Early Technology Showcase

Conscience is a non-profit organization driving innovation in drug development where traditional markets fall short. Through our network of researchers, industry leaders, and SMEs, we build open collaborations that reduce inefficiencies and drive progress in drug discovery. Our CACHE (Critical Assessment of Computation Hit-finding Experiments) Challenges offer participants a chance to have their computational drug discovery methods tested through experimental validation by leading labs. Post-challenge, all data is shared openly, providing participants with performance metrics to attract investors and advance the field. Our Developing Medicines through Open Science (DMOS) program funds preclinical drug development in neglected areas, fostering collaborations that establish proof of concept for an open science path to drug development, support Canadian SMEs, and generate economic activity - all while working toward affordable and accessible medicines for all.

McMaster University is a leader in health sciences research, and is recognized internationally in biomedical innovation. McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery.

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is Canada’s leading research-intensive hospital and the nation’s largest centre dedicated to advancing children’s health. Every day, we strive to deliver exceptional child and family-centred care, achieve groundbreaking clinical and scientific advancements, and train the next generation of pediatric health experts. With over 3,000 scientists, researchers, and technicians, SickKids drives transformative discoveries that shape the future of health care. The Industry Partnerships and Commercialization (IP&C) Office at SickKids plays a pivotal role in translating these discoveries into real-world impact by identifying, developing, and commercializing cutting-edge health innovations. Through collaborations with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors, IP&C delivers revolutionary healthcare solutions to patients worldwide.

The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 270 world-class research groups, supporting over 250 research projects and 30 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 25 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 7,000 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2023, the Government of Canada announced additional funding for SCN through the Strategic Science Fund that will support SCN activities and research through to the end of the decade.

University Health Network (UHN) is Canada's No. 1 hospital and the world's No. 1 publicly funded hospital, with 10 sites and more than 20,000 staff members. UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education at UHN and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN’s strengths include advancements in regenerative medicine, cell therapies, immunology, transplant and oncology.