Innovation Challenge Startup Application - Due Dec. 7, 2026, 9 AM
IMPORTANT Startup Application submissions via this form are due December 7th, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET
Selected candidates will receive an approval to attend the in-person matchmaking event taking place on February 17th, 2027.
This form is strictly the application to apply for the opportunity to pitch at the final match-making event on Feb. 17th, 2027.
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, cleantech and health sciences startups and scaleups with University of Toronto researchers to catalyze new research collaborations.
Who This Is For & What to Expect
This initiative is designed for startups and scaleups seeking academic research partners to advance a defined R&D challenge.
Through structured matchmaking rotations, participating companies will connect with University of Toronto researchers whose expertise aligns with their research challenges to explore potential research partnerships and discuss opportunities to advance projects through funding programs.
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, tech, cleantech and health sciences startups and scaleups 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, cleantech or health 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, the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus and/or the University of Toronto.
Be available to attend the matchmaking event in person on February 17th, 2027 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.
Submitting Your Application & Important Dates
To apply, please complete this application form.
Submissions are only accepted online through this form.
Application Deadline: December 7th, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET (The application deadline is NOT February 17th, 2027)
An application does not guarantee participation in the matchmaking event on February 17th, 2027. Selected candidates will be notified on December 7th, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact the SR Ecosystem team at sric.ecosystem@utoronto.ca.