Ella Korets-Smith
Located in the heart of Canada’s largest and the world’s most diverse city, MaRS is uniquely placed to lead change. We bring together educators, researchers, social scientists, entrepreneurs and business experts under one roof. Founded by civic leaders, we have a mission that is equal parts public and private — an entrepreneurial venture designed to bridge the gap between what people need and what governments can provide.
Place MattersRead the report: Learn more about the high-impact companies we work with, our programs and key successes in our online report (also available in PDF format).
MaRS is more than a building, it’s building on MaRS co-founder Dr. John Evans’ vision for the future. Great minds may not think alike but they like each other’s company; a brilliant idea in isolation is not enough to create a real breakthrough.
MaRS is a leader in the trend toward urban innovation districts, which allow entrepreneurs access to corporations, investors, mentors, university institutions and labs to test their concepts. We are where inspiration meets realization.
Community LeaderInnovation doesn’t just happen. As the Toronto Discovery District’s commercialization hub, MaRS gives entrepreneurs what they need most: a home with access to networks and capital. This community keeps our most promising talent here, and supplies established businesses and institutions with a steady stream of creativity.
PartnershipsAs a home to entrepreneurs and a bridge to the business world, MaRS helps companies bring breakthrough ideas to market and scale globally. Partnerships are key, and building our corporate network has been a priority.
We work with corporations willing to leverage their global reach to assist startups seeking footholds in foreign markets. Corporations, in turn, are embedding teams at MaRS to boost creativity, scout talent and rekindle their entrepreneurial flames.
Venture ServicesEntrepreneurs are a sociable bunch; they enjoy interaction as well as transaction. A chance to meet like-minded individuals is a major reason startups join MaRS Venture Services, whose main goal, of course, is to help them accelerate by providing expert advice, market intelligence and access to capital, as well as connections to talent and customers.
ImpactMaRS is not just about creating billion-dollar companies, but touching a billion lives. We are creating a vanguard of entrepreneurs working to improve society for future generations and making a difference beyond our borders.