transport globally, especially in rural areas.
How would you describe the tech ecosystem in Victoria right now?
The Victoria tech ecosystem is vibrant, dynamic, rapidly growing, and deeply innovative, serving as a hub for both established tech companies and emerging startups.
How has being based in Victoria shaped your company’s culture, product, or business model?
Being based in Victoria has given us access to top local talent especially through UVIC and Camosun, strong co-op programs, a high quality of life that supports recruitment and retention, and a supportive community with experienced mentors and startup accelerators.
What would make Victoria an even stronger tech hub?
Victoria could become an even stronger tech hub with more collaboration between local companies, greater engagement with VIATEC’s community, and increased access to funding. More success stories and reinvestment from local exits would also help grow the ecosystem.
What is Victoria tech’s biggest hidden secret?
Victoria’s biggest hidden secret is its thriving hard tech and manufacturing scene. Many companies are building advanced technology behind unmarked doors, quietly attracting global talent and making a big impact from a small footprint.