The announcement was made by the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. Their visit to uOttawa underscored the province’s commitment to building a globally competitive life sciences sector.
“Ontario’s life sciences sector is a key driver of the province’s economy, which is why our government is playing an active role in backing strategic investments that support its long-term success,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The outfitting of the University of Ottawa’s Advanced Medical Research Centre and Ottawa Health Innovation Hub are an important next step in ensuring that our province has the critical wet lab infrastructure needed to unlock commercialization, foster research collaboration, and create the conditions for more Ontario-made breakthroughs.”
Minister Quinn emphasized the importance of research infrastructure in preparing future innovators:
“Research taking place at Ontario’s colleges and universities is propelling our key industries forward, creating jobs, and saving lives,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Our government’s investment to support a new wet lab at the Advanced Medical Research Centre and Ottawa Health Innovation Hub at the University of Ottawa will ensure Ontario remains an epicentre for life science innovation so that the people of Ontario benefit first and foremost from discoveries made in our own backyard.”
“This investment underscores Ontario’s commitment to building a world-class life sciences ecosystem that brings together the University, the health-care providers and industry partners.”
Marie-Eve Sylvestre
— University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor
Located on the Faculty of Medicine campus adjacent to major hospitals, the AMRC will serve as a dynamic hub for collaboration between researchers, clinicians and industry partners. The seven-storey, 350,000 square foot facility will also house the Ottawa Health Innovation Hub, a signature initiative designed to incubate startups, develop novel therapies and accelerate the translation of research into real-world health-care solutions.
Wet labs are specialized laboratory spaces designed to meet the unique needs of pre-clinical research; they are essential for conducting, testing and refining research that leads to new diagnostics, therapeutics and health technologies. The AMRC will address a critical shortage of wet lab space in the region, unlocking new opportunities for discovery and commercialization.
“This investment underscores Ontario’s commitment to building a world-class life sciences ecosystem that brings together the University, the health-care providers and industry partners,” said University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor Marie-Eve Sylvestre. “The Advanced Medical Research Centre, alongside the Ottawa Health Innovation Hub, will address urgent infrastructure and talent needs and accelerate the commercialization of made-in-Ottawa health innovations. Together, they will fuel economic growth, attract investment and improve patient care through cutting-edge research and innovation.”
“This investment is a critical step in bridging the gap between discovery and commercialization.”
Julie St-Pierre
— uOttawa Vice-President, Research and Innovation
“This investment is a critical step in bridging the gap between discovery and commercialization,” added uOttawa Vice-President, Research and Innovation Julie St-Pierre. “The AMRC offers a unique value proposition of wet lab space, access to researchers, core facilities and biomanufacturing expertise, all under one roof. It’s a launchpad for Canadian health innovations.”
With construction underway and doors set to open in 2026, the AMRC is poised to transform Ottawa into a global leader in life sciences and health innovation.
