TORONTO — The Ontario government has launched a $15 million Life Sciences Innovation Fund to help life sciences entrepreneurs and innovators bring their ideas and prototypes from the lab to the marketplace. This new, early-stage fund is an important tool in the province’s Life Sciences Strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, that will increase Ontario’s competitiveness and help companies advance made-in-Ontario solutions.

“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.”

Delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the Life Sciences Innovation Fund will build on the province’s thriving research ecosystem. Eligible companies will receive up to $500,000 to scale their made-in-Ontario health solutions both at home and in global markets. This will further grow the sector and strengthen its competitiveness in key areas such as cancer treatment, regenerative medicine, neuroscience and medical technologies.

“Life sciences start-ups 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.”

Ontario is the largest life sciences jurisdiction in Canada generating 59 per cent of the overall Canadian life sciences revenue and employing 54 per cent of Canada’s life science’s personnel. To further collaboration, innovation and growth across the sector, the government launched Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level earlier this year. This provincial strategy will help businesses commercialize and grow their operations and secure Ontario’s position as a top-tier global life sciences hub.