Ontario Investing $1.9 Million to Drive Local Research and Innovation in York Region

February 27, 2026

Groundbreaking research at York University will protect jobs and keep Ontario competitive in the global market

NEWS	February 27, 2026

YORK REGION — The Ontario government is investing over $1.9 million in research projects at York University. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, supporting homegrown research at York University will lead to groundbreaking discoveries and real-world applications that protect good-paying jobs, improve lives and keep York Region’s businesses on the cutting edge of innovation to compete in the global market.

“This $1.9 million investment in York University is a powerful vote of confidence in the talent, ingenuity, and leadership we have right here in York Region,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “By supporting cutting-edge research, our government is helping turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. This funding will not only drive scientific discovery and improve lives, but also protect good-paying jobs, strengthen our local economy, and ensure York Region remains at the forefront of global innovation.”

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.

Homegrown research at York University will collectively seek to advance cutting-edge research and innovation across health, technology, and society. They include new infrastructure to study brain function in real-world settings, nerve cell communication, cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular health, aging and fall risk, muscular disease, and early neurodevelopment. Other initiatives focus on AI for health equity and smart cities, advanced manufacturing for robotics and space systems, water quality and cleantech research, disability-centered design, and legal technologies to promote algorithmic justice. Together, these projects aim to drive scientific discovery, improve health outcomes, foster inclusion, and strengthen Ontario’s innovation economy.

“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.