FAQs

• What is Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc.?

  Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research, Ontario Centres of Excellence invests in sectors such as advanced health technologies; information, communications and digital media; advanced manufacturing; cleantech including energy, environment and water; and social innovation.

  Ontario Centres of Excellence is a key partner in delivering Ontario's Innovation Agenda as a member of the province's Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE). Funded by the Government of Ontario, the ONE is Ontario's innovation system. The ONE is made up of regional and sector focused organizations designed to help Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their companies and create jobs.

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• Is OCE part of the Ontario government?

  OCE is an independent not-for-profit organization that is incorporated under Ontario law. Under that law, its members elect a board of directors who hold the same fiduciary and strategic responsibilities as any company. OCE has a contract with the Ontario government and under its terms, receives funding to carry out its mandate.

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• What exactly does OCE do?

  OCE accelerates innovation in Ontario through strategic investments in three key program areas: Commercialization, Talent and Technology Transfer. The Commercialization program partners industry with universities, colleges and research hospitals to collaborate on the development of new products, solutions and intellectual property, bringing them to market-readiness. The Talent program is focused on helping Ontario’s college and university students develop entrepreneurial and business skills. The Technology Transfer Partnerships Program improves public research institutions’ linkages with industry and their local economies.

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• Where is OCE located?

  OCE has primary offices in downtown Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Waterloo and London. We also have satellite offices in Hamilton and Markham.

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• Why is innovation so important?

  Innovation is a key component in Ontario’s new economy. Fostering a culture of innovation creates new jobs, products, services, technologies and businesses. The province’s colleges, universities and research hospitals are rich in ideas and technologies that can solve industry challenges and stimulate the economy. In order to do so, these ideas need to be moved from the lab to the marketplace. OCE works directly with academia and industry to bring prospective partners together and turn those ideas into income, which benefits all Ontarians.

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• How long has OCE been around?

  OCE was established in 1987 as a not-for-profit program with seven independent centres. These centres evolved and amalgamated into the Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc. in 2004.

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• Can I get funding from OCE?

  One of the services OCE offers is co-investment funding to help move ideas to income. Funding flows directly to the Ontario-based academic or research institution and in most cases is matched or exceeded by funds from the Ontario-based industry partner. OCE can also help with expertise in other sources of funding, business planning and management and intellectual property.

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• How do I get started with OCE?

  Visit our Getting Started page or contact a Business Development Manager in your region to discuss your project and how OCE can help.

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