Ontario Investing Nearly $4.5 Million for Research and Innovation in Ottawa
January 21, 2026
Groundbreaking research at Carleton University, University of Ottawa, and La Cité Collégiale will protect jobs and keep Ontario competitive in the global market
NEWS January 21, 2026
OTTAWA — The Ontario government is investing nearly $4.5 million in research projects at Carleton University, University of Ottawa, and La Cité Collégiale. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, supporting homegrown research at Ottawa post-secondary institutions will lead to groundbreaking discoveries and real-world applications that protect good-paying jobs, improve lives and keep Ottawa’s businesses on the cutting edge of innovation to compete in the global market.
“Our government’s investment in Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions will strengthen research and innovation, support good-paying jobs, and help Ontario remain competitive,” said George Darouze, MPP for Carleton. “By supporting researchers, modern facilities, and hands-on learning, we are giving students and innovators the tools to turn ideas into real-world solutions for communities across the province.”
This investment is part of the government’s $47 million investment to support 195 cutting-edge projects through the Ontario Research Fund. Colleges, universities and hospitals can use the funding to build, renovate and acquire state-of-the-art equipment for critical research projects and research facilities. The projects will drive economic growth and innovation in key sectors like agri-food, critical minerals, information technology, life sciences and manufacturing.
In Ottawa, homegrown research at Carleton University, University of Ottawa, and La Cité Collégiale will support research in a variety of fields including healthcare and environmental and energy sustainability, as well as capacity building to develop sustainable foods.
“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.”
By supporting high impact, homegrown research, the province is continuing is ensure Ontario remains one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7.
QUICK FACTS
• Research projects supported through the Ontario Research Fund are selected through a rigorous and competitive peer review process.
• Since taking office, the government has invested over $2 billion into the research sector, including support for over 1,800 research projects through the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs.
• The Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs have supported the creation of more than 150,000 training opportunities for researchers and students across the province, and contributed to nearly 500 patents being granted, 76 spin-off companies being created and 594 new jobs at those spin-offs.
• In September 2025, Ontario invested $18 million to boost the production of life-saving medical isotopes at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.
• In November 2025, Ontario provided $19.5 million to establish the Centre for Fusion Energy, advancing clean energy research.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Learn about research funding in Ontario
• Read about phase 2 of Ontario’s Life Sciences Strategy
• Discover how the McMaster Nuclear Reactor supports cancer care in Ontario
• Learn more about Intellectual Property Ontario
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MEDIA CONTACTS
For additional information, please contact:
Office of George Darouze, MPP
613-838-4425
george.darouze@pc.ola.org