“The early decades of the 21st Century will be marked by the increased scientific and technological convergence of three fundamental drivers – biotechnology, advanced information technology and nanotechnology [...]. These converging technologies have the promise to achieve tremendous improvements in human capital, innovation, economic performance, and the quality of life.”           – OECD

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (www.marsdd.com)  is a not-for-profit corporation founded by leaders from the business and public sectors, to improve commercial outcomes from Canada’s foundation of science and technology innovation. MaRS connects and fosters collaboration between the communities of science, business and capital through co-location in the MaRS Centre and more broadly through catalytic programs, structured networks and the MaRS web portal. MaRS will ensure that made-in-Canada discoveries make a positive difference to the health and quality of life of Canadians and others around the world. The MaRS Centre, located in Toronto’s Discovery District, opened in May 2005.

MaRS Centre

MaRS Centre is a convergence innovation centre in the heart of Toronto’s world renowned “Discovery District” that connects the leadership in science, business and capital to create a more efficient commercialization marketplace in Canada. Phase One is already 90% pre-leased with a strategic mix of over 50 companies and organizations comprising leading researchers and technology transfer groups, growth businesses ranging from start-ups to mature companies, venture capital and professional services firms, and community organizations.

The MaRS Centre also houses: the MaRS Incubator, a state-of-the-art incubation facility for young companies; the MaRS Entrepreneurship Centre, a resource centre for entrepreneurs, technology start-ups and emerging growth companies; and the MaRS Collaboration Centre, a high-tech auditorium for delivering MaRS Programs and hosting community events. MaRS extends the benefits of the Centre virtually through the MaRS Portal – an online community connecting commercialization stakeholders from across the province and beyond.

Phase Two of the development will see MaRS building out another 800,000 square feet, with a target completion date of 2008. It is anticipated that the momentum of the MaRS project will attract multinational technology businesses and leading research organizations to this development.