A new collaboration between the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is set to intensify life sciences innovation in the capital region and beyond, building on Ottawa’s strengths as a premier life sciences research cluster. Through this partnership, uOttawa and OCI will foster the growth of made-in-Ontario life sciences technologies, accelerating the province’s momentum in boosting healthcare competitiveness and economic resilience.
“Ontario has built a thriving life sciences ecosystem that encourages innovation and drives the development and commercialization of Ontario-made technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This collaboration between the University of Ottawa and the Ontario Center of Innovation is a prime example of how our province is harnessing our world-class STEM expertise and cutting-edge research to bring lifesaving ideas from lab to market.”
This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration to drive innovation and impact, combining OCI’s proven ability to foster partnerships and uOttawa’s core strengths in biomedical, clinical, population health, and implementation science research, along with the University’s cutting-edge facilities and incubation-acceleration capabilities.
“Ottawa is more than a hub; it is the cornerstone of leadership and collaboration in life sciences innovation. Through our partnership with OCI, we are building on our strengths and proudly affirming our role as a recognized centre of expertise in this vital field,” said Julie St-Pierre, Interim Vice-President, Research and Innovation at the University of Ottawa. “This milestone is not merely a moment, but a crucial step forward in shaping the future of life sciences. Our vision is clear: we are setting new standards and paving the way for continued progress.”
As part of this collaboration, uOttawa and OCI will spearhead key business development and commercialization activities that will support Ontario’s bold vision to build a strong, competitive and resilient life sciences sector. These include engaging with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Ottawa region to drive the development, adoption and commercialization of life sciences technologies. The activities will also involve developing collaboration events to bring together stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, as well as representing and capitalizing on the region’s economic interests and opportunities. These efforts will be key to fostering industry-academic collaboration, creating a launchpad for next-generation life sciences innovation to thrive and scale in Ottawa and beyond.
To fuel growth in life sciences, the University of Ottawa is embarking on its largest construction project ever: the Advanced Medical Research Centre (AMRC). Set to open in 2026, the AMRC will be a game-changer, featuring some of the largest medical research facilities in Ontario. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these state-of-the-art labs will empower top researchers, clinicians, and students to collaborate on groundbreaking treatments for critical illnesses, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more. The Ottawa Health Innovation Hub will also be housed in the AMRC, focusing on translating promising research from lab benches to hospital bedsides.
“Ontario is at the forefront of life sciences innovation, driving solutions that enhance health outcomes while creating significant economic opportunities,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “This partnership with the University of Ottawa exemplifies how collaboration between academia and the innovation ecosystem can accelerate the development and commercialization of transformative technologies. By leveraging Ontario’s unparalleled research expertise and innovation networks, we are solidifying the province’s position as a global hub for life sciences and ensuring a thriving, resilient economy.”
With life sciences investments in Ontario now valued at over $5 billion, initiatives like this partnership are central to bolstering the province’s leadership in the sector. Since uOttawa and OCI are leaders in the innovation ecosystem, they will play a pivotal role in catalyzing innovation, fostering the development of a highly skilled workforce, and responding to the rapidly evolving needs of the health-care industry, thereby strengthening Ontario’s growing life sciences sector.
“Ontario is leading the way in global innovation, harnessing the transformative power of innovation in the life sciences sector to tackle critical health-care needs and seize new pathways for economic resilience. By championing groundbreaking research and fostering commercialization, we are not just meeting today’s needs, we are paving the way for a future built on sustainable growth and global competitiveness,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network at OCI. “As key enablers of Ontario’s thriving innovation ecosystem, our collaboration with the University of Ottawa highlights our commitment to unlocking Ontario’s vast potential. Together, we are propelling Ontario-made technologies to the forefront of the global life sciences landscape and shaping a more prosperous tomorrow.”
About the University of Ottawa
Rooted in our bilingual and Francophone DNA, we are evolving at the intersection of many cultures. Located in Canada’s capital, a gateway to the world, we possess a unique platform to respond with energy, creativity, and scale to the global challenges and opportunities our world offers. With an active focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, we will thrive like never before.
Already in this new millennium we have rocketed into the top 1% of the world’s 20,000+ universities with our research reputation. We have doubled our enrolment with students from across Canada, as well as from 147 countries around the globe, choosing uOttawa.
Our international influence is surging, with institutional partnerships in Europe, Asia and Africa multiplying rapidly – including membership in the U7 Alliance of world universities.
Meanwhile our research and programs in Cybertech, health, science, social justice, sustainability, education, and entrepreneurship continue to impact communities across Canada and around the globe every single day. Our scientists and academicians are driving progress in ethical AI and technology development, in clean growth and innovation and in action- oriented research on aging, active and healthy living, lifelong learning, and well-being, to name but a few.
At uOttawa we are driven by the urge to challenge the status quo, the will to make an impact, and the ambition to become a catalyst for change.
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. Learn more about the OCI
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Contact the University of Ottawa
Contact the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) media contact Alicia Pereira