Innovation Challenge Startup Application - Due Sept 20, 2026
**IMPORTANT** Startup Application submissions via this form are due September 20th, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Selected candidates will receive an approval to attend the in-person matchmaking event taking place on November 5th, 2026.
This form is strictly the application to apply for the opportunity to pitch at the final match-making event on Nov. 5th. Submitting this form is not a registration to attend the event.
Overview
The Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, in partnership with the University of Toronto Engineering Partnerships Office, Mitacs, and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), is hosting the Innovation Challenge: a targeted matchmaking initiative connecting Ontario-based AI/tech startups and scaleups with University of Toronto researchers to catalyze new research collaborations.
Who This Is For
This initiative is designed 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 academic 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 AI and tech 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 matchmaking 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 AI/tech 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, the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus and/or the University of Toronto.
Be available to attend the matchmaking event in person on November 5th, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.
Submitting Your Application & Important Dates
To apply, please complete the application form.
Submissions are only accepted online through this form.
Application Deadline: September 20th, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET (The application deadline is NOT Nov. 5th, 2026)
An application does not guarantee participation in the matchmaking event on November 5th, 2026. Selected candidates will be notified on September 21st, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact the SR Ecosystem team at sric.ecosystem@utoronto.ca.