Johnson and Johnson to open first Canadian JLABS incubator in Ontario

The facility, dubbed JLABS @ Toronto, is due to open in spring 2016. It will serve as a home for about 50 startups focused on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer and digital health.

It will be situated at the MaRS West Tower. The Ontario Government, University of Toronto, and MaRS Discovery District (MaRS) are collaborating with Janssen to launch the first JLABS Incubator outside the US.

JLABS @ Toronto will provide startups with access to talent and mentors, large existing companies and research universities, capital and convergence opportunities with other sectors.

After completion, the facility will feature modular and scalable lab space, equipment, with access to scientific, industry and capital funding experts.

The space will also include JLABS’ inaugural device and digital prototype lab that will offer entrepreneurs with access to tools as well as skills building programs for designing and developing smart health technologies.

Hospital participants include the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Sinai Health System, St. Michael’s Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and University Health Network.

The Ontario Government has announced a $19.4m investment in JLABS @ Toronto via the Strategic Partnerships Stream of the Jobs and Prosperity Fund.

Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure Brad Duguid said: "The arrival of the Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS model to MaRS’ West Tower reinforces Ontario’s position as one of the world’s leading life sciences clusters.

"JLABS @ Toronto will support researchers and entrepreneurs across the province and accelerate the development of Ontario companies while connecting Toronto to potential Johnson & Johnson collaborators and investors."