AI in Healthcare Research Internships

The University of Toronto’s Master of Science in Applied Computing Program (MScAC) is inviting industry partners and hospitals to participate in a unique opportunity to host computer science graduate students for 8-month applied research internships. 

MScAC students are trained in AI in healthcare and life sciences, and possess strong technical skills in machine learning, data science, computational biology/informatics, and software engineering, and are seeking real-world challenges in healthcare. Utilize MScAC expertise to solve complex technological challenges, pilot innovative ideas through rapid prototyping and proof of concept development, and build, test, and evaluate models using state-of-the-art tools, frameworks, and methods. The MScAC program has a partnership with Mitacs that can be leveraged to help subsidize internships for eligible partners. 

 Timeline:

Internships take place from May 2026 – December 2026. Project submission opens October 14th, 2025.

 Application Process:

If you are interested in participating and/or learning more, please email Daniele Chirico or the team.

C2MP – Canada Chicago Mentoring Program

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is partnering with MATTER, the leading life sciences and healthcare incubator in Chicago, to deliver the Canada-Chicago Mentoring Program (C2MP). The program will provide strategic guidance through team-based mentoring to five Canadian start-ups in the C2MP cohort. Accepted applicants will benefit from mentoring and guidance to sharpen their go-to-market strategy.

 Selected businesses will participate in an 8-month mentoring program that includes:

• a virtual day of acceleration 

• monthly meetings with your dedicated mentoring team

• educational workshops 

• an in-person pitch presentation at the end of the program 

This program is hybrid, with at least one visit to Chicago as well as virtual meetings from February to September 2026.  

Application deadline: October 24, 2025.

Build your best team yet: Become an I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer in 2026

In today’s job market, people want more than pay. They want flexible work arrangements, a culture of belonging, strong leadership and opportunities for growth and learning. These are some of the everyday practices recognized by BioTalent Canada’s I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer Recognition Program.This program lets you confidently and credibly brand your workplace as more than just a job. It shows employees you provide careers where they want to grow and belong.

The deadline to apply is November 28, 2025.

Apply to the Merck Digital Sciences Studio

Applications are now open for our 2026 cohort!

The Merck Digital Sciences Studio (MDSS) is a nine-month accelerator that invests in and supports early-stage startups developing digitally enabled technologies for drug discovery, pre-clinical, and clinical development.

Selected startups gain direct access to Merck experts, personalized mentoring from Centech advisors, and a SAFE investment from the Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (GHI), in collaboration with regional partners The Venture Collective (United States) and CQDM (Canada). Through this collaborative approach, MDSS connects innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to accelerate breakthroughs in health technology.

Apply before November 28.

Industry-Based Internships in the Regenerative Medicine Sector

The SCN-Mitacs industry-based internship partnership aims to pair the brightest graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with RM-focused biotech companies that are moving innovative therapies and technologies into the marketplace. This internship partnership is offered through the Mitacs Accelerate program and will match candidates with Canadian companies to complete an eight-month internship. Successful candidates will gain exposure to and work experience in industry and develop fundamental technical and business skills by undertaking a stem cell and regenerative medicine-related project.

Fill this expression of interest by December 5.

StartUps in the 6ix 2025

StartUps in the 6ix is back for its 3rd rendition! Come out and join the digital health emerging leader and startup community for an exciting night of learning and connecting. We’ll have a fireside chat featuring Tomi Poutanen, CEO, Signal 1, moderated by Joshua Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of SeamlessMD, followed by a startup expo to feature digital health startups in the Ontario ecosystem!

Call for proposals: Computer-Assisted Navigation Systems for Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Through the Health Innovation Pathway, Ontario Health is launching a time-limited technology project to expand access and further understand the benefits of adopting computer-assisted navigation systems for total hip and/or total knee arthroplasty in patients with chronic and debilitating end-stage arthritic conditions in Ontario.

Health service teams based in community or academic Ontario hospitals currently performing hip and/or knee arthroplasty without computer-assisted navigation systems can receive up to $5,000,000 for capital, operating and associated administrative costs

How to submit a proposal:

Proposal template and submission details can be found in the online application form.

For questions about the submission of proposals, please contact HealthInnovationPathway@ontariohealth.ca.

Application deadline: May 29, 2026.

CanExport SMEs is now accepting applications

The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.

The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services. 

Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.

Application deadline: May 29, 2026.

Developing Medicines through Open Science (DMOS)

The Developing Medicines through Open Science (DMOS) program offers support and partnership opportunities for preclinical and clinical drug development in areas where open sharing and collaboration are key to advancement and where market solutions are limited.

This program aims to foster collaborations that undertake preclinical and clinical work to develop drug candidates in areas of unmet medical need, establish proof of concept (POC) for an open science path to drug development and further translate innovations into affordable medicines, generate economic activity, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada.

For any program-related questions, write to Senior Program Manager, Resham Chhabra.

Canada – South Korea 2026-2027 collaborative industrial research and development call for proposals

This competitive call for proposals is open to organizations from Canada and South Korea that wish to form project consortia to conduct collaborative projects focused on developing innovative products, processes, or technology-based services in the sectors identified below.

Application deadlines:

• Canadian registration deadline: April 7, 2026

• Canadian expression of interest deadline: April 21, 2026

• International consortium project proposal deadline: June 26, 2026

Sectors of focus:

This call for proposals is open to projects in the following sectors:

• Advanced manufacturing, including smart factory and smart manufacturing, advanced materials, automotive manufacturing, robotics and automation

• Clean technologies, including water and wastewater management, smart grid and energy storage, battery-related technologies, renewable energy, hydrogen technologies and carbon management.

• Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence for industry, cybersecurity, smart vehicle, and smart cities.

• Health and biosciences, including pharmaceuticals, digital health, medical devices and mobile health.

• Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, cryptography, imaging, security, and quantum materials.

SCN's Silver Anniversary Awards

For 25 years, the Stem Cell Network has worked to transform lives through regenerative medicine in Canada — and people are at the heart of that progress.

Researchers, trainees, clinicians, volunteers, partners, and patient champions have driven discovery, translation, and impact across the country. Their ideas, leadership, and commitment have not only moved the field forward, but have also shaped SCN itself and sustained our work for a quarter century.

To mark this milestone, they are presenting the Stem Cell Network’s 25th Anniversary “25 for 25” Silver Anniversary Awards, honouring 25 outstanding individuals or groups whose contributions have strengthened Canada’s regenerative medicine ecosystem and helped define SCN over the past 25 years.

Help recognize excellence in Canada’s regenerative medicine community by nominating a colleague, organization, or group for one of five award categories. 

Funding Available for Your Biopharmaceutical Projects

Quantum Leap supports SMEs and universities in carrying out translational biopharmaceutical research projects aimed at developing technologies relevant to the R&D activities of CQDM’s pharmaceutical members.

Next application deadline: May 14, 2026.
For more information, please write to Jesse Paterson.

Funding Opportunity to Support Innovation in Quebec’s Biopharma Sector

The biopharmaceutical R&D funding program is designed to support innovation in Quebec companies through the implementation of research projects in collaboration with Quebec's public research centres. 

Next application deadline: June 6, 2026.
For more information, please write to Mathieu Paquette.

RESI 2026

RESI Europe 2026 - March 23, 2026

Virtual Partnering - March 24 & 25, 30 & 31, 2026

RESI San Diego - June 22

Virtual Partnering - June 23 & 24, 29 & 30, 2026

OBIO® members can access exclusive discount codes by logging into the member portal.

RESI Boston - September 22-23

Virtual Partnering - September 25, 28-29, 2026

Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Health and Life Science (HLS) Research on International Space Station (ISS) (ISS AO 2026)

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is interested in human spaceflight and maintaining a healthy and highly qualified astronaut corps capable of participating in space exploration missions. Also, the CSA aims to enable scientific opportunities and global partnerships, and to harness space to solve everyday challenges for Canadians.

To support this goal, the CSA's Health and Life Sciences (HLS) group supports activities generating knowledge in fields that sustain human space flights, mitigate health risks, and lead to countermeasures for those missions. Canadian utilization of the International Space Station (ISS) focuses on research that addresses health risks of spaceflight. Eligible proposals must lead to a better understanding of these risks or generate information supporting the development of countermeasures.

AO Objectives:

Through this AO, the CSA is seeking to financially support Canadian researchers who will design and implement scientific protocols to investigate health risks associated with space travel. More specifically, submitted projects shall clearly demonstrate that they:

• Contribute to the understanding, mitigation or elimination of health risks associated with human space flight.

• Contribute to a better understanding of similar health issues or applications on Earth.

• Propose innovative space life science studies to be conducted on the ISS using non-human research models.

• Foster training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in space health and life sciences.

Applications due July 24, 2026.

National Research Council Canada - Eureka Network Canada Call for Proposals (Winter-Spring 2026)

Canadian SMEs and other Canadian organizations in all sectors of focus are invited to apply to co-innovate with partners from any of 40+ Eureka member countries and gain access to global supply chains and new markets, technologies, and skills.

Registration deadline (Canadian SME applicants only): April 30, 2026.

BioTalent Canada’s Recruitment and Retention Solutions

BioTalent Canada’s Recruitment and Retention Solutions provide employer supports that help reduce the financial risk of hiring, while enabling organizations to benefit from the fresh perspectives, skills, and talent students bring to the table. 

In fact, 59.3% of surveyed employers report that access to the creativity, knowledge, and skills of post-secondary students is the main benefit of BioTalent’s employment support programs, such as the Student Work Placement Program. 

One example is the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program, which helps employers hire post-secondary graduates for environment-related STEM roles. 

Whether you’re planning your next hire or exploring available supports, BioTalent Canada offers solutions designed to meet you where you are. 

Explore available supports to help you hire or connect with our team to learn more. 

For more info, write to Soufiane.

PwC Scale Program Cloud in Healthcare

The program is designed to help international founders:

• De‑risk market entry into Germany and Europe through hands‑on local GTM, regulatory, and compliance expertise

• Use certification and regulation (e.g. BSI C5, DiGA pathways) as a competitive advantage rather than a blocker

• Gain direct access to corporates, clinics, and ecosystem partners at the right moment, shortening sales cycles in regulated environments

• Leverage Germany as a launchpad - once solved here, scaling across Europe becomes significantly easier

For more information, check out this brochure.

AI-driven Medicines (AIM)

The AI-driven Medicines (AIM) program aims to drive transformative research that leverages computational or digital-based methods and tools to address critical, real-world challenges in the discovery and development of accessible and affordable medicines. This initiative focuses on supporting the development of innovative methodologies and tools to accelerate the drug discovery and development pipeline, bridging the gap between advanced computational theory and practical therapeutic applications.

Application deadline is December 31, 2026.

Applications open for DayOne Accelerator

The DayOne Accelerator 2026 call for applications is now open! The program supports Swiss and international early-stage healthtech and techbio  startups developing solutions that accelerate pharma R&D.

Program overview:

·       3-month hybrid accelerator based in Basel, Switzerland

·       Access to pharma experts and Basel’s leading life sciences network

·       1:1 mentorship to refine your pharma-specific value proposition

·       Equity-freeand fee-free program

·       Post-program support through DayOne NEXT: up to CHF 50K cash grant, up to CHF 50K services, 12 months office space (conditions apply)

Who should apply:

Early-stage healthtech and techbio startups (Pre-Seed to Series A, <$10M dilutive funding raised) building solutions for pharma R&D and looking to collaborate or partner with pharmaceutical companies.

Join the “Ask Me Anything” webinar on May 7, 16:00–17:00 CET. Register here.

Application deadline: May 31, 2026.

Applications for the UTEST program are now open

The University of Toronto Early-Stage Technology (UTEST) program provides support to U of T entrepreneurs to create research-based companies. In partnership with Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP) and with the financial support of the Connaught Fund, it provides companies with investment capital, mentoring, business strategy and incubation space at the University of Toronto St. George Campus. 

Deadline for all submissions is May 14, 2026.

Applications Open for the Platinum Program

TIAP has partnered with Mission BioCapital on their Platinum Program, with winners of their Platinum Ticket receiving up to $500K in pre-seed capital, lab space at the new BioLabs University of Toronto and mentorship from the accomplished MBC team and their amazing slate of sponsors.

Applications open until May 15, 2026.

Free workplace sexual harassment courses for bio-economy employers

Workplace sexual harassment can affect everything that matters in an organization: people, productivity, and reputation. You may not think about it every day, but someone on your team might. Many workers never report what they experience, often because they fear consequences or believe nothing will change (Respect at Work, 2021).

BioTalent Canada offers free, bilingual workplace sexual harassment courses designed specifically for SMEs in Canada’s bio-economy. Developed with legal experts and informed by employers and employees, the training reflects real-world situations in labs, offices and on teams like yours.

In two self-paced, 45-minute sessions, participants learn how to: recognize and prevent sexual harassment, respond in a safe, trauma-informed way and strengthen trust and productivity across their organization. These practical, flexible courses are built for busy leaders and teams. Employers can start when it works for them and begin making their workplaces safer the same day.

DiscoveryX

DiscoveryX is Canada’s premier innovation event, hosted by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). Each year, DiscoveryX brings together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, government, and industry leaders to showcase the power of Ontario innovation. Hosted in Toronto, DiscoveryX is Where Next Happens in Ontario.

Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®, will be part of the panel “Agentic AI in Pharma Manufacturing Excellence” on April 30.

STERIS Master Class: Applied Cleaning Validation

The STERIS Master Class: Applied Cleaning Validation is an intensive, hands-on course designed to tackle real-world challenges in biomanufacturing. Learn current best practices, regulatory expectations, and validation strategies while gaining practical experience in a GMP-simulated environment.

Mexican Life Sciences Trade Mission to Canada

This trade mission, organized by the Mexican government, will bring a delegation of Mexican companies seeking Canadian partners across 10 sectors. As part of the program, Canadian companies may have the opportunity to participate in pre‑arranged B2B meetings with Mexican firms interested in partnerships, sourcing, investment, and market expansion. 

The  Mexican Trade Mission to Canada will take place on:

May 7 - Toronto

May 8 - Montréal

This initiative may be of interest to companies looking to:

• Diversify or strengthen North American supply chains

• Explore commercial partnerships with Mexico

• Engage with Mexican companies active in selected sectors (Infrastructure, Agro‑industry and agri‑food, Manufacturing and advanced manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals and life sciences, Energy, Logistics and transportation, Education and training services, Innovation and intellectual property (patents, R&D), Creative industries, Investment funds and financial services)

Canadian companies are invited to register their interest in participating in B2B meetings via the Mexico government’s official Mission website, here.

Please note that Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy is responsible for the mission’s business program elements and B2Bs. The TCS encourages interested companies to contact the Mexican organizers directly for any questions.

Ontario tech mission to Vancouver’s WebSummit

The Government of Ontario is considering organizing a Technology Export Business Mission to WebSummit in Vancouver for up to 30 Ontario tech firms. Ideal sub-sectors include AI & Quantum, Life sciences, Cleantech, Agritech, Oceantech, Creative, Proptech, Fintech. WebSummit is part of a global tech series that expects to attract 20,000 attendees and 800 investors from 100+ countries.  Participation in this mission would offer Ontario companies an opportunity to showcase the province’s competitive advantage in the ICT sector to international partners, investors, and industry leaders. The program would feature two participation streams, both with value‑added programming such as a briefing on procurement and financing opportunities (May 4), a B2B matchmaking program (May 5), and participation at a networking session. The exact mission registration fee will be provided as part of the mission registration package; travel and accommodation are extra. There are two participation streams: Stream A: 1‑day turn‑key branded exhibit space with 1 pass for access all 3 days, plus value‑added programming; estimated cost: $800. Stream B: 3-day turn‑key branded exhibit space 3 passes for access all 3 days, plus value‑added programming; estimated cost: $2,500.

Deadline to apply (priority for first applicants): March 13, 2026. Submit your Expression of Interest to Expression of Interest - Ontario tech mission to WebSummit, May 11-14, 2026 – Fill out form.

For more information, please contact Mauricio Ospina. 

Canadian Life Sciences Trade Mission - New York and New Jersey

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in New York, in collaboration with provincial governments, is organizing a life sciences trade mission to the New York and New Jersey corridor - home to the largest concentration of pharma, biotech, and life sciences decision-makers in the United States.

​This mission is designed for Canadian companies looking to build partnerships, explore market opportunities, and make meaningful connections with US industry leaders across the life sciences ecosystem.

Deadline to apply is Friday, May 1.

Defence Export Mission to Eurosatory 2026

The Government of Ontario is organizing a Defence Export Mission to Eurosatory 2026, the world’s leading international exhibition for land and air-land defence and security industries. Held every two years in Paris, France, Eurosatory brings together global defence manufacturers, military officials, government delegations, and security professionals to showcase cutting-edge technologies and build strategic partnerships. Exhibiting in the Ontario Pavilion at the Eurosatory 2026 will provide Ontario companies with direct access to international buyers, defence procurement agencies, system integrators, and distribution partners from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and other global markets.

The mission program will include pre-mission webinars, 1:1 export advice and consultation, a turn-key kiosk/pod exhibit space, a company listing on the show directory, access to conference sessions, and shared Ontario Pavilion amenities such as dedicated areas for private meetings, daily cleaning, waste removal, and more. Exhibit spaces in the Ontario Pavilion are limited and will be given to companies that have registered and paid in full, on a first come, first served basis.

Mission Registration Fee: $4,500 CAD (taxes included). Upon acceptance into this mission, you will be sent a link to complete the registration process and submit payment. 

Apply by: March 23, 2026 at Ontario Export Business Missions | Application Form.

For more information, please write to Michael Shklyar.

Ontario at BIO 2026

The Ontario government in collaboration with the Ontario Trade and Investment Office in San Francisco, and the Trade Commissioner Service, invites you to join the Ontario Export Business Mission to the Biotechnology International Convention (BIO).  BIO serves a major link connecting Ontario life sciences companies with potential partners, customers and investors from the US and international markets.  Located in Washington, DC, BIO is the most prominent organization dedicated to life sciences/biotechnology. The focus of this mission will be on the 3-day BIO business partnering program.  While this program does not include and exhibit opportunity, Invest Ontario will have a presence in the exhibition hall that will serve as a convenient meeting place for mission participants.  BIO regularly attracts over 20,000 international attendees. 

The mission program will include the following:

• Pre-event webinars delivered by the BIO staff

• Full access to the BIO business partnering, conference educational sessions

• Networking events

• 1:1 consulting

• Listing in the Ontario Directory of Exhibitors

• Preferred hotel rates

• On-site assistance throughout the event

  Mission Registration Fee: CAD $1175.00.  

  Apply by: March 19, 2026.  

  To apply and for more information, please write to Patricia Cosgrove.