Life Sciences

Fueling global innovation with advanced research, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative ecosystem, Ontario is your source for next-generation solutions, backed by top global companies and world-class institutions.

  • 30,900

    medtech employees

  • $22.5B

    in annual medtech revenues (2023)

  • 370+

    pharmaceutical firms

  • 60%

    of Canada’s total life science revenue

  • $2.21B

    invested in R&D by research hospitals

  • 53%

    of the total life sciences workforce in Canada

  • 62%

    of the country’s total life sciences exports

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 exporting health care excellence globally. With a skilled workforce of 74,400 across 2,000 firms, the sector generates over $11.8 billion in exports and $80 billion in revenue (as of 2023). Ontario’s legacy of groundbreaking discoveries — from insulin and the first pacemaker to the cystic fibrosis gene — continues with innovations like the Radialis PET Camera and microbial inoculants, cementing its status as a global life sciences leader. Backed by the government’s Life Sciences Strategy, Ontario is growing its capacity for leading research and state-of-the-art manufacturing within an unmatched collaborative ecosystem.

A robust supply chain

Ontario’s logistics infrastructure ensures seamless delivery and reliability — Its diversified life sciences sector is bolstered by free trade agreements covering 51 countries, allowing products to move with significantly reduced barriers across North America, Europe and parts of Asia and South America. with a robust transportation network spanning 13,000 km of railway, 30 ports, 14 land border crossings and four international airports, including Toronto Pearson, North America’s most internationally connected airport.

A highly diversified life sciences sector

When it comes to life sciences, Ontario shines — from medtech and pharma to medical isotopes and next-gen health care. Here are a few subsector spotlights.

Medtech

Ontario’s medtech sector brings together more than 1,300 companies and 30,900 employees developing medical technologies across diagnostics, imaging, digital health and AI-enabled devices. Supported by world-class research hospitals and a large, integrated health care system, companies like GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers and Bayliss Medical help bring new technologies to market for international procurement and partnership.

Pharmaceutical

A hub of global pharmaceutical innovation, Ontario is home to industry leaders like AstraZeneca, Roche, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi, conducting clinical trials and advancing medical breakthroughs. With $3.8 billion in annual sponsored research in Ontario universities, a world-class R&D ecosystem and strong industry-academic partnerships, Ontario offers cutting-edge technologies, reliable supply chains and life-saving treatments ready for global markets.

Artificial intelligence

Ontario is a global AI life sciences leader invested in advancing ethical AI in health care. With breakthroughs in rapid drug discovery and AI-enabled hospital research, the province is improving health outcomes with AI. Sourcing from Ontario provides access to scalable, research-backed AI solutions that accelerate development, enhance clinical performance and meet global standards for responsible innovation.

Medical isotopes

Ontario is redefining medical isotope production. A global leader in nuclear science — with the first sustained nuclear chain reaction outside the United States — Ontario continues producing life-saving isotopes for cancer treatment, diagnostics and sterilization worldwide. Powering breakthroughs in cancer care, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, Ontario’s nuclear reactors and research facilities support the next generation of radiotherapies.

Next-gen health care

Ontario is a gateway to patient-centred health care innovation. From SickKids’ AI-driven genomics to brain-health breakthroughs by OBI and CAMH, Ontario leverages precision medicine, advanced computing and data-driven research to transform diagnosis and treatment. Supported by world-class infrastructure and hospital partnerships, Ontario is a dynamic hub for sourcing high-impact health care solutions that elevate patient care.

Highly skilled talent dedicated to research and innovation

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 86,000 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 Ontario remains a hub for research and sector advancements while nurturing your next generation of talent.

Who’s here

Ontario is home to leading companies that create high-quality products, fuel economic growth and are found in every corner of the supply chain.

  • Abbott
  • Apotex
  • AstraZeneca
  • AtomVie
  • Baxter
  • Blue Rock Therapeutics
  • Deep Genomics
  • Eurofins
  • Fusion Pharmaceuticals
  • GSK
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Octane
  • Roche
  • Sanofi Vaccines
  • Siemens Healthineers
  • Stryker
  • Teva

We are
here to help you

Our team is ready to support you as you explore Ontario’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem or expand your existing network. We are here to connect international businesses with top-tier Ontario partners, ensuring you find the right match to meet your needs and succeed in the global marketplace.

Contact Us