Ontario Supporting Made-In-Ontario Life Sciences Innovations

July 27, 2023

$3 Million in funding helping six companies bring Ontario medical innovations to the world

HAMILTON — The Ontario government is investing $3 million to help six life sciences companies develop and bring to market made-in-Ontario medical innovations and health-care solutions. These companies are the first recipients to receive support from the province’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF), a new, early-stage fund that helps companies advance made-in-Ontario solutions and increase Ontario’s competitiveness.

“Through our Life Sciences Innovation Fund, our government is strengthening Ontario’s growing life sciences sector and ensuring our innovators have the resources they need to develop cutting-edge solutions,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The first group of LSIF recipients will bring our life sciences sector to new heights, ensuring Ontario remains a global leader in the sector.”

Six life sciences companies will each receive $500,000 to accelerate the development of made-in-Ontario health-care solutions and bring these innovative solutions to market in Ontario and around the world:

• Fero International Inc., located in Hamilton, designs and builds modular infrastructure to provide scalable, rapidly deployable, and cost-effective solutions for health-care, remote communities and disaster relief.
• KEEP Labs Inc., located in Kitchener, has developed a smart storage device to help patients monitor their dosage of medication.
• InventoRR MD, located in Toronto, is developing several products for trauma and general surgery, including the AbClo – a medical device that provides traction to the abdomen to reduce the incidence of failed closure and major complications.
• Juniper Genomics, located in Toronto, has developed a proprietary approach that uses whole genome sequencing, bioinformatics and data to give patients and clinicians as much certainty as possible that embryo transfers for IVF will succeed.
• MIMOSA Diagnostics Inc., located in Toronto, has developed a medical device that looks below the surface of the skin to detect skin injuries before they are visible to the naked eye.
• Gotcare, located in Toronto, has developed technology to connect clients with ideal home care workers based on proximity, specialization, language, and cultural understanding.

“Life science startups face distinct challenges in moving their innovations from the research lab into the marketplace,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “The Life Sciences Innovation Fund will provide much needed support to de-risk early-stage opportunities and accelerate time to market.”

The Life Sciences Innovation Fund is an important tool in Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, the government’s life sciences strategy to secure Ontario as a global biomanufacturing and life sciences hub. Companies across the province can apply online to receive up to $500,000 to scale their made-in-Ontario health solutions. Over the last two and a half years, Ontario has attracted over $3 billion in life sciences investments. The province is now the largest life sciences jurisdiction in Canada.

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Quick Facts

• The Life Sciences Innovation Fund is delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation. Ontario’s $3 million investment in the first six companies will be matched by over $12 million in private sector co-investments.
• Ontario’s life sciences sector includes domestic and multinational companies, startups, hospitals, research centres, universities, technology incubators, and scientists. The health and life sciences sectors employ more than 70,000 people across 1,900 firms in Ontario.
• Ontario’s life sciences sector generates more than $65 billion in revenue. Annually, the sector exports $11 billion in goods, representing 62 per cent of total Canadian life sciences exports.
• To support the next phase of Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, Ontario’s life sciences strategy, the province has established a Life Sciences Council. The council will explore ways to support the creation of good-paying jobs, accelerate commercialization and encourage the adoption of Ontario-made innovations to improve health-care and grow the economy.

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Quotes

“Our government’s is continuing to take bold and innovative action to strengthen the delivery of care for patients and their families. Through the Life Science Innovation Fund our government is championing innovative, made-in-Ontario solutions to build a more connected and convenient health-care system across the province.”

– Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“The life sciences sector is an important part of Hamilton’s economy. Our world-class talent is developing innovative solutions to complex medical challenges. This investment will enable six life science startups to bring their innovations to market more quickly, reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a global manufacturing and life sciences hub, and positioning Hamilton to continue to be a leader within this sector.”

– Neil Lumsden
Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek

“We are thrilled to have received support through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund for our company. This investment will assist with accelerating our ambitious growth strategy in the health-care sector. The world needs innovative, cost-effective, practical solutions to quickly address major infrastructure challenges and constraints in health-care, Indigenous and remote communities and areas hit hard by natural disasters, wars and other major crises. Having these resources will allow Fero to lead the way.”

– Sabrina Fiorellino
Chief Executive Officer of Fero International Inc.

“It’s exciting to be included with such a great group of innovators at a local level and to be part of the Life Sciences Innovation Fund. At KEEP, we have revolutionized medication management, creating a frictionless experience that leads to consistent, long term use all while passively capturing daily dosing data. This enables proactive intervention and provides a deeper understanding of the patient journey in the home for the first time. After a sold-out pre-order campaign and a TIME Best Invention recognition, we are about to launch in North America, and this investment will help us accelerate those efforts.”

– Jeff Wandzura
RPh, Chief Executive Officer of KEEP Labs

“InventoRR MD is grateful to have received the Life Sciences Innovation Funding. We look forward to continuing to improve patient outcomes, for open abdominal procedure patients, with our AbClo device and this funding will help us move forward with this goal.”

– Chris Bass
Chief Executive Officer of InventoRR MD Inc.

“Juniper Genomics is proud to be part of the first cohort of LSIF companies. The funding will support and accelerate our mission to help IVF patients have babies faster.”

– Jeremy Grushcow
Ph.D., J.D., Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Juniper Genomics

“We are excited to have received funding and are grateful to the Ontario Centre of Innovation through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund for their confidence in our business. This funding will enable us to expand our operations and accelerate our growth plans, ultimately helping us to bring the MIMOSA Pro to more health-care providers.”

– Dr. Karen Cross
Chief Executive Officer of MIMOSA Diagnostics Inc.

“Ontario’s investment in Gotcare will enable us to take some of the onus off overworked hospital workers, doctors and nurses, especially in rural and remote communities, where providing advanced in-home health services were traditionally considered impossible. The funding from LSIF is coming at a critical time of our organization’s growth, as we expand across Canada and beyond.”

– Chenny Xia
Co-founder of Gotcare

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Additional Resources

• Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level
• Life Sciences Innovation Fund
• Ontario Centre of Innovation

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario Supporting More Innovation in Growing Tech Sector

June 28, 2023

New funding will help equip Ontario businesses with critical technologies to boost competitiveness

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing up to $77 million in two projects to help Ontario companies adopt, develop and bring to market critical technologies, such as 5G, ethical artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cybersecurity and robotics. The new funding, announced during the Collision Conference in Toronto, will go to the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

“Critical technologies fuel innovation and drive growth in every sector, including automotive, life sciences and advanced manufacturing,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By supporting the Vector Institute and the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s projects, we’re helping more companies access the critical technologies they need to become more competitive, grow and create more good-paying jobs.”

The OCI will receive up to $50 million through the province’s Critical Technology Initiatives program to launch new innovative programming that will help small and medium-sized Ontario businesses develop and adopt critical technologies in sectors including mining, agri-food, and advanced manufacturing.

The Ontario government’s support of technology development and adoption is vital,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the OCI. “Ontario’s Critical Technology Initiatives will bring together large firms with innovative SMEs to build an ecosystem that leverages advanced technology assets and regional capabilities. We’re bridging industry needs with innovative SME-driven solutions and integrating different critical technologies to accelerate deployment across sectors.”

The Vector Institute will receive up to $27 million to help more companies connect with Vector’s AI engineers, researchers and AI professionals to help accelerate the safe and responsible adoption of ethical AI. The Vector Institute will also help small and medium-sized businesses increase their competitiveness with AI. This will make it easier for Ontario companies to develop AI applications, while also encouraging collaboration and new partnerships.

“The Ontario government’s strong commitment to the Vector Institute has played a central role in building a world class AI ecosystem in this province,” said Tony Gaffney, President and CEO of The Vector Institute. “We are proud to be part of these efforts to support innovation and will continue to grow the AI talent and skills needed to advance Ontario’s leadership role in the safe and responsible development and deployment of AI.”

Critical technologies can help Ontario companies increase productivity, open new revenue streams, create highly skilled jobs and enhance global competitiveness. The province’s $107 million Critical Technology Initiatives funding supports programs led by not-for-profit organizations that will accelerate the use of critical technology by Ontario companies and enable the development of innovative made-in-Ontario solutions.

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Quick Facts

• Ontario has one of the largest information and communications technology (ICT) sectors in North America and is home to over 400,000 ICT workers. Ontario’s technology sector is centred around the Toronto, Waterloo and Ottawa regions.
• AI, 5G and quantum technologies are expected to contribute $29 trillion to the global economy by 2035.
• The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an Ontario government initiative through the OCI to accelerate the development, testing, commercialization and deployment of the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies. Through OVIN, Ontario is investing $56.4 million over four years to accelerate the development of next generation electric, connected and autonomous vehicles and mobility technologies.

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Quotes

“Ontario companies have a long history of innovating, commercializing, and adopting technology. As emerging technologies take hold of key industries, the Government of Ontario’s Critical Technology Initiatives will ensure that Ontario companies across multiple sectors remain competitive by commercializing and adopting homegrown critical technologies and in turn export them across the world.”

– Raed Kadri
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of OVIN at the OCI

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Additional Resources

• Critical Technology Initiatives
• Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence
• Ontario Centre of Innovation

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario Centre of Innovation announces new Innovating Digital Health Solutions Program

June 22, 2023

The program fosters partnerships between Ontario Health Teams and Ontario-based Technology Vendors

TORONTO, June 22, 2023 – Today, the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, announced the Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program to encourage applications from Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) and other health service providers to work in collaboration with Ontario based SMEs in evaluating, adopting, and implementing digital health technologies. This program aims to address Ontario’s health system priorities and to drive collaboration to improve patient outcomes, optimize the impact of investment in health innovation and support Ontario-based health innovation companies.

“Our plan to deliver connected and convenient health care options closer to home will require leveraging of new technologies and better ways to deliver care,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The Innovating Digital Health Solutions program will help find new opportunities to ensure people connect with the health care they need, when and where they need it most.”

The Ministry of Health uses the program to prioritize health goals and focus on innovative solutions that target specific health outcomes. The health priority areas for IDHS have been determined through Challenge Statement Workshops that brought together health system stakeholders with a shared vision of digitally-enabled integrated care delivery.

“Ontario is home to a remarkable cluster of world-renowned research institutions, innovative start-ups, researchers, developers and manufacturers,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Building on the over $3 billion invested in Ontario by biomanufacturers and life sciences companies over the past two and half years, the Innovating Digital Health Solutions program will strengthen our life sciences sector by fostering more economic opportunities, leveraging our thriving STEM talent, and driving ground-breaking developments across the province.”

Projects must be led by a one or more Ontario Health Team(s) (OHTs) or other Health Service Providers and include a response that supports one of the challenge statements that arise from the Challenge Statement Workshops.

“The Innovating Digital Health Solutions Program supports the development of made-in-Ontario health technologies by accelerating evaluation, and adoption in the Ontario health system. OCI is grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Health (MOH) for their support on programs that impact the Ontario Health system, focusing on better patient outcomes,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Program information can be found online at: Innovating Digital Health Solutions

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

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Communitech, Ukrainian Startup Fund, and the Ontario Centre of Innovation sign MOU on World Innovation Day

April 21, 2023

Communitech, Ukrainian Startup Fund, and the Ontario Centre of Innovation signed an MOU to collaborate on a Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge. 

TORONTO, April 21, 2023 – Today, to highlight World Innovation Day and to deepen the collaboration between Canada and Ukraine, the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge (CUSIC) has been established. This challenge will be a collaborative effort between Communitech, the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and the Ukrainian Startup Fund, among other partners.

Tech companies in Canada and Ukraine will be invited to participate in a bilateral competition and showcase that will bring together tech entrepreneurs from both countries to work on innovative solutions that will strengthen Canada and Ukraine’s technological expertise and could shape the future of national, economic, and climate security. 

“We are thrilled to launch the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge with our partners as a testament to the power of collaboration between our two nations.  By leveraging innovative and leading-edge solutions from Canadian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs, we can address critical national, economic, and climate security challenges.  At the Ontario Centre of Innovation, we are committed to accelerating the development and adoption of new technologies that can truly make an impact on the global stage.” – Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation

“Communitech is proud to participate in the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge and work to connect founders in Canada’s innovation economy with opportunities that have the potential to strengthen technological excellence in both countries while also shaping the future of modern global security. This initiative is another example of our ecosystem’s commitment to harnessing the power of collaboration and using Tech For Good™.” – Joel Semeniuk, Chief Strategy Officer at Communitech

“We are pleased to launch together with partners the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge. Being a country with a digitalization attitude, we deeply believe that the future of national, economic and climate security belongs to the solutions invented by creative minds, entrepreneurs and tech leaders. For the Ukrainian Startup Fund as a national tech ecosystem builder, this project helps to scale and expand the opportunities for the Ukrainian startup teams developing cutting-edge solutions which could tackle the global challenges today and tomorrow. We are also grateful to Den Herman for his assistance in making our connection happen. Together, we can empower the next generation of innovators to build a better world. ” – Pavlo Kartashov, CEO of the Ukrainian Startup Fund.

More information on the Challenge will be released in the coming weeks.

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

About Communitech:
Established in 1997 in Waterloo Region, Communitech was built by tech founders who saw the need for a community of support to help ensure the future prosperity of Canada. Today, Communitech is Canada’s leading innovation hub, supporting a community of more than 1,200 founders by providing accelerated opportunities to access talent, capital and sales.
As Canada’s tech supercharger, Communitech helps founders start, grow and succeed by:
● Hiring and retaining the smartest, brightest and most experienced people
● Accessing growth financing at every stage
● Selling to the biggest customers at home and around the world
● Connecting the right people at the right time – peers who have been there before, coaches who can guide them through the difficult spots and partners from all over Canada

About Ukrainian Startup Fund:
UKRAINIAN STARTUP FUND is the one-of-a-kind state institution that helps innovative projects and technology startups raise funds at the early stages and launch their projects. The fund is the driver of the startup ecosystem development, provides conditions for the growth of the sector, creates a positive investment image of the Ukrainian tech industry abroad, and represents Ukrainian innovative solutions around the world.

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario investments in Regional Technology Development sites across the province

December 13, 2022

Seven regional sites harness the automotive, manufacturing and mobility strengths, expertise and opportunities Ontario has to offer

TORONTO, December 13 – Today the Government of Ontario announced an investment of $19 million through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) toward the province’s seven Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS). This investment brings the government’s overall commitment to approximately $46.5 million, which will help Ontario lead the next generation of vehicle development and manufacturing of zero-emission, electric vehicles (EV).

“Investing in Ontario’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem is another way our government is ensuring Ontario remains a global leader in innovation,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This investment in the Regional Technology Development sites will help to ensure that innovators, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises across the province have the support they need to bring Ontario-made EV and connected and autonomous vehicle solutions to the world. The cars of the future will be built in Ontario by Ontario workers.”

There are seven RTDS’ across Ontario, part of a flagship program to drive innovation and investment across Ontario’s electric, connected and autonomous vehicle sector. An overall $56.4 million investment in OVIN is part of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, the government’s 10-year plan to drive deals and secure production mandates for hybrid and electric vehicles, create a domestic battery ecosystem, and strengthen Ontario’s position as a North American automotive and EV innovation hub.

“The Ontario Centre of Innovation is grateful for the Ontario government’s continued support of the province’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Funding to these Regional Technology Development Sites across the province will result in reaching more companies and supporting Ontario’s position as a leader in the automotive and mobility sectors,” said Claudia Krywiak, President, and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Over the last two years, Ontario has attracted $16 billion in transformative automotive investments by global automakers and suppliers of electric vehicle batteries and battery materials. This includes more than $12.5 billion in electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery-related manufacturing investments. These include significant and historic investments by Honda, Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, General Motors, and Ford that will generate and secure thousands of local jobs for the province’s highly talented automotive workforce.

“Ontario has emerged as a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector as it transforms towards electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles,” said Raed Kadri, Vice-President Strategic Initiatives and Head of Ontario Vehicle. “Through the OVIN Regional Technology Development Sites, we are harnessing the strengths of our entire province, from the critical mineral wealth of Northern Ontario and to the manufacturing strength of Southern Ontario, and everywhere in between – cementing Ontario’s role as the global hub for the vehicles of the future.”

About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.

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For more information

416-888-4088
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Government of Ontario announces new Digitalization Competence Centre

November 24, 2022

The digital centre is focused on enhancing digital literacy and transformation in Ontario SMEs

Yesterday, at the Ontario Economic Summit Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), a Government of Ontario initiative led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).   

“As part of our plan to build Ontario, our government is launching a new Digitalization Competence Centre to provide Ontario businesses with a supportive partner in navigating and adopting next-gen technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This new virtual centre will help small to medium sized enterprises cut through the clutter to improve day-to-day operations and help them compete and flourish in a business environment that is rapidly developing.”

DCC is a source of technical expertise and resources, delivering programming, advice, and funding to support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt digital technologies.  DCC connects companies with innovative digital solutions and helps SMEs across all sectors implement new digital technologies and digitalize operations to remain competitive.  Supports include educational resources, advisory services, digital modernization and adoption planning, and technology demonstration projects.

“The adoption of digital technologies is critical to competitiveness.  DCC will help reduce barriers to adoption and build capacity in Ontario companies, accelerating their adoption of new digital technologies,” adds Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Digitalization is redefining the future for companies. It is a critical factor in the success and growth of Ontario’s companies, enabling them to release products to the market faster and reach the right customers.

“The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to ensuring businesses have the right tools to succeed. Digitalization boosts productivity, improves customer engagement, and enables businesses to reach new markets, compete and grow. We are pleased to see the launch of the Digitalization Competence Centre, which will provide small and medium-sized enterprises with training and information that will support technology adoption,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Program information can be found online on the program page.

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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

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Government of Ontario announces new 15M Life Sciences Innovation Fund

November 03, 2022

The early-stage co-investment fund aims to address challenges life sciences entrepreneurs face in moving game-changing and capital-intensive innovations from the research lab into the marketplace

Today, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced the Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) and detailed how it will support early-stage companies in human health related Life Sciences and Healthcare Technologies sectors. The fund targets investment into start-up companies headquartered in Ontario who are raising pre-seed or seed investments. 

“Part of our government’s plan to build Ontario is ensuring that companies, innovators and entrepreneurs have the support they need to advance next-generation health technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The new Life Sciences Innovation Fund will foster more innovation and ensure Ontario continues to lead the pack in the life sciences sector now and for generations to come.”

LSIF will co-invest up to $500,000 in life sciences startups to help make early-stage investments less risky and attract private-sector co-investors to help scale made-in-Ontario solutions for global markets. OCI will work with partners across Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem to identify opportunities with the highest potential for successful commercialization and the biggest impact on patient and healthcare outcomes, maximizing the benefit to Ontarians.

“Life sciences startups face distinct challenges in moving their innovations from the research lab into the marketplace.  The Life Sciences Innovation Fund will provide much needed support to de-risk early-stage opportunities and accelerate time to market,” adds Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Program information can be found online on the program page.

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

 

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario Centre of Innovation’s Annual General Meeting Features New Programs and Showcases Return on Innovation

October 26, 2022

Minister Fedeli announces the launch of the Collaborate 2 Commercialize and Ready 4 Market programs.

Today, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced two programs launches at the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s (OCI) Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was both streamed and in-person at Toronto Metropolitan University.

“Ready 4 Market is Ontario’s leading pre-seed investment fund for Ontario-based start-ups with transformative technologies. Collaborate 2 Commercialize supports academia and industry collaboration to solve an industry‐based problem and drive the commercialization of intellectual property. These tremendous programs will help talented, driven people get ideas off the ground and work to make Ontario an economic and innovation leader,” said Minister Fedeli.

The Ready 4 Market (R4M) and Collaborate 2 Commercialize funding programs support Ontario innovators to develop and commercialize new technologies, accelerating time to market.  Program information can be found online through the R4M and C2C pages of OCI’s website.

OCI’s 2021-2022 Annual Report was presented at the AGM, highlighting program investments into innovation projects across Ontario and the Return on Innovation:

• $218 million invested in collaborative R&D and commercialization projects, including $150 million in co-investments from industry and other partners
• 959 Ontario companies supported
• Creation and retention of 6,642 jobs
• $349 million in incremental sales revenues by client companies
• $800 million in private sector follow-on investments

Also taking place at the AGM was the awarding of the coveted Mind to Market winner.
The Mind to Market Award celebrates the best of OCI supported R&D collaborations between the business and research communities that result in commercialization of transformative leading-edge solutions and IP. Award recipients exemplify the innovation that is possible when the brightest minds in industry and academia collaborate to address critical issues. 

“Congratulations to the winner, Genecis! Genecis converts food waste into biodegradable plastics and other high value materials. The Mind to Market award has a rich tradition within OCI as it recognizes extraordinary achievements in next-generation technology commercialization and celebrates ‘best in class’ R&D collaborations that drive the development of made-in-Ontario technologies,” said Claudia Krywiak, President, and CEO of OCI.

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

 

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

OVIN’s Regional Future Workforce Program to connect Ontario’s Automotive and Mobility Sectors with the Next Generation of Talent

October 20, 2022

New initiative advances equity, diversity, and inclusion, while promoting collaboration between industry, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s (OVIN) newest initiative will help to bridge the gap between students and the automotive and mobility sectors.

Today, as part of the Talent Sourcing & Attraction objective outlined in its Talent Strategy and Roadmap, OVIN has launched the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program. The program is a key part of Ontario’s Driving Prosperity auto plan, which is helping to equip workers with the skills they need to secure rewarding, high-paying jobs in the auto sector and broader supply chain.

The RFW Program offers up to $500,000 in funding to Ontario non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and school boards to deliver eight-month-long automotive and mobility-focused programs that connect students from elementary to post-secondary to the sectors.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, Ontario’s auto sector is attracting unprecedented investment and growth. Jobs in the auto industry are rewarding and well-paying, and we need to ensure we have the skilled workers to fill them. I applaud OVIN’s leadership in preparing the next generation for these purpose-driven careers,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Recently, there have been several exciting announcements impacting the automotive sector including a  joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution to build the province’s first large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Windsor, the launch of the Critical Minerals Strategy, which will help integrate northern Ontario’s mining industry with southern Ontario’s automotive manufacturing strengths, and the provincial government’s investments in accessible training programs for people from equity-deserving groups.

As outlined in OVIN’s Talent Strategy and Roadmap, there are currently more than 160,000 direct and 730,000 indirect jobs associated with the automotive and mobility sectors. In the face of rapid technological advancement, the sectors (and by extension Ontario’s economy) expects continuous growth which paves the way for exciting new employment possibilities. The Regional Future Workforce Program represents a significant step in preparing the next generation of talent for the opportunities that await them.

“The program is focused on reducing the stigma associated with automotive industry careers and aims to increase awareness and opportunities for students from equity-deserving (underrepresented) groups. At the heart of the program lies a requirement for cross-ecosystem collaboration including industry, non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, schools, and school boards,” says Raed Kadri, VP Strategic Initiatives, Business Development & Head of Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).

To learn more about the Regional Future Workforce Program, view the Program Page.

To read the full Talent Strategy & Roadmap, and associated initiatives for each objective, click here: 
English | French. To view the OVIN video, click here. 

About OVIN
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is the Government of Ontario’s flagship initiative on the future of automotive and mobility.  OVIN is led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. OVIN aims to be the global leader in accelerating the development, testing, commercialization, and deployment of the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies. 

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario Centre of Innovation marks World Innovation Day and hosts panel highlighting innovation across Ontario over the past 3 decades

April 21, 2022

OCI celebrates how far innovation in Ontario has come in its 35 years

For the past three decades the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) has played a key role in the innovation ecosystem, from catalyzing innovation through programming and supporting industry-academic partnerships to connecting players across the province, with the vision of increasing prosperity through innovation.

“Today, we celebrate 35 years of serving Ontario’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Since 1987, OCI has worked with Ontario’s businesses, post-secondary institutions, and all levels of government to accelerate the commercialization of new technologies. We have had the honour of supporting some of Ontario’s leading tech companies, helping them start-up, scale-up, and succeed, and we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of innovators,” says Dr. Claudia Krywiak, OCI’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

April 21 is declared World Innovation Day by the United Nations and OCI is marking turning 35 on this special day by hosting a Founder’s panel discussion to highlight and showcase made-in-Ontario success stories over the past three decades.

The panel of Founders across these decades will speak to their achievements from their initial engagement with OCI, and the importance of early-stage support in enabling the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.

The panel will be moderated by OCI’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Claudia Krywiak.

“Congratulations to the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) on celebrating 35 years of connecting innovators and entrepreneurs to markets, capital and customers to help them succeed,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Commercializing innovation is vital to our economic growth and, in partnership with OCI, we remain committed to ensuring Ontario’s vibrant and dynamic innovation sector continues to create good jobs for people across the province.”

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Made-in-Ontario technologies. A pan-provincial collaboration platform, with a broad and deep network across industry, academia and government, 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

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Contact:

Alicia Pereira
Director, Communications & Strategy, Ontario Centre of Innovation
416-888-4088