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