I want to hear what is important to you – Take my local services survey!

Ontario Investing Funds to Support Made-in-Ontario Research and Innovation at the University of Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier University and Conestoga College 

Ontario Research Fund investments helping fuel economic growth in

Waterloo Region with new products and technologies

November 22, 2024

WATERLOO — The Ontario government is supporting made-in-Ontario innovation with an investment of over $92 million in research projects at universities, colleges, research institutes and research hospitals across the province. The funding, delivered through the Ontario Research Fund, supports ground-breaking research that will advance knowledge, drive innovation and create a better future for the people of Ontario.

“When we invest in research, we invest in our province’s future,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “These critical investments will ensure Ontario’s researchers can continue making discoveries that drive key sectors, create more well-paying jobs, and improve the lives of all Ontarians.”

More than 200 Ontario Research Fund projects will receive funding to help institutions cover the costs of their research operations and facilities, including building, renovating and equipping research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories.

A full list of funded projects in 2024 can be viewed here.

These investments are vital for advancing Ontario’s position at the forefront of innovation. Through the Ontario Research Fund, we are ensuring that the social and economic opportunities that result from discoveries made in Ontario benefit our people and our economy for years to come.

Quick Facts

  • Research projects supported through the Ontario Research Fund are selected through a rigorous and competitive peer review process.
  • In 2024, Ontario also invested $47.4 million for the infrastructure refresh of the province’s Advanced Research Computing (ARC) systems and $18 million for their ongoing operations and maintenance. These ARC systems are critical resources for researchers in Ontario.
  • The Ontario government is supporting the province’s innovators in developing, managing and commercializing their intellectual property through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), a government agency that was created in 2022.

Additional Resources