Aiming to establish a partnership to support the growth of startups and small and midsize enterprises in the life sciences, digital health solutions, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing industries, New Jersey Institute of Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ontario Centre of Innovation on Monday in Toronto.
The signing came on the Day 3 of the New Jersey-Canada Economic Mission trip, sponsored by Choose New Jersey.
Gov. Phil Murphy, who is leading a delegation of nearly three dozen — including NJIT President Tek Lim, said the partnership will have a huge impact in the state.
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“New Jersey is an innovation hub, home to the world’s most talented thinkers educated at our internationally recognized research universities, medical schools and institutional partners,” he said. “The collaboration between NJIT and the Ontario Centre of Innovation brings together two innovation incubators that will pioneer the future of science and technology, while creating new job opportunities for New Jersey workers and families.”
NJIT, already a leader in the state in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, research and economic development, will benefit from the partnership in many ways, Lim said.
The Ontario Centre of Innovation will engage NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management and the Office of Research. It also will interact with the New Jersey Innovation Institute, including its entrepreneurship, AI and machine learning, health care and defense divisions.
“This MOU with the Ontario Centre of Innovation represents a significant step forward in fostering cross-border collaboration in key areas of technology and innovation,” Lim said.
“At NJIT, we are committed to driving economic growth through innovation and research. By partnering with OCI, we are not only supporting startups and SMEs in New Jersey but also creating a bridge for knowledge exchange and commercialization opportunities that will benefit both regions. Together, we will accelerate advancements in life sciences, AI, digital health and advanced manufacturing, shaping a future of shared prosperity.”
The Ontario Centre of Innovation is funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. It aims to connect Ontario innovators with the researchers, industry partners and funding needed to commercialize the next generation of made-in-Ontario intellectual property and solutions.
CEO Claudia Krywiak said the organization was excited about the possibilities.
“We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Technology, which will accelerate innovation across some of the most critical sectors shaping our future,” she said.
“By combining Ontario’s robust innovation ecosystem with New Jersey’s cutting-edge technological expertise, we are not only driving economic growth, but also creating new opportunities for startups, SMEs and entrepreneurs on both sides of the border. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering cross-border innovation that will position Ontario and New Jersey as global leaders in AI, life sciences, health solutions and advanced manufacturing.”
Choose New Jersey CEO Wes Mathews said the partnership shows the powerful relationships the state can make in STEM-related fields.
“New Jersey is an ecosystem for success,” he said. “With the most engineers and scientists per square mile in the nation, New Jersey is equipped with the talent and resources to advance the work of pioneers in science and technology.
“This partnership supports our startups and SMEs, driving the necessary collaboration and investment essential for economic growth and advancement in technologies that will define our future.”
