Frequently asked questions

What is the Toronto Discovery District?

The Toronto Discovery District is a partnership of government, academic, and healthcare institutions coming together to form an integrated research environment, serving Canada ’s and the world’s bio-medical discovery community. The Toronto ’s Discovery District is responsible for over $500 million of research annually, taking research and innovation from bench to bedside, from concept to final product.

How are the technology transfer and commercialization offices of Toronto ’s Discovery District organized?

Technology arising from the Toronto ’s Discovery District can be accessed from the technology transfer offices of the member institutions. (Contact information on the individual Discovery District members is available on the profile page.)

What are some of the success stories of the Discovery District? Start-up ventures? Licenses? Sponsored research with industry?

Member institutions have worked with industry partners in everything from early-stage and pre-clinical research collaborations, up to and including human Phase III clinical trials. Toronto‘s research community has a long history of „firsts“, including anti-rabies vaccines, the heart pacemaker and „Pablum“, the first scientifically designed baby food. More recent breakthroughs include the isolation of T-Cell and Dopamine receptors, and genes for muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer, to name but a few.

What are the opportunities and services provided?

In-licensing/out-licensing and service opportunities abound. Please see the profile page as to the services provided to industry by the member institutions.

The federal and Ontario governments have initiated a number of incentive programs (ie. tax credits) to foster the development of a vibrant biotechnology industry. What are these incentive programs and how do they assist industry in reducing the cost of conducting research in Ontario ?

Conducting research within the Toronto Discovery District can reduce your research costs by up to 66%. Speak with any member institution representative and find out how partnering within Toronto ’s Discovery District can help you.