MaRS Discovery District is a large scale, mission driven innovation centre in Toronto, focused on building Canada's next generation of growth companies. MaRS works closely with entrepreneurs in life sciences and health care, information technology, communications and entertainment, clean tech, advanced materials and energy, as well as the social sector.

MaRS began with a question: “Is there a better way to capture the commercial potential of Toronto’s $1 billion in annual science and technology research spending?”

The answer was a resounding “Yes!”

A charitable organization could be created to better connect the worlds of science, business and government. A public-private partnership with a mission to remove the barriers between silos. Nurture a culture of innovation. And help create global enterprises that would contribute to Canada’s economic and social development.

Visionary individuals and organizations took the lead. They raised capital, secured a strategically-located heritage building and began to develop the MaRS organization.

MaRS provides resources — people, programs, physical facilities, funding and networks — to ensure that critical innovation happens. We stimulate, identify and harness great ideas, nurture their development and guide the transformation of those ideas into reality. We measure our success through the companies that emerge after receiving help from MaRS.

At MaRS, we recognize the value of partnerships. In addition to our core advisory services, MaRS delivers further value to entrepreneurs through five key partners: Business Acceleration Program; MaRS Innovation; Social Innovation Generation; The Ontario Network of Excellence; The Centre for Impact Investing.

MaRS is where science, technology and social entrepreneurs get the help they need. Where all kinds of people meet to spark new ideas. And where a global reputation for innovation is being earned, one success story at a time.

Jim Meenan