Genomics in Ontario

The genomics sector in Ontario consists of the individuals, institutions, and associations--a sub-set of the province's life-sciences industry--who are working:

• to create deeper understanding in the life sciences through genomics;
• to generate and maintain genomics resources (databases, instruments, reagents, software) for use in the public and private sectors;
• to translate this understanding and these resources into products which may be beneficial to society through the development of new products and services that can be distributed in the commercial marketplace.

This industry includes universities and private research institutions, individual and institutional investors, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and related companies, and the various public and private institutions devoted to servicing and supporting these enterprises.

There are more than 500 scientists conducting research in genomics located at 20 universities, research institutions, hospitals and government laboratories across the province. These individuals are generating genomics discoveries and innovations as well as using genomic tools and products.

Life Sciences Industry

• More than half the country's brand-name pharmaceutical and medical devices industries and almost half the medical biotechnology industry are located in Ontario.

• Ontario is North America's 3rd largest regional concentration of biotechnology firms and the 6th largest in revenues earned.

• The province's bio-medical sector employs more than 33,000 highly educated people and posted more than $1.0 billion in revenues in 2002.

• The biotechnology sector is built on world-class science and is involved in leading edge research in molecular biology and medical genetics.

• Ontario's pharmaceutical sector employs more than 15,000 talented people and includes global giants like GlaxoSmithKline, Amgen, Biogen, Genzyme, Eli Lilly, Pfizer and home-grown stars like Biovail Corporation, Apotex, and Patheon.

• Ontario has achieved worldwide recognition as a site for clinical trials because of its large and ethnically diverse patient population and a centrally managed public health-care system.

• Ontario's medical devices sector employs more than 19,000 highly educated people and comprises more than 500 manufacturing companies that include global subsidiaries as well as niche-driven domestic companies.

• Ontario's agricultural-biotech / bioproducts sector employs more than 6,000 people, including 700 scientists and invests $166 million annually in agricultural-food research at 12 world-class institutions.

• This sector works closely with the manufacturing sector in the production of bio-chemicals and bio-fuels.

• Ontario ranks in the top three jurisdictions in North America in terms of workforce and R&D expenditures in the agricultural-biotechnology sector.

For more information on institutions, researchers and genomics projects, please see our search page.

Finally, there are number of technology platforms scattered throughout the province of Ontario, providing world class support and infrastructure for innovative research and services in genomics and proteomics. Further information on these can found on our search page.