How did MaRS get started?
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.
The Making of MaRS from MaRS Discovery District on Vimeo.
Phase 1 (opened September 2005)
- Focus on science and technology
- Vision, mission, values
- More history (including the building)
- MaRS tenants (across the innovation spectrum)
- MaRS leadership (the people who make it happen)
- Our partners
Today, our focus has expanded to include:
- Advanced materials and engineering
- Cleantech
- Information technology, communications and entertainment
- Life sciences and health care
- Social innovation
Phase 2 (announced in 2007)
- Learn more at our Phase 2 information page
- Will more than double the footprint of the MaRS Centre to over 1.5 million square feet, making it one of the largest urban innovation hubs in the world
- Construction is underway, with an expected completion date of September 2013
