Ontario Innovation Highlights in Trade Mission to US

Ontario-led delegation touts Ontario as North America’s second largest IT cluster.

TORONTO — The Ontario government has launched a successful trade mission to the United States to promote the province’s thriving automotive, technology and life sciences sectors and attract new investment opportunities.

Two delegations of over 29 Ontario companies, led by Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Federi, will attend two of the world’s largest technology and innovation conferences, the Consumer Electronics Show and JP Morgan Healthcare. Represented the state at Conferences and Biotech. Showcase.

“Ontario is the second largest IT cluster in North America and a global center of innovation,” said Minister Federi. “We are building a stronger Ontario and are proud to be leading the way in major advances in technology, automotive and life sciences. By connecting global leaders, we can create new opportunities for families and businesses here in Ontario.”

As the first part of the trade mission, 16 Ontario companies participated in one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events, the Consumer Electronics Show (January 5-8). project arrowThe first all-Canada zero-emission connected car designed and built in Ontario was unveiled at the show, demonstrating the province’s world-class automotive capabilities and innovation.

Building on their success at the Consumer Electronics Show, 13 Ontario companies participated in the industry’s largest healthcare investment symposium, the Biotechnology Showcase (January 9-11) in San Francisco. The delegation included biotechnology R&D, pharmaceutical technology and medical technology companies to promote the state’s growing life and health sciences sector to global industry leaders and innovators.

Other highlights included meetings with Gatik AI, Magna International, Linamar Corporation, Valeo, Meta Materials, Blackberry, Resilience, Rivian and Uber. These conferences provided an opportunity to demonstrate that the state is a global hub of innovation and an ideal place for businesses to invest.

Ontario continues to adopt innovative and forward-thinking approaches to secure and grow the province’s competitive advantage. With a talented workforce, state-of-the-art R&D facilities, award-winning manufacturing, and access to an abundance of critical materials, the state is a great place for businesses to invest and grow.

simple facts

• Ontario has the second largest number of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in North America and is home to over 408,000 ICT workers.
• In 2021, Ontario will rank number one in Canada for the number of venture capital deals and total capital raised, accounting for 50% of total Canadian investment and $8.4 billion, an increase of 170% from 2020 . Since 2019, Ontario has 17 startups growing to reach valuations of over $1 billion.
• Each year, statewide, more than 63,500 STEM students graduate from post-secondary programs, creating one of the world’s most highly skilled life sciences workforces.
• Over the past two years, Ontario has attracted $16 billion in investment from global automakers, with more than $12.5 billion focused on manufacturing electric vehicles and EV batteries.
• Ontario is investing $56.4 million over four years. Ontario Vehicle Innovation NetworkLed by the Ontario Center of Innovation, will accelerate the development of next-generation electric, connected and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies.
• Ontario is home to Canada’s largest life sciences jurisdiction, generating 59% of Canada’s total revenue and employing approximately 1,900 companies, 54% of all Canadian life sciences professionals.
• In November 2022, the state will $15M Life Science Innovation Fund Help entrepreneurs and businesses advance Ontario’s unique solutions. This fund is an important tool. Taking life sciences to the next levelOntario’s first life sciences strategy in a decade.