Groundbreaking research at universities, colleges and hospitals will protect jobs and keep Ontario competitive in the global market
The Ontario government is investing more than $47 million in 195 research projects at universities, colleges and hospitals across the province. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, supporting homegrown research will lead to groundbreaking discoveries and real-world applications that protect good-paying jobs, improve lives and keep Ontario businesses on the cutting edge of innovation to compete in the global market.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario researchers are bolstering our critical industries with discoveries that cement our province as a global leader,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment in our world-class colleges, universities and hospitals will advance the sectors that drive our economy, create jobs, and save lives.”
This funding, delivered through the Ontario Research Fund, can be used to build, renovate and acquire state-of-the-art equipment for critical research projects and research facilities. The projects will drive economic growth in key sectors like agri-food, critical minerals, information technology, life sciences and manufacturing. A full list of funded research projects can be viewed here.
Minister Quinn made the announcement at Georgian College, which received nearly $1 million to upgrade its Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping. As a leader in advanced manufacturing, the Centre supports regional businesses with research, resources and technology that strengthen the manufacturing sector and its workforce. Launched in 2024, the Centre will create up to 460 jobs while also training the next generation of manufacturing leaders and innovators at Georgian College.
“This funding is an important investment in innovation and in the people who drive it,” said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College. “As a Technology Access Centre, Georgian works closely with manufacturers and industry partners to solve complex challenges and accelerate innovation across priority sectors. We’re grateful for the Government of Ontario’s support to expand our Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping to further strengthen applied research and create even more hands-on learning opportunities for our students.”
By supporting high-impact, homegrown research, the province is continuing to ensure Ontario remains one of the most competitive places to invest, grow and do business in the G7.
Quick Facts
- Research projects supported through the Ontario Research Fund are selected through a rigorous and competitive peer review process.
- Since taking office, the government has invested over $2 billion into the research sector, including support for over 1,800 research projects through the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs.
- The Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs have supported the creation of more than 150,000 training opportunities for researchers and students across the province, and contributed to nearly 500 patents being granted, 76 spin-off companies being created and 594 new jobs at those spin-offs.
- In September 2025, Ontario invested $18 million to boost the production of life-saving medical isotopes at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.
- In November 2025, Ontario provided $19.5 million to establish the Centre for Fusion Energy, advancing clean energy research.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
