Ontario Invests More Than $47 Million to Advance Research and Innovation Across the Province
Ontario research and innovation funding will support 195 projects at universities, colleges and hospitals provincewide
BARRIE — The Ontario government is investing more than $47 million to support 195 research projects at universities, colleges and hospitals across the province, a move aimed at strengthening innovation, protecting jobs and keeping Ontario competitive in the global economy.
The funding, delivered through the Ontario Research Fund, will support the construction, renovation and acquisition of advanced research infrastructure and equipment. Projects span key economic sectors including agri-food, critical minerals, information technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
The investment was announced by Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, during a visit to Georgian College in Barrie.
“This investment in our world-class colleges, universities and hospitals will advance the sectors that drive our economy, create jobs, and save lives,” Quinn said in a statement.
Funding Supports Infrastructure and Job Creation
Georgian College will receive nearly $1 million to upgrade its Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping, a facility that supports advanced manufacturing research and collaboration with regional industry partners. The centre, launched in 2024, is expected to create up to 460 jobs while providing hands-on training for students entering the manufacturing sector.
Today, our government announced an investment of over $47 million to accelerate homegrown research and innovation across Ontario.
This funding supports 195 world-class research projects, driving new discoveries, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening key industries like… pic.twitter.com/0yVgrSm6rW
— Nolan Quinn (@nolanmquinn) January 21, 2026
Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College, said the investment will strengthen applied research and expand experiential learning opportunities.
“This funding is an important investment in innovation and in the people who drive it,” Weaver said.
Strengthening Ontario’s Research Ecosystem
Projects funded through the Ontario Research Fund are selected through a competitive peer-review process. Since taking office, the province has invested more than $2 billion in the research sector, supporting over 1,800 research projects and contributing to the creation of patents, spin-off companies and thousands of training opportunities.
Industry and academic organizations welcomed the investment, including Colleges Ontario and the Council of Ontario Universities, which emphasized the role of research funding in driving economic growth and talent development.
Local MPPs Doug Downey, Jill Dunlop, and Andrea Khanjin also highlighted the importance of investing in community-based research to attract talent, support businesses and foster long-term economic resilience.
Looking Ahead
The Ontario government says the funding reinforces its broader strategy to ensure the province remains one of the most competitive places to invest, grow and do business in the G7, while advancing research with real-world applications.
A full list of funded projects is available through the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
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