AbbVie and BioLabs University of Toronto are accepting applications for the AbbVie Biotechnology Innovator Award as part of the Life Sciences Ontario forum.

Toronto, September 15, 2026 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and BioLabs University of Toronto announced today the opening of the application period for the AbbVie Biotech Innovator Award, coinciding with the Life Sciences Ontario forum in Toronto, held under the theme "Ideas to Action." The award aims to support the growth of Ontario’s life sciences sector by helping promising early-stage biotechnology companies accelerate the development of innovative healthcare solutions.

Applications are open to eligible Canadian-based biotechnology companies with the potential to develop transformative treatments in areas aligned with AbbVie’s core therapeutic fields, including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and aesthetics.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors: scientific innovation, potential impact on the Canadian population, and the company’s ability to leverage the resources and mentorship offered through the program.

Under the BioLabs Golden Ticket program, each of the two winning companies will receive one year of complimentary access to laboratory and office space—including equipment and shared services—at BioLabs University of Toronto. The selected companies will also benefit from mentorship provided by senior leaders from AbbVie’s business and scientific divisions, helping to accelerate the translation of research findings into potential clinical advancements.

Located in Toronto’s MaRS Discovery District, the University of Toronto BioLabs facilities offer approximately 40,000 sq ft (3,700 sq m) of fully equipped collaborative laboratory space. Designed to support up to 30 biotechnology startups, the facilities provide access to scientific infrastructure, shared resources, and an industry network.

Ontario is home to more than 2,000 life sciences companies, representing 44% of the industry in Canada. By providing entrepreneurs with laboratory space,

Providing scientific expertise and business mentorship, the AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award aims to support the continued growth of the province’s life sciences sector.

Applications are being accepted from today until November 10, 2026. For more information on the award requirements, visit: www.biolabs.io/abbvie-2026-biotechinnovatorsaward (English only)

Quotes:

"For a long time, Ontario has been home to the largest number of medical innovation companies in Canada. Our government is proud to have played a leading role in fostering the right conditions for the success of the next generation of life sciences talent and the fruits of their research. We welcome this joint initiative by AbbVie and BioLabs University of Toronto, which will provide winning companies with the specialized lab space and professional guidance they need to bring more Ontario-made innovations to market. This will also help us achieve the goals of our life sciences strategy," said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

"The future of life sciences in Ontario will rely on collaboration between innovators and industry leaders like AbbVie. Transforming significant scientific concepts into successful companies requires much more than just ideas, and the AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award demonstrates that this need is recognized; it represents a significant investment in the next generation of founders who will shape the future of our sector right here in Ontario," stated Jason Field, President and CEO of Life Sciences Ontario.

"The AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award fills a critical gap that slows the progress of many promising biotech companies: access to actual laboratory space and guidance from experienced scientific and business mentors," noted Allison Brown, Site Director at BioLabs University of Toronto. "We are proud to partner with AbbVie to help entrepreneurs build and grow their companies right here in Canada, ensuring that the public benefits both in terms of health and the economy." "

"Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at AbbVie, and the AbbVie Biotech Innovator Award was created as one way to foster the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow," said Tanu Misra, Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie Canada. "At AbbVie, we are passionate about discovering solutions that address significant medical challenges and improve people's lives. By offering this award, we hope to help entrepreneurs transform promising ideas into innovations that can shape the future of healthcare."

About BioLabs
BioLabs is an infrastructure company that supports global innovation by creating the physical and community environment that propels life science discoveries. Through a growing network of exceptional shared laboratories and collaborative spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state-of-the-art research facilities, entrepreneurship programs, and industry connections and capital.

These integrated ecosystems enable innovators—whether startup founders or established R&D teams—to rapidly turn ideas into real-world impact without the need to acquire and build out a traditional laboratory. With premier innovation hubs across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Asia, the BioLabs network catalyzes collaboration and serves as a launchpad for breakthroughs that improve human health and the sustainability of healthcare systems.

Follow BioLabs University of Toronto on LinkedIn and at www.biolabs.io/toronto-canada. Inquiries: BioLabs Business Development – ​​[email protected]

About AbbVie
AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that address serious health issues today and tackle the medical challenges of tomorrow. AbbVie strives to make a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas—including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience—as well as in aesthetics through the products and services of Allergan Aesthetics. For more information about AbbVie, please visit www.abbvie.ca. Follow AbbVie in Canada on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Media inquiries:

Dominique Touchette
Communications Manager
AbbVie
[email protected]