Applications Now Open for the Life Sciences Scale Up Program & Ontario Wet Labs Program

January 21, 2025

These programs will help businesses expand their operations, increase access to lab space and prepare companies for international expansion

January 21, 2025

TORONTO – The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade is now accepting applications for the Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund (LSSUF) and Ontario Wet Labs Program (OWLP). First announced in Fall 2024, the two programs mark an important milestone in the next phase of our government’s Life Sciences Strategy. Applications for both programs will be accepted until March 3rd, 2025.

Building on the success of the government’s $146 million life science strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, these two programs will ensure that Ontario remains a premier destination for life sciences advancements and business partnerships.

The $24 million Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund will help small-to-medium sized enterprises expand their manufacturing capacity and seize new procurement opportunities both within Ontario and across international markets.

The $15 million Ontario Wet Labs Program will address critical infrastructure challenges by improving access to specialized laboratory space that will accelerate the commercialization and adoption of Ontario-made health solutions.

We encourage you to share this information with health and life sciences stakeholders in your community and support them with applications as needed. To learn more about Ontario’s Life Sciences Strategy, these new programs, and how to submit an application, please visit: Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund and Ontario Wet Labs Program.

Quick Facts

  • Applications are now open for the province’s new Life Sciences Scale-up Fund (LSSUF) and the Ontario Wet Labs Program (OWLP). 
  • Building on the success of the government’s Life Science Strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, the two programs are part of the strategy’s next phase, which will continue to ensure that the province remains a premier destination for life sciences advancements and business partnerships.
  • Ontario’s life sciences sector is the largest in Canada, employing over 72,000 people in high-value jobs across 2,000 firms, and generates more than $12.5 billion in annual exports.
  • Since 2018, Ontario has welcomed over $5 billion in life sciences investments, resulting in the creation of 5,000 good-paying jobs across the sector.
  • Through these new programs, Ontario-based entrepreneurs and innovators will be equipped with the tools they need to grow their operations, commercialize their innovation and compete in the global market.