[June 12, 2025, Toronto, ON] – In a bold move for Ontario’s life sciences sector, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) are joining forces to accelerate the province’s regenerative medicine ecosystem, including cell and gene therapy. This strategic collaboration aligns with both organizations’ mandates and the Government of Ontario’s life sciences sector strategy, ensuring the province remains at the forefront of medical innovation.

Under this initiative, OCI and CCRM are partnering to drive the market adoption of advanced therapies representing the future of health care. By harnessing CCRM’s expertise in translating regenerative medicine technologies to reach the marketplace, the collaboration will accelerate progress in biomanufacturing, talent development and industry growth, strengthening Ontario’s position as a global leader in regenerative medicine. Together, OCI and CCRM will support the growth of CCRM’s landmark spin-out, OmniaBio Inc, a commercial-scale contract development and manufacturing organization, based in Hamilton, advancing a blueprint for “biomanufacturing of the future” through AI and automation.

“This collaboration represents a transformational opportunity to drive the commercialization of cutting-edge life science innovations in Ontario,” said Claudia Krywiak, CEO of Ontario Centre of Innovation. “By working together, we are fostering a dynamic ecosystem where groundbreaking therapies can be developed and delivered to patients more efficiently, ultimately improving health outcomes and maximizing economic growth.”

A critical component of this initiative is facilitating biomanufacturing in Ontario to ensure the province has the infrastructure and expertise to support the commercialization and production of innovative therapies. This partnership will enhance Ontario’s biomanufacturing capabilities, ensuring that cell and gene therapies can be produced at scale while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

CCRM has a long-standing track record of catalyzing scientific discoveries and translating them into real-world applications. Through this partnership, the organization will expand its capacity to support pioneering researchers, startups, and industry leaders working to revolutionize health care.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with OCI in strengthening Ontario’s regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing ecosystem,” said Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM. “This partnership will help us unlock new opportunities for innovation, attract world-class talent, and drive forward transformative companies that will change lives.”

This partnership underscores Ontario’s commitment to position itself as a global hub for life sciences, biotechnology and biomanufacturing. By aligning with the government’s strategic vision, OCI and CCRM are paving the way for groundbreaking medical advancements that will benefit patients, researchers, and the economy alike.

“This collaboration between OCI and CCRM marks a significant step forward in cementing Ontario’s leadership in cell and gene therapy,” said Mark Henderson, Chair of the Board, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “By aligning our shared strengths and strategic goals, we are helping to build the infrastructure, talent, and momentum needed to bring world-changing medical innovations to life and to patients. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in Ontario-grown partnerships that prioritize health, economic growth and global impact.”

“CCRM is committed to seeing Ontario become a leader in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, and OCI’s support will go a long way to realizing this goal,” said Michael Nobrega, Chair of the Board, CCRM. “This collaboration ultimately benefits patients, it benefits Canada, and it continues to propel the global cell and gene therapy industry.”

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation
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. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

About CCRM
CCRM is a global, public-private partnership headquartered in Canada. It has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and leading academic and industry partners. CCRM supports the development of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. A network of researchers, leading companies, investors, and entrepreneurs, CCRM accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into new companies and marketable products for patients with specialized teams, dedicated funding, and unique infrastructure. In 2022, CCRM established OmniaBio Inc., a commercial-stage CDMO for manufacturing cell and gene therapies. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto. Visit us at ccrm.ca.

MEDIA
Alicia Pereira, Ontario Centre of Innovation, apereira@oc-innovation.ca
Stacey Johnson, CCRM, stacey.johnson@ccrm.ca