Ontario: where innovation fuels success

Japanese companies who grow their business in Ontario will benefit from cost competitiveness, clean and reliable energy, ensuring sustainable operations and outstanding livability, making it a great place to live and work.

Doing business in Ontario is streamlined, with a supportive regulatory framework. Here at Invest Ontario, we will provide valuable assistance by connecting you with key networks, offering market insights and guide you through the process to expand your business in the province.

By choosing Ontario, you’re positioning your business in one of the world’s most stable economies, supported by a highly educated and talented workforce accompanied by world-class institutions that foster groundbreaking innovation.

A Measurable Difference

74%

of working age adults possess a post-secondary education

#9

Toronto ranks #9 in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s top-ten list in the world’s most livable cities in 2023

~ 90%

of Ontario’s electricity sourced from clean sources

420,000+

ICT workers in Ontario

#1

largest life sciences jurisdiction in Canada with largest concentration of clinical trials

10

The world’s 10 pharmaceutical companies by revenue (and others) are conducting clinical trials

3

of the top global landing gear companies producing full or major components

#2

auto producer in North America, after Michigan in 2024

51%

of Canadian electronics-related employment is in Ontario

400+

AI and AI-related tech companies

Asahi Kasei: Cementing Ontario’s EV leadership with first-in-Canada battery separator plant

Learn why Asahi Kasei, a Tokyo-based multinational chemicals company, has chosen Ontario to build Canada’s first EV battery separator plant

Transcript  |  Described Video

About Asahi Kasei

ONTARIO STRENGTHS IN

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Advanced Manufacturing

Discover Ontario’s dynamic advanced manufacturing ecosystem, where global leaders and local experts are shaping the future of manufacturing.

With more than a century of excellence in automotive innovation, Ontario is one of the few jurisdictions in North America to have five major global automotive makers.

The province continues to attract FDI in automotive and electronics showcasing the world-class institutions and top-tier talent to drive innovative solutions in the manufacturing landscape.

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Life Sciences

Explore Ontario’s life sciences sector, a dynamic ecosystem for groundbreaking discoveries, life changing clinical trials, and manufacturing capacity to scale.

Ontario’s ecosystem turns scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact through AI-led RNA research, next generation medicine and pharmaceutical advancements. Leverage Ontario’s a competitive business environment where top-tier STEM talent converges to shape the future of healthcare.

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Technology

Dive into Ontario’s world-class technology sector, ideal for businesses seeking innovation and growth. Join a community of global tech businesses like Hitachi and Konica Minolta thriving in Ontario, backed by top-tier R&D and talent. With ongoing market growth and government incentives, Ontario offers a compelling landscape for companies to reach new heights of success.

Other sectors

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Agri-Processing
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Forestry
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Mining
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Tourism

Unleash your Business Potential in Ontario

Experience a competitive business environment for Japanese companies in Ontario, where regulatory ease, tax advantages, and abundant talent converge to drive your business success. Benefit from competitive corporate tax rates, reduced CO2 emissions, and lower electricity costs with Ontario’s Comprehensive Electricity Plan, ensuring a client-centric approach that prioritizes your company’s growth.

Competitive corporate tax rates (%) on manufacturing
State/Province Percentage
Ohio 21.0
Michigan 22.4
Indiana 24.9
Ontario 25.0
New York 26.1
Illinois 26.5
Wisconsin 27.2
Pennsylvania 27.7
Minnesota 28.7

Innovations in Ontario: Pioneering Breakthroughs Across Fields

Ontario's landscape is marked by groundbreaking innovations spanning diverse fields. From the first inactive vaccine for HIV to start human clinical trials by Dr. Chil-Yong Kang at The University of Western Ontario, Dr. Mehran Anvari’s robotic surgery advancements, and Xanadu’s leadership in quantum computing, promising accessible technology for all. Additionally, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) of Canada launched the first, original, full-build, zero-emission concept vehicle named Project Arrow in 2023. These achievements highlight Ontario’s global innovation hub.

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Asahi Kasei is excited to bring its Hipore™ battery separator manufacturing facility to Port Colborne, Ontario. With its commitment to EV and battery supply chains, and its proximity to key automotive and other partners, Canada was the ideal choice for our North American expansion.

Koshiro Kudo

President & Representative Director of Asahi Kasei Corporation

Businesses thriving in Ontario, Canada