On October 10, 2024, the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto was abuzz with excitement as over 200 life science industry leaders, investors, and researchers gathered for the inaugural UHNLeashed Commercialization & Partnering Showcase. Hosted by Commercialization at UHN, this event showcased cutting-edge biomedical innovations and fostered meaningful partnerships aimed at transforming game-changing research into real-world medical solutions.
The showcase featured a day packed with inspiring keynote presentations, dynamic breakout sessions, and a thought-provoking panel on harnessing the power of AI and data in health care. Speakers delved into the potential of artificial intelligence, digital health, and imaging technologies to revolutionize patient care, demonstrating UHN's role at the forefront of global medical innovation.
A key highlight of the event was the public launch of UHN's Accelerator Fund, a philanthropic initiative jointly supported by the UHN Foundation and Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, designed to bridge the funding gap in early-stage commercialization. Drs. Sarah Crome, Pamela Ohashi, and Shin Ogawa, the first recipients of the Accelerator Fund, shared their promising research and outlined how the fund would help drive their discoveries closer to clinical impact. This initiative is a testament to UHN’s dedication to supporting high-potential research and ensuring that breakthrough technologies make it to the patients who need them most.
Throughout the day, participants were treated to a series of presentations from UHN companies and new ventures, exploring investment-ready life sciences opportunities, as well as UHN's vast resources for product development partnerships. A key feature was the Partnering Café, which encouraged direct networking between researchers, investors, and industry professionals—an essential space for building partnerships to advance UHN’s health care innovations.
With its exceptional infrastructure, world-class researchers, and strong ties to industry and philanthropic partners, UHN is leading the charge in turning tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs into today’s therapies, impacting patients across Canada and around the globe.
UHNLeashed was not just an event—it was a catalyst for change, setting the stage for powerful collaborations that will drive the future of health care forward.
For a closer look at the event’s highlights, visit UHNLeashed Highlights.