ventureLAB, in partnership with York Region, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund, dedicated to supporting organizations that encourage innovation and cultivate diversity.
Life Sciences & Health Technology
Canadian drug manufacturer Apotex expanding Richmond Hill plant as city says more businesses are choosing locations there
The largest Canadian-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, Apotex, says it will expand its Richmond Hill facility, a move the company says will create more than 70 jobs.
York University’s Markham Campus puts experiential education at forefront with unique biotechnology programs
Two standout offerings are the master of biotechnology management (MBM) and graduate diploma in biotechnology programs. These courses were developed with direct input from industry professionals to ensure students gain relevant, practical experience.
Forging Connections and Driving Growth: A Recap of the 2024 MedTech Conference
The MedTech Conference in Toronto has come to an end and it was an exciting time and valuable experience! The 3-day event, which was leveraged to highlight the strength of York Region’s growing life sciences and health tech sector, was filled with insightful panels, engaging discussions, and dynamic networking sessions.
ventureLAB and Sterling Industries sign MOU to strengthen medtech innovation in Vaughan
ventureLAB, leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada located in York Region, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sterling Industries, a premier North American medical device contract manufacturer. This partnership highlights their shared commitment to accelerating the growth of the MedTech ecosystem in Vaughan.
York Region named one of ‘Canada’s Best Locations’ to invest by Site Selection Magazine
York Region is a top destination for business, innovation and talent and investing in business supports and services is integral to ensuring businesses and employees in York Region contribute to a strong economy.
Discover the top 5 reasons to join the Canadian delegation at the world’s largest industrial trade fair
Calling all York Region Manufacturers, Suppliers and Tech/Automation Providers! In April 2025, Canada will proudly headline Hannover Messe, the world’s largest showcase of advanced manufacturing and energy solutions. Discover the advantages of participating as an exhibitor and sign up now!
How ventureLAB is helping a Brazilian medical device startup build credibility in the Canadian market
“Many people ask me: why Canada instead of the US? And my answer to them is: why not Canada?” he said. “We could see not only how powerful Canada is, but also how reliable the Canadian ecosystem is.”
Vaughan-based Novel Biotechnology Receives $500,000 in funding from Ontario’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund
The Ontario government is investing $5.5 million to help 11 companies in the life sciences sector develop and launch made-in-Ontario health care technologies and innovations.
New healthcare distribution centre uses AI-robots to ‘optimize’ efficiency opened in Vaughan
An advanced medical supply distribution centre opened Tuesday in the Concord area of Vaughan and operates using robotic technology.
Canadian healthcare tech gets a shot in the arm; featuring Aurora-based Skinopathy
While it’s typically Canadian to not toot our own horn, the country is packed with health-care companies — big and small — with smart solutions to help us live healthier lives. By leveraging technology, including AI, we’re able to better access (and understand) our medical scans, keep a digital eye on our aging loved ones living alone at home, use our smartphone’s camera to detect skin cancer and access trustworthy medical videos rather than Googling symptoms across random sites (and panicking at the misdiagnosis).
Mackenzie Health launches innovative IV pump technology at facilities
This type of connectivity allows health-care workers to focus more on patient care and less on time-consuming manual processes that often require multiple steps to program an infusion.
Markham headquartered Enghouse Video partners with SONIFI Health to deliver advanced telehealth solutions In hospital rooms
Enghouse’s VidyoRooms solution, a sophisticated video conferencing technology that combines both software and hardware solutions, has been fully integrated into SONIFI Health’s interactive TV systems.
How VCycene creates a cleaner, healthier future for Canadians
Learn how Vcycene, one of ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative companies, is addressing Canada’s significant food waste issue with their innovative cleantech solution.
York University medical school to open in Vaughan in 2028
The provincial government’s 2024 budget, released last week, included an initial $9 million for the design work on the new facility.
Canadian Life Science and Technology Park, Allyant, and IPS-Integrated Project Services, ULC Announce Strategic Partnership for Development of a Life Science, Healthcare, and Technology Park in Georgina
In the initial phase, this collaborative effort will begin with the development and site master planning of a 56-acre site in Georgina, Ontario, situated within the Keswick Business Park. This park aims to serve a wide array of sectors, attracting tenants and clients from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, bioprocessing, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), warehousing, healthcare, academia, digital and technology sectors, and other related fields.
Meet Yihong Qi: Markham-based Pontosense’s CTO and Co-Founder
Pontosense is changing how we monitor ourselves by replacing bulky wearable devices with artificial intelligence and advanced sensors. This change in how biometric data is collected and analyzed may seem like something out of science fiction.
York Region thrives as business hub where talent and opportunity intersect
“Identifying challenges in the business community and taking action to overcome them is the backbone of the 2024 to 2027 Economic Development Action Plan,” said City of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, Chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development. “The 2024 to 2027 Action Plan builds on important work already underway to complement our partners’ efforts and drive economic prosperity together.”
Newmarket-based Southlake Hospital makes best hospitals list for Ontario, Canada for 6th year
“It’s an honour for Southlake to be recognized among the best hospitals in the country for six years in a row,” said Southlake president and chief executive officer Dr. Paul Wood.
Revolutionizing breast health screening with Canada Catalyst Company, Linda Lifetech
ventureLAB is proud to proud to shine the spotlight on a Canada Catalyst company, Linda Lifetech, a company that’s transforming breast health screening with cutting-edge technology.
Shaping Tomorrow: ventureLAB Unveils Innovative TechEdge Program
ventureLAB is thrilled to unveil the TechEdge program that propels startups by equipping them with the resources, insights and networks.
Aurora-based Skinopathy makes CIX 2024 Top 20 Startup List
The CIX Top 20 Early and Top 10 Growth Awards recognize outstanding Canadian tech companies in early and growth stages.
Markham headquartered Sentrex Health Solutions expands innovative healthcare services with strategic acquisition of PerCuro Clinical Research Ltd.
Both organizations are dedicated to delivering seamless care through this transition, while ensuring continued high-quality care for all patients and stakeholders involved.
York Region creates new plan to boost business, economy, workforce
York Region business and research leaders are welcoming a new strategy to help develop the regional economy and businesses.
Announcing the 7th Cohort of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative
The selection process for cohort 7 was highly competitive, including a rigorous bootcamp to ensure the selected companies were primed for success in the hardware industry, which is notoriously known for long lead times for product validation and securing investment.
Advisor series: building stronger ventures with diversified strengths
In the ever-evolving world of startups, building successful ventures goes beyond just innovative ideas and market analysis – it lies in the strength and diversity of your startup’s team.
Announcing the third cohort of ventureLAB’s Accelerate AI
ventureLAB is proud to announce the 3rd cohort of the Accelerate AI program. This transformative 6-month program is designed to champion the growth and scaling of AI startups, empowering them to deliver cutting-edge solutions and applications that tackle the challenges in the modern industry!
Government of Canada supports expansion of services at ventureLAB
$4.5 million for the next phase of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, supporting 30 technology companies while creating and maintaining over 170 jobs in southern Ontario.
York Region giving $1.08M boost to international, women-led businesses
The funding proposed would be over three years and would come from the region’s Innovation Investment Fund, which the region includes in its budget to support innovative projects on an application basis.
AbbVie Canada expanding and celebrates over a decade of thriving in Markham
“That’s why we needed a bigger office as the new home in Markham, to welcome the Ontario-based employees,” Murphy said. “We wanted to build an environment that stimulates collaboration, innovation and inspires us.”