Toronto, Ontario — Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, as part of its Governor-led mission to Canada, on Sep 9th, facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), an Ontario not-for-profit corporation, and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The MOU establishes a partnership to support the growth of startups and subject matter experts (SMEs) in the life sciences, digital health solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced manufacturing industries. 

“New Jersey is an innovation hub, home to the world’s most talented thinkers educated at our internationally recognized research universities and institutional partners,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “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.”

??“Having attracted tens of billions in technology investments over the last three and a half years, Ontario has proudly established itself as one of the largest and most sought-after tech hubs in North America,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As we look to the future and continue strengthening our economic ties with the U.S., this collaboration between OCI and NJIT will be pivotal in fostering conditions for growth and innovation, helping unlock the opportunities of tomorrow on both sides of the border."

NJIT is New Jersey’s public polytechnic university and a leader in STEM education, research, and economic development, and service. The MOU will engage NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management, Office of Research, and its New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), including the NJII Entrepreneurship, AI and Machine Learning, Healthcare, 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," said Dr. Teik C. Lim, President of NJIT. "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, funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, connects Ontario innovators with the researchers, industry partners, and funding needed to commercialize the next generation of made-in-Ontario IP and solutions. 

"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,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “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."

“Ontario continues to be at the forefront of innovation and has established itself as a world leader in commercializing new cutting-edge technologies from AI to MedTech,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) at OCI. Building on our long tradition of cross-border collaboration with the U.S., this partnership with the State of New Jersey and NJIT is integral to strengthening both jurisdictions’ leadership in fostering the essential conditions for economic growth.

“New Jersey is an ecosystem for success. 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,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “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.”

To view the full MOU, click here.

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey Canada economic mission may contact Mahen Gunaratna ([email protected]) and Ingrid Austin (i[email protected]) or visit choosenj.com/CanadaMission for additional details.