COUNCIL OF ONTARIO UNIVERSITIES
Ontario Universities Partnering to Advance Innovation in Life Sciences and Critical Minerals and Battery Technology

"The Council of Ontario Universities (COU), through the leadership of the Ontario Council on University Research (OCUR), is pleased to announce the formation of two new innovation initiatives in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), focused on advancing life sciences, and critical minerals and battery innovation. These collaborations will amplify Ontario's priorities and leadership in life sciences and accelerate its role as a global powerhouse in the electric vehicle transition.

As Ontario recently launched Phase 2 of its life sciences strategy, the Life Sciences Group, co-chaired by Raed Kadri, Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development, and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) at OCI, and Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research & Innovation, Ontario Tech University, will focus on strengthening Ontario's growing life sciences ecosystem while examining opportunities to further expand health innovation, medical technology, biomanufacturing, agriculture and agri-food.

The Critical Minerals and Battery Innovation Group, co-chaired by Kadri and Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Lakehead University, will address the province's growing need for a resilient and sustainable supply chain to support electrification and the next generation of battery technologies.

By leveraging leading-edge research and innovation, and access to key industry leaders through the partnership with OCI and OVIN, Ontario's universities and university researchers will continue to play an essential role in shaping the next generation of talent, fostering jobs and fueling economic growth in these critical sectors that define Ontario's global competitiveness.

"Postsecondary institutions are the pipeline to ensuring Ontario has highly skilled workers to meet our labour market needs, now and for decades to come," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "The partnership between the Council of Ontario Universities and Ontario Centre for Innovation will educate the next generation of leaders across key sectors, driving further prosperity for our economy."  

"Since 2018, our government has proudly supported the growth of Ontario's innovation ecosystem, advancing collaborative efforts and investments across the life sciences, technology and automotive manufacturing sectors," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "Through the launch of these two new initiatives by the Council of Ontario Universities and the Ontario Centre of Innovation, our province's world-class talent will be well-positioned to push the boundaries of innovation and further solidify Ontario's reputation as a global leader in next-generation technologies."

"It is great to see the Council of Ontario Universities focusing on innovative programs and collaborating with the Ontario Centre of Innovation to advance priorities in sectors such as life sciences, critical minerals and battery technologies," said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. "Ontario universities partnering to advance innovation will play a key role in growing our province's integrated supply chain for critical minerals that will power the world's electric vehicles and lead to developing the next generation of battery technologies."

These two initiatives, in addition to many other initiatives already underway, underscore the transformative power of collaboration between Ontario universities, government and industry in boosting Ontario's economic competitiveness and cementing its position as a global leader in innovation and growth at a critical time for the country.

Ontario's universities and government have a shared commitment to develop the talent and innovation we need to help drive economic growth in communities throughout the province. By supporting the province's priorities, these two initiatives will help build Ontario's economy, strengthen the connections with local industries and ensure Ontario remains a global leader in innovation."

- Steve Orsini, President and CEO, The Council of Ontario Universities