Ontario Launches Health Innovation Pathway to Accelerate New Technologies

$12 million invested in wound care, AI-powered screening, and surgical supports to improve patient outcomes

TORONTO — The Ontario government has launched the Health Innovation Pathway, a new initiative designed to speed up the adoption of innovative health-care technologies and ensure patients benefit from Ontario-made solutions sooner.

The pathway will streamline how medical devices, digital tools, imaging techniques, lab testing, and new models of care are reviewed and adopted across the health system. The goal is to strengthen patient care while supporting Ontario’s growing life sciences and health innovation sectors.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the new framework reflects the government’s commitment to improving access and outcomes:

“Our government is continuing to take bold action to connect patients to best-in-class health-care solutions, many of which allow patients to receive care in the comfort of home, or better connect with their health-care providers. The Health Innovation Pathway is just one more way we are protecting our health-care system and connecting more people in Ontario to the care they need when and where they need it.”

Key Investments Through the Health Technology Accelerator Fund

As part of the launch, the province announced more than $12 million in targeted funding for four priority areas:

• Wound care management ($5M): Digital wound measurement solutions and advanced dressings to improve healing and reduce amputation risks.

• AI-powered screening ($1.5M): Tools to diagnose diabetic retinopathy earlier, aiming to prevent diabetes-related blindness.

• Computer-assisted surgical navigation ($5M): Technology to improve precision in hip and knee replacements, reducing the likelihood of revision surgeries.

• Abdominal wall surgical supports ($500K): Non-invasive devices to aid recovery after abdominal surgery, improving patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.

Strengthening Ontario’s Life Sciences Strategy

The program is co-developed by the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health, with support from Supply Ontario and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. It builds on the government’s Life Sciences Strategy, which has seen $201 million invested to position Ontario as a global biomanufacturing hub.

Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli said the pathway will ensure Ontario remains a leader in health innovation:

“The launch of the Health Innovation Pathway marks an important step forward in accelerating the adoption of medical technologies that will not only deliver better outcomes for patients and their families, but further position our province as a global leader in biomanufacturing and life sciences.”

What Comes Next

Ontario Health will serve as the single point of intake for organizations submitting health innovation proposals. This centralized process is expected to reduce duplication, cut red tape, and help Ontario clinicians access tools faster.

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the government continues to focus on modernizing care delivery, improving digital health options, and supporting innovations developed by Ontario companies.

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