Toronto, ON – October 22, 2025 – Today, the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) welcomed partners, stakeholders, and innovators from across the province to its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Toronto Reference Library. Kicked off by OCI President and CEO Claudia Krywiak and Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Victor Fedeli, the event celebrated Ontario’s innovation leadership, highlighted extraordinary achievements from the past year, and set the stage for what’s ahead.

“In a rapidly changing world, Ontario’s world-class workforce and innovation ecosystem have remained steadfast, driving growth and unlocking opportunities across the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The Ontario Centre of Innovation plays an important role in supporting our government’s work to build resilient supply chains, protect local workers, and ensure Ontario remains equipped to seize the generational opportunities ahead. We look forward to seeing Ontario-made products and solutions advance to new heights under their program offerings in the coming year.”

A historic leadership milestone was announced as Pina D’Agostino was appointed Chair of OCI’s Board of Directors, becoming the first woman in the organization’s history to hold this role.

“Dr. Pina D’Agostino’s appointment comes at turning point in Ontario’s innovation history, where renewed vision and focused determination will prove vital to keeping the province’s economy competitive,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We congratulate Dr. D’Agostino on this new role and look forward to seeing her leadership build upon the foundations set by Mark Henderson, as she guides the OCI’s next phase of growth.”

D’Agostino succeeds Mark Henderson, who has served with distinction for the past 8 years, 2 of those as the Board Chair. During his time as Board Chair, he has significantly helped guide OCI through a transformative period of growth and impact.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Pina D’Agostino as the new Chair of OCI’s Board of Directors, and the first woman in OCI’s history to hold this important role. Pina brings extraordinary vision and leadership that will help guide OCI into its next chapter, building on the exceptional foundation laid by Mark Henderson,” said Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation. “This is an exciting moment for our organization, our ecosystem, and Ontario’s innovation economy.”

OCI shared record-breaking results from the past fiscal year (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025), underscoring its impact on Ontario’s innovation economy:

• $161 million total investment into Ontario’s innovation ecosystem
• $680 million in incremental sales revenues by OCI-supported companies
• $90 million in co-investment from industry and partners
• $700 million in industry follow-on investment
• 10,696 individuals engaged through workforce development programs
• 692 Ontario companies supported
• 6,505 jobs created or retained

“These numbers represent more than just metrics, they represent ideas becoming companies, companies creating jobs, and Ontario strengthening its leadership on the global stage,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of OCI.

The AGM was also a platform to share exciting news about OCI’s next chapter. OCI’s brand new “Where Next Happens” podcast was launched publicly for the first time. Where Next Happens, which will spotlight groundbreaking Ontario-based companies shaping the future of AI, health, technology, mobility, and more.

Also announced was the first keynote speaker for the annual tradeshow and conference, DiscoveryX. Natasha Walji, Managing Director of Google Canada, was announced as a keynote speaker. Walji will bring insights on the future of technology, innovation, and global competitiveness.

As part of OCI’s mission to recognize and support homegrown innovators, two major awards were presented on stage, like past years. The Mind to Market (M2M) Award was presented to Gotcare, who received $5,000 in recognition of their innovative, patient-centered healthcare platform, and the 2025 Baylis Ontario Life Sciences Innovator of the Year Award, voted on by the public, was awarded to Sydney Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Vessl Prosthetics, whose groundbreaking work is redefining the future of prosthetic design.

“This AGM is about more than looking back, it’s about celebrating the people, companies, and partnerships that are building Ontario’s innovation economy,” said Mark Henderson, former OCI board Chair. “From launching new platforms like our podcast to welcoming outstanding leaders like Natasha Walji to DiscoveryX, we’re proud to showcase how and where Ontario is shaping what’s next.”

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 Inquiries:
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca