Ontario Welcomes $294 Million Investment in the Life Sciences Sector

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TORONTO - The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of $294 million from Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company, to expand its Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) in Toronto. Building on a strong foundation of more than 150 employees, the expansion of Sanofi's AI CoE will leverage the province's skilled workforce to create 50 new good-paying jobs while reinforcing Ontario's position as a global leader in life sciences and artificial intelligence (AI).

"Our government is proud to welcome this exciting new investment and to support Sanofi as they continue expanding their footprint here in Ontario," said Premier Doug Ford. "Today's announcement is a clear demonstration of Sanofi's confidence in our world-class STEM workers and ensures they will continue to play a central role as we make Ontario a global hub for the development of cutting-edge technologies."

Through this investment, Sanofi will leverage Ontario's deep talent pool to increase its expertise in AI, machine learning and pharmaceutical data science, accelerating the development and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to patients in Ontario and around the world. The project will also strengthen partnerships across Ontario's innovation ecosystem and develop the next generation of STEM talent through internship opportunities with Ontario universities. In alignment with the goals of the government's life sciences strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, Ontario is supporting the expansion with up to $5 million through Invest Ontario.

"Sanofi's investment is a testament to Ontario's leadership in the AI and life sciences sectors, reinforcing our reputation as the best place to innovate, scale and succeed," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "We look forward to seeing Sanofi continue to grow in the province, creating good-paying jobs for our workers and producing essential medicines and vaccines for Canada and the world."

Following a competitive international review, Sanofi first selected Toronto as its global AI CoE in 2022, citing its world-class AI talent, advanced digital infrastructure and globally connected life sciences ecosystem. In 2024, Sanofi further cemented its role in Ontario's life sciences ecosystem with the opening of Canada's largest biomanufacturing facility in North York.

"Today's announcement reinforces Sanofi's long-term commitment to investing in and growing the AI talent pipeline in Toronto and strengthening Ontario's position as a strategic hub for innovation," said Dimitrije Jankovic, Global Head of Digital Strategy and Operations at Sanofi. "As the first AI-powered, R&D-driven biopharma, Sanofi is focused on getting life-changing medicines to patients faster than ever before, and we are grateful for the partnership with the province of Ontario in driving this innovation."

Since 2018, Ontario has attracted over $222 billion in investment from international and domestic companies, with businesses creating one million new jobs. In the face of global economic uncertainty, the government has continued to introduce measures to lower costs and reduce red tape, saving businesses $12 billion a year. By fostering the conditions for companies to innovate and expand, Ontario is attracting investments like Sanofi's and building the strongest, most resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Sanofi's Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence expansion advances technologies that can transform patient outcomes and enhance our health-care system. This investment will create long term economic opportunity while delivering tangible health benefits for families across the province and the country, including support for life sciences work that enables Sanofi to protect millions of Canadians from infectious disease through vaccine production, alongside other innovative research and development initiatives."

- Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

"Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy, and Ontario is well positioned to lead. Investments like this help ensure Ontario companies, workers and researchers have the secure digital infrastructure, strong talent base and responsible innovation environment they need to compete and succeed. By supporting AI growth with the right safeguards in place, our government is strengthening Ontario's competitiveness and digital resilience."

- Stephen Crawford
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement

"Ontario is producing nearly 100,000 highly skilled STEM graduates every single year who protect our key industries and drive our economy. Sanofi's expansion of its AI Centre of Excellence will launch our graduates into good-paying careers and ensure Ontario stays on the cutting edge of innovation."

- Nolan Quinn
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security

"Toronto is proud to welcome this new investment from Sanofi. Our world-class AI talent, strong life sciences sector and dynamic innovation community make Toronto a natural destination for companies that want to grow and lead. We look forward to seeing Sanofi continue to expand and contribute to the strength of our city and to better health outcomes for people here and around the world."

- Olivia Chow
Mayor of Toronto

"Sanofi's decision to expand its global AI Centre of Excellence in Toronto is a strong endorsement of Ontario's leadership in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Ontario offers a rare combination of world-class AI talent, advanced digital infrastructure and deep life sciences expertise. We are proud to support Sanofi as it brings global AI leadership roles to the province and creates high-skilled jobs that strengthen Ontario's position as a hub for enterprise-scale innovation."

- Khawar Nasim
CEO, Invest Ontario

Additional Resources