ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE: Ontario Welcomes $294 Million Investment in the Life Sciences Sector

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.