(May 20, 2026) MARKHAM – Today at Sable Metal Fabrication in Markham, Associate Minister of Small Business, Nina Tangri announced that the Government of Ontario is investing an additional $5 million through the Digital Competence Centre (DCC) to help small businesses across the province modernize operations, adopt new digital technologies, strengthen cyber resilience, and improve competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.

“Our government is making targeted investments to help small businesses succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “By expanding the Digital Competence Centre, we are giving Ontario entrepreneurs the tools, resources and expertise they need to compete and succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.”

The investment will support the continued expansion of the DCC’s flagship programs, including the Digital Modernization Adoption Program (DMAP), Technology Demonstration Program (TDP), and Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG). The announcement was made at one of the recipients, Sable Metal Fabrication, an Ontario manufacturer that has leveraged DCC support to implement advanced manufacturing and AI-enabled business systems.

Since launching in 2022, the Digital Competence Centre has supported 816 projects with Ontario small businesses through a combined investment of $15.4 million, matched by $17.8 million in private sector contributions. Businesses participating in DCC programming are projected to generate more than $618 million in additional revenue.

“The Digital Competence Centre is helping Ontario businesses turn digital adoption into measurable economic growth,” said Claudia Krywiak. “Through investments in modernization, automation, AI adoption, and digital transformation, Ontario companies are improving productivity, increasing revenues, creating jobs, and strengthening their long-term competitiveness. OCI is proud to continue delivering programming that helps businesses across the province scale, innovate, and succeed.”

The new investment will support an additional 448 projects with Ontario businesses over the next year through 72 DMAP projects, 25 TDP projects, and 351 RMPG projects.

DCC participants have reported an average of six jobs retained or created, a 14 per cent increase in output, a 23 per cent increase in cost savings, and 192 hours of labour saved per month. Retail Modernization Project Grant recipients have also reported an average increase of five new customers per day.

“Ontario’s economy is built on small businesses, making it critical to support entrepreneurs in adopting advanced digital technologies that will empower them to keep pace with industry demands,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of OVIN. “This renewed investment in the Digital Competence Centre will help more local companies embrace leading-edge digital tools to improve operational efficiency, deliver impactful customer experiences, and catalyze long-term economic growth in communities across Ontario.”

As a recipient of both the DMAP and TDP programs, Sable Metal Fabrication has implemented a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and deployed AI-enabled CRM technologies to modernize operations and significantly improve lead generation and productivity. As a result, Sable has increased lead generation by 1000%, seen operational cost savings of up to 12 per cent and annual labour savings of up to 1,500 hours through its digital modernization efforts.

The Digital Competence Centre is delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation with support from the Government of Ontario.

Quick Facts

• Ontario is home to more than 515,000 small businesses employing close to 3.9 million people.
• The retail sector contributes more than $43 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP.
• Since 2022, DCC programming has supported 384 DMAP projects, 72 TDP projects, and 360 retail modernization projects.
• The Retail Modernization Project Grant became the fastest-growing program in DCC history following its expansion in 2025.

Quotes

“With support from DCC, we’ve brought real-time data FROM the shop floor and connected it directly with our sales and planning systems. It’s made a real difference, helping us move quicker, make better decisions, and stay competitive in a demanding global market.”
– Scott Harnett, Owner, Sable Metal Fabrications

“This project has really helped us launch our business into the 21st century.  Programs like DCC’s RMPG are incredibly important for independent businesses like ours because they help level the playing field in an increasingly digital retail environment. As a small business serving Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community for more than 30 years, digital modernization is essential to helping us remain competitive, improve operational efficiency, better manage inventory, strengthen our e-commerce capabilities, and enhance the customer experience both in-store and online. Support through programs like this allows businesses like ours to invest in technology that might otherwise be financially out of reach during periods of growth and transition.”
– Michael Azzopardi, Vice President, Out on the Street Inc.

“We believe this digital transformation will be a key driver of business growth. By becoming more efficient and scalable, we anticipate being able to expand our business, reach more customers, and ultimately create more jobs as we grow. This is not just an investment in technology — it is an investment in the future of our company and our team.”
– Jonathan Tse, Operations Lead at Harmony Jeweller

About the Digital Competence Centre (DCC)
Led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the Digital Competence Centre helps Ontario small and medium-sized businesses adopt, integrate, and scale digital technologies through funding programs, advisory services, and ecosystem partnerships. DCC supports manufacturers, technology companies, and retailers in improving productivity, cybersecurity, and competitiveness in a digital economy.

Media
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovaiton.ca 

Toronto, ON (May 11, 2026) – Today, at Synakis, located within the Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the University of Toronto, Minister Vic Fedeli announced an overall $19.3 million investment into 10 companies, to accelerate the commercialization of made-in-Ontario life sciences innovations.

Delivered through the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s (OCI), Ontario’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) investment includes $5 million from the province, leveraging an additional $14.3 million in private-sector co-investment to support 10 high-potential companies across Ontario. Together, these investments will help transform breakthrough discoveries into real-world health solutions, strengthening Ontario’s global leadership in life sciences.

“Through strategic investments like the Life Sciences Innovation Fund, our government is advancing Ontario’s leadership in this vital sector by accelerating the path to market for made-in-Ontario technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This latest round of recipients demonstrates the strength of the province’s innovation pipeline and sends a clear signal that the breakthroughs of the future will be developed, commercialized and scaled right here, in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”

These companies are advancing next-generation technologies in AI-enabled diagnostics, advanced therapeutics, digital health platforms and precision medicine, bringing cutting-edge innovations from lab benches to patients and markets around the world.

“Ontario has the research strength, talent, and entrepreneurial drive to lead in life sciences and LSIF is helping turn that advantage into real-world impact,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “By connecting capital with breakthrough innovation, we are accelerating commercialization, strengthening our domestic supply chains, and ensuring that Ontario-made solutions reach patients and markets around the world.”

Ontario is home to world-class research institutions, talent, and a growing network of innovators. By connecting these strengths with capital and industry expertise, LSIF is accelerating the journey from discovery to deployment.

The LSIF model continues to demonstrate the power of public-private collaboration, supporting companies that are developing transformative solutions, from AI-enabled diagnostics to next-generation drug discovery and advanced biomaterials.

“Ontario has emerged as a global hub for the life sciences sector.,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Business Development, OCI, and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). “Through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund, we are pairing Ontario’s world-class research with industry expertise and private capital to ensure that our companies scale faster, compete globally, and deliver solutions that will define the future of healthcare.”

Since its launch in 2022, the Life Sciences Innovation Fund has invested $20 million across 40 companies, leveraging $62.6M in private-sector co-investment and delivering measurable outcomes, including: 1,399 jobs created and retained, $77.5 million in incremental sales and $82.8 million in follow-on investment.

The newly funded companies span a wide range of innovations, including AI-powered imaging and diagnostics platforms, novel therapeutics and microbiome-preserving antibiotics, digital health and patient navigation technologies, advanced biomaterials and drug discovery platforms.

“It takes a village to turn ideas to inventions to innovations,” said Dr. Molly S Shoichet, PhD, O.C., O. Ont., FRS, Co-Founder, Synakis. “At Synakis, we are thrilled to be part of the LSIF community where we can bring our expertise in science and engineering together with those of our colleagues in translation and commercialization to build a great Canadian biotechnology company here in Toronto.”

Together, these investments reinforce Ontario’s position as a leading jurisdiction for life sciences innovation, driving economic growth while improving healthcare outcomes for people across the province and beyond.

The following companies will each receive up to $500,000 to help grow their businesses, commercialize their technologies and create local jobs:

• Esphera SynBio Inc., located in Ottawa and Hamilton, is a in vivo engineering company developing its next-generation ExoGen™ platform to create in vivo immunotherapeutics for cancer and chronic disease.
• Kare Chemical Technologies, located in Mississauga, is a pharmaceutical manufacturer developing a patented platform to produce non-psychoactive therapeutic alternatives to opioids for pain management, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Myomar Molecular Inc., located in Sudbury, is a health technology company transforming muscle health management by developing the first non-invasive, urine-based test to monitor muscle degeneration.
• MyStoria Inc., located in Kitchener, is a digital health company building a care coordination platform to help patients organize medical records and navigate reproductive healthcare.
• mDETECT Inc., located in Kingston, has developed next-generation DNA-methylation liquid biopsy technology to support earlier, more accurate detection and ongoing management of metastatic cancers including lung, breast and prostate cancers.
• NodeAI Diagnostics Corp., located in Hamilton, is a health technology company developing an AI-powered platform to help clinicians identify lymph nodes, predict malignancy and improve biopsy guidance to better inform treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
• ScriptRunner Innovations Inc., based in King City, is building AI-powered infrastructure for modern pharmacy delivery, enabling pharmacies to improve patient care through streamlined operations and an Amazon-like prescription delivery experience
• Stoked Bio, located in Hamilton, is a biotechnology company harnessing machine learning in a proprietary, biology-first process to discover novel therapeutics to treat drug resistance diseases such as infections, microbiome-related conditions, cancers, and Parkinson’s Disease.
• Synakis Corp., located in Toronto, is a biotechnology company developing breakthrough ocular disease solutions to enhance the quality of life for retinal disease, detachment and glaucoma.
• Synmedix, located in Hamilton, is a biotechnology company developing a new generation of antibiotic therapies that effectively treat crucial drug-resistant infections while preserving the health of the microbiome.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation

The Life Sciences Innovation Fund, delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, supports high-potential Ontario-based companies by accelerating the commercialization of breakthrough health technologies. Through targeted investments and strategic partnerships, LSIF helps companies scale, attract private capital, and bring innovative solutions to market.

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.

As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

(Toronto, ON) April 30, 2026 – Kicking off day 2 of the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s DiscoveryX Conference, Ontario’s flagship innovation event, the Government of Ontario highlighted the impact of two cornerstone programs accelerating the commercialization of made-in-Ontario technologies: Ready 4 Market (R4M) and Collaborate 2 Commercialize (C2C), delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Over the past three years (2023–2026), these programs have supported 214 Ontario companies, helping innovators de-risk technologies, attract private capital, strengthen industry-academic partnerships, and bring intellectual property to market, driving significant economic growth across the province.

“As global competition for innovation intensifies, our government is proud to support initiatives that are accelerating the commercialization of Ontario-made solutions and maintaining our province’s leadership in the development of cutting-edge industrial solutions,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Ready 4 Market and Collaborate 2 Commercialize programs, we are ensuring Ontario companies are positioned to research, build and scale innovative technologies that fuel economic growth and unlock new investment opportunities across our leading sectors.”

Together, R4M and C2C have deployed $26.7 million in provincial funding and unlocked $42.3 million in private-sector co-investment, for a total of $69 million flowing into Ontario’s innovation ecosystem. This investment has resulted in 4,674 jobs created and retained, $354 million in incremental sales, and $534.2 million in follow-on investment, demonstrating the tangible impact of Ontario’s innovation strategy.

“Ontario’s strength lies not just in discovery, but in our ability to translate that discovery into real-world impact,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “Through R4M and C2C, we are helping innovators and companies move from lab to market, connecting them with the capital, partners, and expertise they need to scale and succeed. These outcomes reflect the power of collaboration across Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.”

Ready 4 Market is Ontario’s leading pre-seed investment fund, co-investing with angel and venture capital partners to support early-stage companies with strong intellectual property as they scale. From 2023 to 2026, R4M invested $9 million alongside $23.1 million in private co-investment, achieving a leverage ratio of $2.60 for every $1 invested. The program supported 37 companies, generating $32.1 million in total financing rounds, creating and retaining 3,878 jobs, and driving $337.6 million in incremental sales and $461.5 million in follow-on investment across sectors including digital, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing.

Collaborate 2 Commercialize connects Ontario businesses with post-secondary institutions to solve industry challenges and accelerate the commercialization of research. Over the same period, C2C invested $17.7 million alongside $19.2 million in industry contributions, supporting 177 companies and generating approximately $36.9 million in total project value. The program contributed to 796 jobs created and retained, $16.4 million in incremental sales, and $72.7 million in follow-on investment, with projects spanning health technologies, manufacturing, digital innovation, and clean technologies.

“These programs are designed to close the gap between innovation and commercialization,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Business Development and Head of OVIN at OCI. “By supporting early-stage companies through R4M and enabling industry-academic collaboration through C2C, we are helping Ontario companies scale faster, compete globally, and deliver technologies that will define the future.”

As showcased at DiscoveryX, Ontario continues to support programs that turn research and innovation into commercial success and economic impact. Through initiatives like Ready 4 Market and Collaborate 2 Commercialize, the Ontario Centre of Innovation is strengthening its innovation ecosystem, supporting high-growth companies, and ensuring that made-in-Ontario technologies are built, scaled, and brought to market here at home and around the world.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.

For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

TORONTO, ON – [April 29, 2026] – Ontario’s innovation ecosystem took centre stage today as the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) kicked off Day 1 of its 17^th annual DiscoveryX conference and tradeshow, Ontario’s flagship innovation conference, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and industry leaders from across Canada and beyond.

With thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibiting companies, DiscoveryX continues to highlight the strength of Ontario’s “Made-in-Ontario” technologies and the province’s growing global competitiveness across sectors including artificial intelligence, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean technologies.

Day 1 of DiscoveryX saw the Globe and Mail’s Sean Silcoff do a fireside chat with Canada’s first Quantum company that has IPO’d globally, Xanadu’s CEO Christian Weedbrook; followed by a panel discuss with Google Canada’s Natasha Walji and Minister of Small Business, Nina Tangri talk to 2 Ontario-based SMEs that are part of OCI’s Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC).

The first day of DiscoveryX also marked two $20,000 prizes in OCI’s Inaugural Educator Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award sponsored by Alectra, which recognized faculty in Ontario’s colleges and universities who go beyond the classroom to mentor, commercialize, and empower student entrepreneurs. Winners of this inaugural prize were Susan Kates from Humber Polytechnic and Dr.Graham Taylor from University of Guelph.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming industries across the globe, and Ontario is well positioned to lead,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of Ontario Centre of Innovation. “Through DiscoveryX and initiatives like these awards, we are proud to showcase and support the companies driving the next generation of innovation.”

DiscoveryX 2026 continues tomorrow at Toronto’s EnerCare Centre with additional programming, including keynote speakers, investor meetings, $20,000 in pitch competition prize money, a closing keynote from world-renowned Dr.Geoffrey Hinton, and sector-focused sessions highlighting emerging technologies shaping the future of Ontario’s economy.

Toronto, ON [March 02, 2026] – Against the backdrop of Canada’s largest mining conference, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), the Government of Ontario highlighted $104 million in investments to date through the Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative, delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), accelerating the adoption and commercialization of advanced technologies across Ontario’s economy.

Today, the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, announced new milestones demonstrating how critical technology investments are helping Ontario’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow, innovate, and compete globally, including within the province’s globally recognized mining sector.

The event also featured a keynote address from Rachel Wallace, Head of R&D Strategy and IP at Vale Base Metals, highlighting the role of critical technologies, like AI, in driving the future of mining.

“Our government is proud to be working with partners like the Ontario Centre of Innovation to ensure Ontario SMEs are harnessing the transformative potential of critical technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative, we’re advancing the province’s leadership in strategic sectors, strengthening domestic supply chains, and fostering the conditions for a competitive, resilient and self-sustaining economy.”

Led by OCI, the CIT initiative supports Ontario SMEs in accelerating the adoption and commercialization of critical technologies including AI, 5G, blockchain, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and robotics across the advanced manufacturing, agri-food, construction, and mining sectors.

CIT investments to date:

• $41.2 million is being deployed into projects with 362 companies, with more projects being approved everyday
• Leveraged by $62.9 million in matching industry contributions and growing
• Total investment of $104.1 million supporting SMEs to adopt and commercialize critical technologies

Sector breakdown:

• $11.1 million invested in Advanced Manufacturing projects (matched by $18 million in industry contributions)
• $6.7 million invested in Agri-Food projects (matched by $9.3 million in industry contributions)
• $10.6 million invested in Construction projects (matched by $16.5 million in industry contributions)
• $5.9 million invested in Mining projects (matched by $8.7 million in industry contr private funding)
• $6.9 million invested in Technology Development Sites to support SMEs to test, validate and showcase new products and solutions (matched by $10.4 million in industry contributions).

Technology breakdown:

• 85% of projects focused on Artificial Intelligence
• 303 SMEs participating in AI projects
• $28.6 million invested in AI, matched by $44.5 million in industry funding.

Overall, the initiative has supported 330 projects across five program streams focused on critical technology adoption, development, commercialization, talent development, and technology access.

“Ontario’s innovation economy is strengthened when industry, government, and innovators work together,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “Strategic investments through the Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative accelerate technology adoption, reduce commercialization barriers, and position SMEs to compete global while delivering impactful solutions across key sectors such as mining.”

The CIT initiative is focused on talent development, product innovation, and sector transformation projects that accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies across Ontario’s economy. The initiative continues to strengthen collaboration between Ontario industry and innovators while generating measurable economic impact and follow-on private investment.

“As Ontario’s mining sector evolves, the integration of critical technologies is essential to improving productivity, safety, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of OVIN at OCI. “Through CIT, we are supporting companies as they move from innovation to commercialization, leading to stronger supply chains, the creation of good-paying jobs, and securing Ontario’s position as a global leader in industrial transformation.”

For more information about the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative and Technology Development Sites, visit: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/programs/cit/.

About the Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative
Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), available to Ontario SMEs to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of critical technologies — 5G, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and robotics — across key sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, and Mining. Focusing on talent development, product innovation, and sector transformation projects, CIT is building the future of industry in Ontario.  For more information about the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative and the Technology Development Sites, please visit OCI’s CIT Program Page.

Media
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca

OAKVILLE, ON (February 5, 2026) – Ontario is strengthening the competitiveness of small businesses by helping them adopt digital tools that improve productivity, build resilience, and support long-term growth. Today, the Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, joined the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and industry leaders at GVA Lighting in Oakville.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and in today’s digital world, their success depends on having the right tools to compete and grow,” said Minister Nina Tangri. Through Ontario’s Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), our government is helping Ontario businesses modernize their operations, strengthen cyber resilience, and boost productivity. These investments are delivering real results, supporting good jobs, driving innovation, and ensuring Ontario’s small businesses are well positioned to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.”

Small businesses make up approximately 98 per cent of all enterprises in Ontario, employing nearly 2.5 million people and driving job creation, innovation, and local economic growth. Within this landscape, retail alone employs roughly 850,000 Ontarians and contributes $40 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP.

“As markets evolve, digital modernization and cyber resilience have become essential for small businesses to remain competitive,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “Ontario’s DCC was created to help Ontario’s small and medium-sized businesses turn technology into a competitive advantage. The results we’re seeing, from increased productivity and efficiency to stronger sales and job growth, demonstrate the powerful impact of digital adoption when it’s paired with the right expertise and support.”

Launched in November 2022 and led by OCI, the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) helps Ontario small and medium-sized enterprises adopt and integrate digital solutions that reduce costs, increase productivity, strengthen customer engagement, and enable long-term success.

In April 2025, Ontario renewed and expanded DCC to include retailers through the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG). Since renewal, demand for DCC programs has surged. Both the Digital Modernization Adoption Program (DMAP) and the Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) have been oversubscribed, while RMPG has become the fastest-accelerating program, demonstrating the critical need for digital adoption support across Ontario’s small business economy.

“The Technology Demonstration Program supported GVA Lighting in advancing several key initiatives, including production floor digitalization, SMT efficiency improvements, and the development of advanced financial and reporting tools,” said Roman Glikman, GVA’s Director of Operations. “The support strengthened visibility, tracking, and overall operational efficiency, and we would highly encourage other Ontario-based SMEs to explore the program as a valuable catalyst for growth.”

The announcement was hosted at GVA Lighting, a global leader in specification-grade architectural lighting and a recipient of both DMAP and TDP funding. Operating from a 100,000-square-foot facility in Oakville, GVA delivers custom-engineered lighting solutions for iconic projects worldwide, including skyscrapers, airports, bridges, stadiums, and malls.

With support from DCC, GVA Lighting has achieved measurable results, including:

• 15% increase in sales efficiency and securing a $1.5 million project
• 30% boost in operational efficiency through ERP upgrades
• 10–20% improvements in labour efficiency via automation and material handling
• 30% higher equipment efficiency and 10% fewer product rejections from SMT optimization
• Enhanced, real-time decision-making through Power BI automation

These improvements have supported job retention and creation, reduced operator stress, improved on-time delivery, and positioned the company for continued growth.

“Digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s essential to building resilient, future-ready businesses,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of OVIN at OCI. “Through the Digitalization Competence Centre, we’re helping Ontario companies move from interest in technology to real-world implementation and measurable impact. By supporting automation, data integration, and advanced digital tools, DCC is enabling businesses to improve operations, empower their workforce, and accelerate their growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Today brought together DCC clients, technology providers, digital adoption consultants and ecosystem partners. Highlighting how digital adoption is helping Ontario businesses modernize, scale, and compete globally.

In its third year, DCC continues to demonstrate how targeted digital adoption programs strengthen Ontario’s economy, empower small businesses, and build a more resilient, innovative province.

About the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC)
Led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the Digitalization Competence Centre helps Ontario small and medium-sized businesses adopt, integrate, and scale digital technologies through funding programs, advisory services, and ecosystem partnerships. DCC supports manufacturers, technology companies, and retailers in improving productivity, cybersecurity, and competitiveness in a digital economy.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.
OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.
For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Mississauga, Ontario) Monday, January 12 – With support from the Ontario government, through the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), Dixie Tile Shop, operating as Dixie Reno Supplier Inc., has been able to modernize its retail operations. This support was made possible from the DCC’s new Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG).

“Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and digital modernization is key to helping them grow and thrive,” said the Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “Through the Digitalization Competence Centre, we are giving businesses like Dixie Reno the tools they need to work smarter, improve service, and remain competitive in today’s digital economy.”

Dixie Reno, a Mississauga-based tile and renovation retailer serving homeowners, contractors, and designers, upgraded its point-of-sale system to Square POS and invested in new office equipment to streamline sales and inventory management. The project enables faster reporting, real-time inventory access on the sales floor, and more efficient day-to-day operations.

“Digital modernization is essential to helping Ontario’s small businesses stay competitive,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “Through Ontario’s Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), OCI is supporting projects like Dixie Reno’s that improve productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen day-to-day operations.”

The project is expected to increase productivity by 20–25% and reduce operating costs by 20–25%.

“Support from the Retail Modernization Project Grant has transformed how we operate,” said Jenny Zhang, CEO, Dixie Reno Supplier Inc. “With real-time inventory, faster reporting, and streamlined sales processes, our team can focus more on customers and less on paperwork. This investment is already making a meaningful difference for our staff and our business.”

Beyond productivity gains, the modernization effort is also generating environmental and workplace benefits, including reduced paper use, improved access to real-time data for staff, and lower electricity consumption from newer equipment.

Since July 2025, on behalf of the Ontario government, OCI has approved more than 200 Retail Modernization Project Grant projects, helping retailers across the province adopt digital tools and build long-term competitiveness.

“Digital adoption is a game-changer for small businesses and key to their competitiveness,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of OVIN at OCI. “OCI is at the forefront of Ontario’s digital transformation, supporting businesses on their journey to scale, compete in the digital economy, and drive economic growth in local communities.”

The Digitalization Competence Centre is funded by the government of Ontario, delivered by OCI and supports Ontario SMEs through funding, tools, and expertise to accelerate digital adoption, improve productivity, and strengthen competitiveness across key sectors.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation 

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.

As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

Media Inquires
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca

For Immediate Release

December 04 (Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) has formalized a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a consortium of Ontario’s leading life sciences commercialization organizations to expand support for early-stage health innovators and strengthen co-investment pathways across the province.

Through this collaboration, Ontario’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) and participating ecosystem partners will work together to advance high-potential health startups, accelerate innovation adoption, and position Ontario as a global leader in health technology commercialization.

The MOU brings together key strategic partners in Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem, including adMare BioInnovations, Canadian Centre for Aging & Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), Capital Bioventures, Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), FACIT, MaRS Discovery District, Ontario Brain Institute (OBI), OBIO®, Ontario Genomics, and Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP).

“Ontario’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund is helping high-potential companies turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “This partnership unites the province’s most influential life sciences commercialization organizations behind a shared mission, supporting founders, catalyzing investment, and ensuring Ontario discoveries scale globally while creating economic and health benefits here at home.”

Together, these organizations will identify co-investment opportunities, enhance visibility of promising Ontario-based innovators, and collaborate on programs that strengthen Ontario’s talent, research, and commercialization capacity.

Through this coordinated agreement, partners will grow Ontario’s Life Sciences economy, while promoting emerging companies aligned with their mandates and identifying opportunities for co-investment in qualified life sciences ventures.

The MOU explores joint pilot initiatives, programs, and commercialization pathways, as it accelerates the growth of Ontario’s most promising early-stage health technologies.

“Ontario is a global leader in life-saving technology development, fueling world-class talent and driving economic growth,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). “By uniting our leading life sciences institutions, we are accelerating the commercialization of homegrown technologies faster than ever before – driving innovation from research to global adoption.” 

The collaboration supports Ontario’s Life Sciences Strategy by fostering commercialization success and strengthening the province’s competitive edge in biomedicine, biotechnology, health AI, genomics, aging and brain health, oncology innovation, regenerative medicine, medtech, and related fields.

The organizations in this partnership are supported by the Government of Ontario.

Partner Quotes
“At adMare, our focus is on building life-changing, globally competitive life science companies in Canada by backing early-stage ventures with critical capital, strategic guidance, turnkey lab facilities and the leadership talent they need to thrive,” said Gordon C. McCauley, President & CEO, adMare BioInnovations. “We are excited to be part of this strategic MOU network, a powerful collaboration, creating stronger opportunities for Ontario innovators and entrepreneurs to scale companies anchored in Canada and built to lead on the world stage.”

“We’re proud to partner with OCI and other life science organizations to accelerate Ontario’s agetech innovators from early development to global scale,” said Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist of the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). “Together, we’re keeping Ontario competitive by strengthening the economy, supporting entrepreneurs, and improving the health and wellbeing of older adults and their caregivers.”

“The Life Sciences Innovation Fund is a critical component of Ontario’s Life Sciences funding ecosystem,” said Dr. Jeff Smirle, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Capital BioVentures. “Capital BioVentures is pleased to partner on this initiative by helping to de-risk Ontario’s most promising ventures for investment.”

“This partnership represents a coordinated commitment to turn Ontario’s scientific excellence into economic growth and improved health outcomes,” said Dr. Michael May, President and CEO, CCRM. “By working together through this MOU, we can help early-stage companies scale regenerative medicine and other transformative therapies from lab to market faster, strengthening Ontario’s global leadership in health innovation.”

“FACIT is proud to join this collaboration to strengthen Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem,” said Peter Goodhand, Acting President of FACIT. “With our commercialization venture expertise, partnership with the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and continuum of risk capital, we’re uniquely positioned to bridge the seed and early venture funding gap, scale oncology start-ups, and create lasting economic and health impact for Ontarians.”

“MaRS, OBIO®, and TIAP recently launched Life Sciences Central to unlock Canada’s full innovation and economic potential by connecting the dots across our ecosystem — from lab space and capital to talent and commercialization support,” said Grace lee Reynolds (MaRS Discovery District), Dr. Maura Campbell (OBIO®) and Parimal Nathwani (TIAP), on behalf of the Life Sciences Central. “As a key partner to OCI, Life Sciences Central brings our collective experience supporting health innovators and scaling life sciences ventures. Together, we’ll maximize the impact of LSIF and ensure the next generation of Canadian health innovators thrives.”

“At OBI, we’ve seen how an integrated team science approach accelerates brain health innovation,” said Dr. Tom Mikkelsen, President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Brain Institute. “This partnership with OCI and Ontario’s leading life sciences organizations strengthens the collaborative infrastructure needed to turn discoveries into solutions that improve lives and further cement Ontario’s leadership in brain health research, commercialization, and care.”

“This is a key step to getting game-changing treatments and healthcare solutions out of the lab and into the real world to help more people,” said John Rafferty, Ontario Genomics President & CEO. “Ontario is a hotbed of homegrown innovation that needs support like this to become a part of our everyday lives.”

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation 

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.

As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent. OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

MEDIA
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca

New partnership will accelerate time from lab to market of life sciences and health technologies and drive economic growth

November 28, 2025 (Toronto, ON) — Two innovation powerhouses, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), are joining forces to accelerate the journey of new, homegrown life sciences and health technologies from lab to market. Building on the Toronto area’s core strengths in tech and Ontario’s position as a global hub for life sciences innovation, TMU and OCI will respond to evolving healthcare challenges and unleash the economic potential of life-saving technologies.

This partnership exemplifies the value of collaboration in translating innovation into economic impact, combining TMU’s R&D capabilities across its innovation zones and OCI’s proven leadership in forging partnerships that catalyze the entry of novel life sciences innovations into market. Together, they will help high-potential ventures scale for growth, generating a robust pipeline of Ontario-based life sciences companies that can promote better patient outcomes and foster resilience in the sector.

“Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to advancing research with real-world impact,” said Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, TMU. “This partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation reflects our vision of translating discoveries into solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen Ontario’s life sciences sector. By connecting researchers and industry, we are building the foundation for lasting innovation, resilience, and growth.”

TMU and OCI will lead key initiatives designed to evolve research and innovation into new life sciences and health technologies that can be commercialized, leading to their adoption. Together, the partners will foster collaboration between researchers, Ontario companies, and industry leaders in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and the Kitchener-Waterloo region through events, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships. These efforts will cultivate impactful industry-academic collaboration, serving as a launchpad for scaling made-in-Ontario life sciences innovations and accelerating Ontario’s momentum in building a resilient life sciences sector.

“At the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) our strength lies in our ability to accelerate the translation of breakthrough research into real-world solutions that improve lives,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “This partnership with TMU will further advance that work, connecting innovators with the tools, resources, and networks they need to commercialize life sciences technologies faster. By working together, we are building a stronger innovation pipeline, supporting Ontario companies on their path to global markets, and reinforcing our province’s leadership as a hub for health innovation and economic growth.”

As home to Canada’s largest life sciences cluster, Ontario’s ability to catalyze transformative investments, now valued at over $6 billion, create good-paying jobs and improve quality of life will be greatly bolstered by partnerships like this. Through this partnership, TMU and OCI will not only strengthen linkages between innovation and industry by bringing new technologies into the healthcare system and market but also empower future innovators and support regional economic development.

“Ontario is at the forefront of the global life sciences transformation, championing a historic effort to scale homegrown technologies and companies for unprecedented growth and impact,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development, and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network at OCI. “By fostering partnerships with our globally leading postsecondary institutions and unlocking new pathways for made-in-Ontario technologies into global markets, we are leading the world in protecting and creating life sciences jobs and building a more prosperous future for all.”

About Toronto Metropolitan University

A world-class research institution and Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education, TMU offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, over 65 graduate programs, and 80 continuing education certificate programs. The university boasts ten faculties, including the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the new TMU School of Medicine. Established in 1948, TMU is home to nearly 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 245,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit torontomu.ca.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.

As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.

For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

Media Contact
Toronto Metropolitan University

Denee Rudder

denee.rudder@torontomu.ca

Ontario Centre of Innovation

Alicia Pereira

apereira@oc-innovation.ca

New MOU strengthens innovation support by combining commercialization pathways with intellectual property expertise

November 27, 2025 (Toronto, Ontario) – The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in supporting Ontario-based innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers in turning cutting-edge ideas into commercial opportunities while ensuring strong intellectual property (IP) strategies are in place.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that Ontario benefits first and foremost from the discoveries made in our own backyard,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This partnership will ensure that innovators across Ontario have the resources they need to protect their ideas and bring them to life through commercialization, driving our economy and critical industries forward.”

This strategic partnership brings together OCI’s proven expertise in accelerating innovation, commercialization, and scale-up with IPON’s leadership in advancing IP literacy, strategy, and protection. Together, the organizations will strengthen Ontario’s innovation ecosystem by helping companies build both the business and IP foundations needed to compete and grow globally.

Through this MOU, IPON and OCI will:

• Collaborate on joint initiatives to enhance innovation and IP awareness across Ontario’s key sectors.
• Support companies funded through OCI’s programs in accessing IPON’s services and expertise.
• Provide training, mentorship, and resources that help SMEs develop and execute effective IP strategies.
• Foster a stronger pipeline of Ontario-made technologies, ensuring IP value is captured and retained in the province.

“Ontario is home to world-class innovators, and ensuring they are supported with both commercialization pathways and intellectual property strategies is key to their long-term success,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of OCI. “This partnership with IPON strengthens Ontario’s innovation advantage and helps more homegrown companies compete on the global stage.”

This MOU reflects the Ontario government’s commitment to building a resilient, knowledge-driven economy that supports innovation, attracts investment, and creates high-quality jobs for Ontarians. By working together, IPON and OCI will ensure that Ontario’s innovators have the tools, resources, and strategies they need to lead with confidence.

“Intellectual property is one of the most valuable assets innovators have, and protecting it is essential to Ontario’s economic growth,” said Paul Paolatto, Interim CEO of IPON. “Working with OCI allows us to reach more innovators at critical stages of their growth journey, ensuring that Ontario companies not only create cutting-edge technologies but also own and benefit from their IP.”

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.
OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

About Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)
Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a provincial agency that provides trusted IP support and services to enable Ontario businesses and researchers to innovate and grow. IPON works directly with innovators and postsecondary institutions to help them better understand how to protect and maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow and compete in the market, and advance the province’s economic growth. For more information: www.ip-ontario.ca

Media Contacts:
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca
Laura Bunn, laura.bunn@ip-ontario.ca