Innovation Challenge - Life Sciences
Connecting U of T Researchers with Ontario Life Sciences Startups
Breakthrough research moves further when the right partners are in the room.
The Innovation Challenge, hosted at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Mitacs, is a curated matchmaking forum designed to connect U of T researchers with Ontario-based life sciences startups and scaleups advancing defined R&D projects.
Participating companies will present focused innovation challenges where research collaboration can unlock actionable next steps, with potential eligibility for OCI’s Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) and Mitacs funding programs.
University of Toronto faculty researchers interested in commercialization-focused research partnerships are invited to attend to meet companies with the potential to be a funded research collaboration.
What to Expect
Focused startup pitches outlining defined life sciences R&D projects (see company list below)
Insight into technical challenges requiring academic collaboration
Direct, in-person discussions with startup teams
Exploration of projects that may align with Mitacs and OCI C2C funding criteria
Light lunch will be provided.
Why Attend
This is not a general networking event. Companies participating have defined technical challenges and are actively exploring research collaboration as a pathway to progress.
Attending may lead to:
New funded research collaborations
Accelerated translational impact
Strengthened grant applications
Access to commercialization pathways
Your next research partnership — and potential funding opportunity — could start in this room.
Participating Companies:
Atabazh Medical Inc. (https://www.atabazh.com)
Blue Ocean Technologies Inc. (https://blueoceantechnologies.ca/)
Chambograft (https://chambograft.com)
Cognitive Check Corp (https://www.cognitivecheck.ca)
La Luméa (www.lalumea.com)
PhenoTips (https://phenotips.com)
Re:Pair Genomics (https://www.repairgenomics.com)
To learn more about each participating company and innovation challenge, please view this supporting document.
Event Details
Date: April 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, 108 College St., Toronto, 2 floor, Room W240
Light lunch provided
Register
Space is limited to ensure high-quality matchmaking.
If advancing a commercialization-focused R&D initiative is a priority this year, we encourage you to register and secure your spot.
Register now to secure your spot.