Life Sciences

High-quality, innovative, and reliable products

Ontario is home to Canada's largest life sciences cluster, with top-tier research institutions, academic hospitals and companies generating over half of the sector’s total economic activity. Our life sciences companies, many operating in compliance with major health regulatory agencies (Health Canada, the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency) export healthcare excellence globally.

With a skilled workforce of 72,800 professionals spread across 2,000 firms, the sector generates over $12.5 billion in exports and contributes more than $77 billion in revenue to Canada’s economy (as of 2022). Ontario’s legacy of groundbreaking advances—including the discovery of insulin, the development of the first pacemaker, and the identification of the gene that causes cystic fibrosis, to more recent innovations such as Radialis PET Camera and microbial inoculants has established us as a global leader. Today with the strong commitment from government through the Life Sciences Strategy, Ontario will grow its capacity to undertake cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art manufacturing, within a collaborative ecosystem that is second to none.

A robust supply chain

Ontario’s logistics infrastructure ensures seamless delivery and reliability, making it easier than ever for you to get the components and final products you need. Our robust and diversified sector is bolstered by Canada’s free trade agreements covering over 51 countries, enabling your products and solutions to move virtually tariff-free across Europe, parts of Asia, and South America. Ontario boasts a robust transportation network with 13,000 km of railway, 30 ports, and four international airports. Among them is Toronto Pearson International Airport, North America’s third most connected airport, ensuring the reliable and timely delivery of products to your customers.

Who’s here

We are home to pioneering companies and R&D that drive innovation in biopharma, medical devices, and health tech.

• 3M
• Abbott
• Apotex
• AstraZeneca
• Baxter
• Blue Rock Therapeutics
• Deep Genomics
• Fusion Pharmaceuticals
• GE Healthcare
• GSK
• Johnson & Johnson
• Novartis
• Octane
• Pfizer
• Recursion Canada
• Roche
• Sanofi
• Siemens
• Stryker
• Teva

A world-renowned healthcare and R&D ecosystem

Ontario is your life science partner, offering access to a dynamic ecosystem that includes global pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, Roche, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi, who conduct clinical trials and advance breakthroughs here. Our universities secure nearly $3.39 billion in sponsored research income annually to develop cutting edge innovations. Strong partnerships between academia, healthcare institutions, and businesses produce real-world medical solutions and life-saving solutions that are ready for global markets. By collaborating with Ontario companies, you benefit from our investment in cutting-edge technologies, a robust R&D environment and a reliable supply of critical pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatments essential to meet the needs of customers worldwide.

Highly skilled talent dedicated to research and innovation guarantees top notch

Ontario’s life sciences sector thrives on a steady flow of highly educated professionals, driving advancements in medical technologies and research. Two Ontario universities—the University of Toronto and McMaster University—are ranked among the top 60 worldwide for life sciences and medicine by the World University Rankings, underscoring our global leadership in education and life science.

With over 70,000 STEM graduates annually and 74% of working adults holding a post-secondary degree, Ontario boasts a highly skilled workforce that fuels breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and regenerative medicine. These experts excel in critical areas ensuring we remain a hub for cutting-edge research and sector advancements while nurturing your next generation of talent.