Biology students Evelina Tronina (above, left) and Seema Mahmalji try out the new tech in SpinUp, U of T’s first wet lab incubator for life science startups. The facility offers both student and local entrepreneurs access to equipment and programming to help refine their lab-based innovations.
Located in U of T Mississauga’s New Science Building, the specialized space is outfitted with the most energy-efficient laboratories in North America and available via memberships for less than half market rates. SpinUp will also help enrich UTM’s programs by creating new experiential learning opportunities for students and new research partnerships.
The majority of memberships will be provided to ventures emerging from U of T’s accelerator programs, with a few spots for off-campus researchers from the region. “It will give startups the chance to refine their innovations and position themselves to attract external investment and funding,” says SpinUp lead Raquel de Souza.
The project supports UTM’s goal to drive innovation in the life sciences. U of T ranks first in Canada for research-based startups and in the top five globally for university-managed incubators. The university has helped launch more than 650 companies over the past decade, creating more than 10,000 jobs.
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