Innovation Challenge - Life Sciences
Overview
The Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Mitacs, is hosting the Innovation Challenge: a targeted matchmaking initiative connecting Ontario-based life sciences startups and scaleups with University of Toronto researchers to catalyze new research collaborations. This program is generously sponsored by Mitacs and MilliporeSigma.
Who This Is For
This event is designed specifically for startups and scaleups seeking academic research partners to advance a defined R&D challenge.
Participating companies will deliver a brief pitch outlining a specific research problem or project for which they are seeking collaboration with researchers. The pitch session will be followed by structured matchmaking discussions with University of Toronto researchers whose expertise aligns with the company’s challenge.
Projects arising from this event may be eligible for funding through programs such as OCI’s Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) and Mitacs funding opportunities.
This opportunity is open to life sciences companies across Ontario. While all industry aligned startups are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to startups and scaleups whose proposed projects align with Mitacs program criteria and OCI’s C2C eligibility requirements.
Additional information regarding the pitch format and requirements will be shared with selected participants.
Eligibility
To apply, companies must:
Be a for-profit, Ontario-based startup or scaleup operating in the life sciences sector.
Present a clearly defined R&D challenge suitable for academic collaboration.
Meet eligibility criteria for OCI’s Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) program and/or Mitacs program criteria.
Be affiliated with OCI, Mitacs, and/or the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.
Be available to attend the pitch event in person on April 8th, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.
To apply, please complete the application form.
Submissions are only accepted online through this form.
Application Deadline: Thursday March 12th at 5:00 PM ET