BARRIE — The Ontario government is investing more than $47 million to support 195 research projects at universities, colleges and hospitals across the province, aiming to strengthen key industries, protect jobs and help Ontario businesses remain competitive in global markets.
The funding, delivered through the Ontario Research Fund, will back projects focused on real-world applications across sectors including agri-food, critical minerals, information technology, life sciences and manufacturing. The province said the investment is part of its broader plan to “protect Ontario” amid economic uncertainty, with an emphasis on advancing homegrown research and development.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario researchers are bolstering our critical industries with discoveries that cement our province as a global leader,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment in our world-class colleges, universities and hospitals will advance the sectors that drive our economy, create jobs, and save lives.”
Ontario said the funding can be used to build, renovate and acquire state-of-the-art equipment for critical research projects and research facilities. The government framed the spending as a way to translate academic and institutional research into economic growth, commercialization opportunities and workforce development — priorities that have become increasingly central as provinces compete for investment and talent.
The announcement was made at Georgian College in Barrie, one of the recipients of the new funding. Georgian College will receive nearly $1 million to upgrade its Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping, a facility that supports regional manufacturers through applied research, technical resources and advanced manufacturing tools.
The centre, launched in 2024, is expected to create up to 460 jobs while also training students and researchers in manufacturing-related fields, according to the province. Ontario positioned the investment as part of its push to strengthen advanced manufacturing capacity in communities outside the Greater Toronto Area, where employers have been grappling with labour shortages and pressure to modernize production.
“This funding is an important investment in innovation and in the people who drive it,” said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College. “As a Technology Access Centre, Georgian works closely with manufacturers and industry partners to solve complex challenges and accelerate innovation across priority sectors. We’re grateful for the Government of Ontario’s support to expand our Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping to further strengthen applied research and create even more hands-on learning opportunities for our students.”
The province said research projects supported through the Ontario Research Fund are selected through a competitive peer review process. The latest round of funding continues a multi-year pattern of provincial spending aimed at expanding Ontario’s research capacity and positioning the province as a leading destination for innovation within the G7.
Since taking office, the government has invested more than $2 billion into the research sector, including support for more than 1,800 research projects through the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs. The province said those programs have supported more than 150,000 training opportunities for researchers and students, contributed to nearly 500 patents being granted, and helped create 76 spin-off companies and 594 jobs at those spin-offs.
Industry groups representing Ontario’s post-secondary sector welcomed the investment, pointing to the role colleges and universities play in connecting research to market needs and helping businesses access innovation capacity.
“Investments through the Ontario Research Fund strengthen colleges’ partnerships with industry, accelerate made-in-Ontario solutions and support students and researchers driving growth in priority sectors,” said Maureen Adamson, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario.
“Through this investment in cutting-edge research at Ontario’s universities, researchers will be able to achieve innovative homegrown breakthroughs which will drive economic growth, support talent development, and attract investment – essential elements to protect and grow Ontario’s rapidly evolving economy,” said Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities.
Local elected officials also highlighted the regional economic impact of research infrastructure funding, particularly in communities seeking to attract skilled workers and build stronger ties between institutions and employers.
“This funding will help unlock key industry specific research that will help foster economic growth and promote Ontario as a leader across various disciplines. Having this research take place in our community will attract both industry professionals and students wishing to expand their understanding and further development in critical sectors,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte.
“I am pleased to see our government investing in innovation through the Ontario Research Fund, which strengthens our province’s position as a leader in cutting-edge research and economic growth. This funding for Georgian College will help attract top talent, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for partnerships that directly benefit our community. By driving research through projects like Georgian College’s, and the many others across the key sectors, we are fostering job creation, advancing new technologies, and building a more prosperous future for families and businesses in our region and throughout Ontario,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.
“Our government is making strategic investments that strengthen Ontario’s economy right here at home. This funding will help researchers and innovators at institutions like Georgian College drive cutting-edge discoveries, create good-paying local jobs, and ensure our region continues to play a vital role in keeping Ontario competitive on the global stage,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie–Innisfil.
The funding announcement follows other recent provincial investments tied to Ontario’s research and innovation agenda, including $18 million in September 2025 to boost production of medical isotopes at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor and $19.5 million in November 2025 to establish the Centre for Fusion Energy.
Ontario said the latest investment will help ensure the province remains one of the most competitive places to invest, grow and do business in the G7, as governments increasingly look to research capacity and commercialization outcomes as key drivers of long-term economic resilience.
