At the midpoint of our current contract with government, the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) has an opportunity both to reflect on the progress we have made and to chart the course for the next phase of our journey. Our mandate has always been clear: to improve the lives of people living with brain disorders by connecting research, care, and innovation, while strengthening Ontario’s position in the global knowledge economy.

Over the past year, we have seen remarkable progress across our programs. Our Integrated Discovery Programs have produced a significant body of publications, now totaling nearly 1,000, with over 35,000 citations reflecting their growing influence in the field. We have supported over 70 clinical trials that bring cutting-edge therapies closer to patients and translated knowledge into new guidelines for care and practical tools for self-management.

Equally important for Ontario's economy, OBI's investments in 2024-2025 supported the training of 344 highly qualified personnel bringing the total trained to over 8400. All of whom are contributing to Ontario's research, health, and innovation sectors.

OBI’s data platforms continue to grow in both scale and value with highly curated data on nearly 30,000 participants enrolled in OBI funded research studies. Brain-CODE is now recognized as an accelerator of research with over 300 data requests from researchers and companies across the globe. By linking data and analytics across borders, we are enabling breakthroughs that would not be possible in isolation. Our Centre for Analytics has expanded its role as a hub for knowledge creation and technology validation, completing three innovation partnerships to help bring new technology to clinical use while strengthening Ontario’s leadership in the responsible use of health data and artificial intelligence.

Commercialization remains a central pillar of our work. Our portfolio of companies supported through our NERD and NERVE programs has now topped 100 and attracted substantial outside investment, creating a 26X funding multiplier effect that brings new capital into Ontario.

Knowing that care for brain health takes place largely in the community, OBI is investing in brain health through the community sector through programs like GEEK and CORTEX, which are helping to improve care and quality of life alongside the traditional healthcare system. These programs have already helped bring an additional $7M funding into community organizations, enabling them to deliver innovative programs and introduce new technology for people living with brain disorders and their families. By strengthening the community care ecosystem, we are ensuring that discoveries translate into tangible improvements in daily life.

Looking forward, our near-term goals are ambitious. We are attracting international partnerships that reinforce our model and bring direct benefits back to Ontario. And we are enhancing the role of patients and caregivers in our initiatives, ensuring that discoveries remain aligned with lived experience.

At this halfway point, we are proud of what we have achieved and energized by what lies ahead. Together with our partners, patients, and communities, OBI will continue to drive innovation, improve care, and grow Ontario’s global leadership in brain health.

Tom Mikkelsen, President and Scientific Director, Ontario Brain Institute