Ontario Brain Institute Receives $2M Federal Investment to Expand AI-Powered Brain Health Innovation
December 18, 2025
FedDev Ontario funding will strengthen Centre for Analytics program, providing companies with secure, bias-free AI tools to accelerate neurotechnology solutions
TORONTO, ON (December 17, 2025) – The Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is pleased to announce it has received $2 million in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to expand its Centre for Analytics initiative. This investment is part of a combined $19 million commitment announced today by the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, to support 20 AI and tech organizations across southern Ontario.
The funding will strengthen Ontario's AI ecosystem by enabling OBI's Centre for Analytics to provide companies with secure, bias-free AI tools and infrastructure needed to develop and implement cutting-edge brain health solutions. This expansion will accelerate the responsible adoption of AI technologies in neuroscience research and clinical care, ensuring innovations reach people living with brain disorders faster and more safely.
"This investment accelerates the creation of a leading AI platform that empowers innovators to develop safe and trustworthy neurotechnology," said Dr. Tom Mikkelsen, President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Brain Institute. "By providing secure tools, high-quality data environments, and expert support alongside our clinical, academic, and industry partners, we're strengthening Ontario's AI ecosystem and ensuring people living with brain disorders benefit directly from safe, effective, cutting-edge solutions."
Minister Solomon and Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament for Spadina–Harbourfront, visited OBI's Toronto headquarters today to make the announcement alongside other recipients of the initiative.
"Today's combined investment of over $19 million in 20 growing AI and tech businesses and organizations across southern Ontario marks a pivotal step toward a future defined by innovation and opportunity," said Minister Solomon. "These homegrown solutions are driving economic growth and strengthening Canada's position as a global leader in AI."
Through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, FedDev Ontario is supporting the safe and responsible adoption of AI to strengthen Canada's economy and long-term competitiveness in the global innovation landscape.
Read FedDev Ontario's press release to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-southern-ontario/news/2025/12/government-of-canada-fuels-ai-growth-for-businesses-in-southern-ontario.html
About the Ontario Brain Institute's Centre for Analytics
OBI's Centre for Analytics provides researchers, clinicians, and industry partners with advanced computational infrastructure, AI-ready datasets, and expert technical support to accelerate brain health discoveries. The program enables secure, privacy-preserving data analysis and machine learning applications that advance precision medicine approaches for neurological and mental health conditions. This expansion will enhance OBI's capacity to support companies in developing and validating AI-powered neurotechnologies that improve patient outcomes.
For more information, visit: https://braininstitute.ca/research-data-sharing/centre-for-analytics
About the Ontario Brain Institute
The Ontario Brain Institute is a provincially-funded, not-for-profit organization that connects researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and patients to accelerate discoveries and improve care for people living with brain disorders. Through integrated research programs, advanced data infrastructure, and commercialization support, OBI drives innovation across the full spectrum of brain health—from fundamental research to clinical implementation.
For more information, visit https://braininstitute.ca/
About the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) works to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth, and job creation in Canada's most populous region. As the voice of southern Ontario business in the federal government, FedDev Ontario plays a key role in building a strong, competitive, and innovative economy that improves quality of life for all Canadians.
For more information, visit: https://www.ic.gc.ca/