From robotic vehicles to sustainable fuel, Toronto’s manufacturing sector is shaping tomorrow’s world. Here are 10 things proving the city’s innovation.
Toronto is a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing, which makes it an ideal destination for industry events. As part of Canada’s largest manufacturing corridor, the city hosts global giants like Bombardier Aerospace, General Motors, Toyota and MDA, alongside over 5,000 manufacturing businesses and nearly 140,000 employees. With world-class programs at the University of Toronto and Sheridan College, Toronto is at the forefront of advanced R&D in aerospace, automotive, robotics and cleantech. Simply put, Toronto is shaping the future in advanced manufacturing. Here are 10 groundbreaking ways Toronto is leading the way.
1. BYD Auto’s zero-emission buses are driving city transit towards a greener future
Electric vehicle-maker BYD Auto’s new 45,000-square-foot Greater Toronto Area (GTA) facility is helping the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) take a major step in the city’s transition to sustainable transit. So far, they’ve delivered two zero-emission battery-electric buses, which will eliminate nearly 8,400 metric tonnes of greenhouse gases, including 1,530 metric tonnes of C02 and nine metric tonnes of nitrogen oxides. This supports the TTC’s goal of an all-electric fleet by 2040.
2. MDA is building a smart robotic system that will orbit the moon
MDA, a GTA-based space technology company, has been awarded the contract to design Canadarm3, an advanced robotic system that’s a part of NASA’s Lunar Gateway project, a space station that will orbit the moon. Building on the success of the original Canadarm, the new model will autonomously perform critical tasks such as maintenance, repair and inspection of the space station, as well as assist astronauts during spacewalks and spacecraft landings. Targeted for deployment by 2029, Canadarm3 will revolutionize space operations.
3. Toronto’s TCB plant is exploring how the future of meat might not need farms
The Cultivated B (TCB), a German bioengineering company, opened its second global location in the GTA in 2022: a 130,000-square-foot manufacturing and innovation hub. TCB is creating tech that allows companies to grow alternative proteins—from lab-grown meat to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. TCB is working closely with the Canadian government to shape policies around cellular agriculture production and drive forward economic development within the field.
4. CCFR is advancing the field of aerial and aquatic robotics research
The Canadian Centre for Field Robotics (CCFR) at York University is advancing research in field robotics as it provides a unique testing environment for research. Its diverse real-world test sites include planetary surface simulations that mimic extraterrestrial terrains, indoor and outdoor water bodies for surface and underwater robotics, as well as a large-scale terrestrial facility with wooded areas and a pond. Equipped with quadrotor drones, ground-contact robots and aquatic systems, CCFR is pushing the boundaries of aerial and aquatic exploration around the world.
5. Research is underway to develop a sustainable fuel powered by sunlight
Hydrofuel, a GTA-based fuel and energy technology company, and the University of Toronto’s Solar Fuels Group are developing methods for producing hydrogen using light instead of traditional heat or electricity. This process, known as “golden hydrogen,” creates a cleaner, more sustainable fuel, which can power vehicles and generate electricity. The best part? When used as fuel, it only produces water, making it a completely non-toxic, carbon-neutral solution.
6. Sanofi’s Toronto campus is one of the largest vaccine R&D manufacturing sites in the world
In 2024, Sanofi opened a $800 million 200,000-square-foot vaccine plant on its Toronto campus, making it one of the largest vaccine research and development (R&D) manufacturing sites in the world. The location produces pediatric and adult vaccines for whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. Sanofi also operates an artificial intelligence (AI) centre that helps accelerate manufacturing R&D and they’re developing a new flu and pandemic preparedness site set to open in 2027.
7. Unilever launches first global AI lab in Toronto
In 2023, in a landmark move for the food and beverage industry, Unilever, the global company responsible for brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Hellmann’s and Klondike, opened its first global AI centre, Horizon3 Labs, in Toronto. Unilever currently uses AI in over 400 applications, ranging from marketing and supply chain to R&D. Examples include AI-powered ice cream freezers that optimize product placement and a custom system that updates product listings based on consumer search trends. The lab’s innovations will be integrated into Unilever’s operations worldwide.
8. Three-quarters of Boeing and Airbus’ aircraft landing systems are produced in Ontario
With over 160 aerospace companies in Toronto, including industry giants Bombardier, P&WC and Collins Aerospace, the Toronto area is a global hub for aerospace manufacturing. The region is also a leader in R&D with aerospace companies investing approximately $800 million annually. Need even more evidence that Toronto is the place to be for aerospace manufacturing? Over 75 per cent of Boeing and Airbus’ manufacturing of commercial aircraft systems essential for safe landings— landing gear, brakes and guidance tech—are produced right here in Ontario.
9. It’s the only region in North America with five OEMs
The GTA is a major hub in Ontario’s automotive manufacturing sector, and it’s the only region in North America with five Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) and Toyota. Together, these OEMs produce over one million vehicles annually, supported by nearly 700 parts suppliers in the region. In January 2023, Project Arrow, the first all-Canadian, zero-emissions connected vehicle, was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), showcasing Ontario’s automotive innovation.
10. The GTA has Canada’s only hardware and semiconductor innovation hub
Hardware innovation isn’t just happening in Silicon Valley—it's thriving in the GTA. Venture Lab’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI) is Canada’s only lab and incubator dedicated to advancing hardware and semiconductor startups. HCI offers its program at no cost and takes no equity, making it a valuable resource for emerging companies.
With a focus on prototyping and testing, the initiative helps transform ideas into scalable, market-ready products. Over 24 months, startups receive access to resources, mentorship from global partners and hands-on support. HCI has supported 147 companies, which have generated over $38 million in revenue, created 690+ jobs, secured 143 intellectual properties and raised $79 million in capital.
