The University of Toronto has recently announced a major collaboration with Janssen Inc. and the Ontario government to launch the Johnson & Johnson Innovation incubator (JLABS) in Toronto. The brand new 40,000 square foot space at the MaRS Discovery District will launch in spring 2016 and will support researchers and entrepreneurs with lab space, mentorship programs, and potential investment opportunities. The incubator will focus on startups working with early-stage technologies in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health.

The recent collaboration will extend the Johnson & Johnson Innovation program for the first time outside the United States. The Toronto location will join similar ventures in San Francisco, San Diego and Boston. As a leader of biomedical research and innovation in Canada, the University of Toronto will in collaboration with the Ontario government invest $19.4 million to the program to support the province’s growing life science sector.

Read more in The Varsity.