On September 9, 2024, Choose New Jersey facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The MOU aims to support startups and subject matter experts (SMEs) in life sciences, digital health solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced manufacturing.
“New Jersey is an innovation hub, home to the world’s most talented thinkers educated at our internationally recognized research universities and institutional partners,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The collaboration between NJIT and the Ontario Centre of Innovation brings together two innovation incubators that will pioneer the future of science and technology while creating new job opportunities for New Jersey workers and families.”
“Having attracted tens of billions in technology investments over the last three and a half years, Ontario has proudly established itself as one of the largest and most sought-after tech hubs in North America,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As we look to the future and continue strengthening our economic ties with the U.S., this collaboration between OCI and NJIT will be pivotal in fostering conditions for growth and innovation, helping unlock the opportunities of tomorrow on both sides of the border."
NJIT is New Jersey’s public polytechnic university specializing in STEM education, research, economic development, and service. The MOU will engage NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management, Office of Research, and its New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), including divisions focused on entrepreneurship, AI and machine learning, healthcare, and defense.
"This MOU with the Ontario Centre of Innovation represents a significant step forward in fostering cross-border collaboration in key areas of technology and innovation," said Dr. Teik C. Lim, President of NJIT. "At NJIT, we are committed to driving economic growth through innovation and research. By partnering with OCI, we are not only supporting startups and SMEs in New Jersey but also creating a bridge for knowledge exchange and commercialization opportunities that will benefit both regions. Together, we will accelerate advancements in life sciences, AI, digital health, and advanced manufacturing."
The Ontario Centre of Innovation connects Ontario innovators with researchers, industry partners, and funding needed to commercialize next-generation IP solutions.
"We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Technology," said Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO of OCI. "By combining Ontario's robust innovation ecosystem with New Jersey's cutting-edge technological expertise, we are not only driving economic growth but also creating new opportunities for startups, SMEs, entrepreneurs on both sides of the border."
“Ontario continues to be at the forefront of innovation,” said Raed Kadri from OCI. "This partnership with NJIT is integral to strengthening both jurisdictions’ leadership in fostering essential conditions for economic growth."
“New Jersey is an ecosystem for success,” said Wesley Mathews from Choose New Jersey. “This partnership supports our startups and SMEs by driving necessary collaboration essential for economic growth.”
For more information on this mission or to view the full MOU visit choosenj.com/CanadaMission.
Reporters may contact Mahen Gunaratna (mahen.gunaratna@nj.gov) or Ingrid Austin (iaustin@choosenj.com).
