Claudia Krywiak, president and CEO of Ontario Innovation Centre, details Ontario’s role in the global research and innovation landscape, explaining how the organization has helped accelerate this.
Ontario, Canada, has millions of dollars invested in supporting local research and innovation, and could become a leader in the global research and development (R&D) space.
Since 2018, Ontario has invested $831 million in 1,503 research projects, leveraging more than $1.34 billion in funding from federal and other third-party contributions. Among the outcomes that come from these investments can create over 120,000 training opportunities for researchers and students across the state. They also have 421 patents granted, 76 spinoff companies have been created, and 594 new jobs contributed in these spinoffs.
Through its dedicated Ontario research fund Research Excellence (ORF-RE), the Ontario government supports the development of groundbreaking research to improve knowledge, drive innovation and provide a brighter future for Ontarians. ORF-RE provides research institutions with funding to support the operating costs of major projects of strategic value to the state.
The Ontario Innovation Centre (OCI) works in partnership with the government to be an ecosystem connector, bringing together industry, academic and government partners to invest in joint research and development, technological development and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest returns for Ontarian innovation.
OCI maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario, universities and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Ontario’s intellectual property and technology.
The Innovation Platform spoke to Claudia Krywiak, president and CEO of the Ontario Innovation Centre, to find out how the organization can help the province research and drive innovation.
What is the current state of research and innovation in Ontario?
Ontario is at the forefront of research and innovation, leading Canada to drive technological advancement and promote a robust innovation ecosystem. We are home to world-class universities, thriving startups and global companies that work together to create cutting-edge solutions in sectors such as health sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean technology.
Ontario’s innovation economy is vibrant and supported by both home-made talent and the province’s strategic investment in key areas such as electric vehicles (EVS), artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. This unique synergy positions Ontario as a global leader in research and commercialization.
How can Ontario’s Innovation Centre help to accelerate Ontario’s global research and innovation landscape?
At OCI, our mission is to bridge the gap between research and commercialization. We are actively accelerating Ontario’s global impact by fostering partnerships between academia, industry and government to transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.
Programs such as the Ontario Life Science Innovation Fund (LSIF), Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (Ovin), and collaborations with partners in the US, Europe and Asia, help Ontario businesses expand and compete globally. It provides important funding, expertise and connections that enable SMEs (small and medium-sized businesses) to not only solve local challenges, but also develop technologies that position Ontario as a global hub for innovation.
What did 2024 look like for OCI?
2024 has been an extraordinary year for OCI. It invested $117 million in an Ontario innovation project, including $610 million in co-investments from industry partners. These investments have led to the creation and retention of 5,542 jobs, incremental sales revenue of $362 million from OCI-promoted companies, and $734 million in subsequent private sector investments.
It launched the Critical Industrial Technology (CIT) initiative to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of key technologies in Ontario’s advanced manufacturing, agri-food, construction and mining sectors. Partnerships with industry leaders and governments have attracted significant investments in Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, enabling small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to expand their solutions. In April, we brought together Ontario’s brightest innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase groundbreaking technology to a global audience at DiscoveryX, Canada’s leading innovation conference. Growth, collaboration and measurable impacts have been in a year.
How important is international support and collaboration in OCI’s work?
International cooperation is essential to OCI’s efforts to help Ontario’s high potential companies succeed and succeed in the global market. By working with international governments, organizations and investors, we bring Ontario technology to the global stage, while simultaneously bringing global insights and resources back to Ontario. These collaborations are essential to fostering economic growth and strengthening Ontario’s position as a leader in technological innovation.
In 2024, Canada was announced as the official partner of the Horizon Europe program under Pillar II. What does this mean for a project at OCI? Is it already profitable for your project?
Participation in Canada at Horizon Europe will allow Ontario innovators and entrepreneurs to access joint research and development opportunities and funding while strengthening relationships across the world economy.
It partners with the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) to attract European entrepreneurs to Ontario, helping Ontario businesses expand into Europe and bringing together potential collaborators. This means enhancing access to projects’ resources and strategic partnerships in key areas such as health, clean energy and mobility. It is an exciting time, and the partnership strengthens both Canadian and Ontario positions as leaders in the global innovation environment.
About Claudia Cliwiac
Claudia Krywiak is the president and CEO of Ontario Innovation Centre (OCI) and is a non-profit organization that accelerates the development, commercialization and adoption of new technologies.
As an advocate for innovation across Ontario and across Canada, Claudia has been with the OCI since 2011. She actively promotes innovation as a key driver of competitiveness, productivity and economic growth. Her leadership covers a wide range of initiatives, including artificial intelligence, autonomous and electric vehicles, 5G and next-generation networks, cybersecurity, and clean technology.
Previously, Dr. Cliwiac was the vice president of business development at MITACS. She began her career at Bruker Corporation, allowing scientists to make groundbreaking discoveries.
Claudia serves on the board of directors of the Canadian Conference Committee and the Waterloo Accelerator Centre.
This article will also be featured in the 21st edition of Quarterly Publication.
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