The largest research institutes in Ontario are predominantly higher education institutions and hospitals. For example, the University of Toronto focuses on research and global education, while McMaster University is known for innovation in education and research. Unity Health Toronto provides primary, community, and specialized care, and The Hospital for Sick Children integrates patient care, research, and education.
These organizations are primarily located in major urban centers. Toronto hosts several of the largest institutions, including York University, which educates students and drives societal change through research, and Toronto Metropolitan University, an urban university focusing on creativity and entrepreneurship. Ottawa also features prominently, with institutions like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, which combines research and teaching.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Torontodefygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca
Leading Canadian university focused on research, innovation, and global education to address pressing societal challenges and prepare students for success |
28,832 | |||
| 2 |
McMaster Universitymcmaster.ca
Leading Canadian university known for innovation in education and research, serving 30,000 students and a global alumni network. |
13,160 | |||
| 3 |
University of Ottawauottawa.ca
The company is the largest bilingual university in the world, offering education in English and French with a focus on research and global advancements |
12,220 | |||
| 4 |
Western Universityuwo.ca
A leading research-intensive university with a global community of students and alumni focused on making change in the world Welcome scholars worldwide |
12,137 | |||
| 5 |
York Universityyorku.ca
Educates students, fosters career advancement, and drives positive societal change through research and community engagement. |
11,154 | |||
| 6 |
Queen's Universityqueensu.ca
A prestigious university known for its research, innovation, and commitment to addressing global challenges through scholarship and international engagement |
9,891 | |||
| 7 |
Unity Health Torontounityhealth.to
A health network in Toronto providing primary, community, specialized, and long-term care services, as well as investing in research and education |
8,686 | |||
| 8 |
The Hospital for Sick Childrensickkids.ca
Leading pediatric hospital integrating patient care, research, and education to advance children's health and develop innovative treatments globally. |
8,636 | |||
| 9 |
Toronto Metropolitan Universitytorontomu.ca
Innovative urban university in Toronto, focusing on creativity, entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and global community engagement to serve societal needs |
8,478 | |||
| 10 |
University of Guelphuoguelph.ca
Dedicated to improving quality of life through innovative research and education in essential areas like water, food, health, and environment |
7,725 | |||
| 11 |
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)lhsc.on.ca
Acute care teaching hospital offering specialized clinical services, leading in discovery and innovation, providing exceptional patient care and training healthcare professionals |
7,092 | |||
| 12 |
Carleton Universitycarleton.ca
University located near government and high tech companies, combining research and teaching to provide superior education and solve real problems. |
6,886 | |||
| 13 |
Hamilton Health Scienceshamiltonhealthsciences.ca
Healthcare organization delivering specialized cardiac, stroke, trauma, cancer, palliative, and pediatric care to southwestern Ontario and beyond. |
6,690 | |||
| 14 |
St. Michael's Hospitalunityhealth.to
A leading hospital providing compassionate care, medical education in 27 disciplines, and research through the Keenan Research Centre for global impact |
4,868 | |||
| 15 |
National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canadanrc.canada.ca
Largest government research organization supporting innovation, helping SMEs scale, connecting Canadian innovators with advanced R&D capabilities, fostering partnerships. |
4,732 | |||
| 16 |
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)natural-resources.canada.ca
A department of the Government of Canada focused on advancing sustainable resource management, economic growth, and environmental stewardship through innovative policies and programs |
4,579 | |||
| 17 | 4,477 | ||||
| 18 |
Sinai Healthsinaihealth.ca
A leading academic health science centre focused on integrated care, innovative research, and educating future healthcare leaders for comprehensive patient care |
4,083 | |||
| 19 |
Wilfrid Laurier Universitywlu.ca
Canadian university focusing on teaching, research, and student satisfaction with programs in arts, business, science, social work, and education. |
4,060 | |||
| 20 |
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamiltonstjoes.ca
A values-based academic health science centre affiliated with McMaster University and Mohawk College, committed to providing integrated, compassionate care and advancing research and education |
2,983 | |||
| 21 |
CHEOcheo.on.ca
A global leader in pediatric health care and research, providing excellence in complex care, education, and community partnership for children and youth |
2,784 | |||
| 22 |
Niagara Collegeniagaracollege.ca
Leader in applied education and training, established in 1967 in Welland and now expanding across the Niagara region for top student satisfaction |
2,686 | |||
| 23 |
Ontario Tech Universityontariotechu.ca
Innovative university focusing on advancing knowledge, integrating social and ethical implications of technology, and collaborating on solutions with partners |
2,479 | |||
| 24 |
Canadian Nuclear Laboratoriescnl.ca
A leading organization in nuclear science and technology, specializing in research, development, engineering, waste management, and decommissioning services for various applications |
2,340 | |||
| 25 |
University of Toronto Scarboroughutsc.utoronto.ca
Innovative university campus promoting diversity, academic excellence, experiential learning, research partnerships, and world-changing ideas in a vibrant environment |
1,723 | |||
Want more companies than this list?This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers. | |||||
| 26 |
St. Joseph's Health Care Londonsjhc.london.on.ca
A leading academic health care organization in Canada providing compassionate care, teaching, and research to help people live life fully |
1,707 | |||
| 27 |
Baycrestbaycrest.org
Global leader in aging and brain health innovations, offering comprehensive care for aging patients, conducting top research in cognitive neuroscience, and promoting global knowledge exchange |
1,407 | |||
| 28 |
OCAD Universityocadu.ca
A leading institution in Canada, specializing in art and design education for aspiring students to excel in their creative pursuits |
1,343 | |||
| 29 |
Princess Margaret Cancer Centreuhnresearch.ca
Leading cancer research center with internationally recognized scientists focusing on various aspects of cancer through cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art tools |
1,211 | |||
| 30 |
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospitalhollandbloorview.ca
Pioneering treatments, technologies, and programs for children with disabilities to fully participate in life through a world-class teaching hospital |
1,086 | |||
| 31 |
Ivey Business School at Western Universityivey.uwo.ca
A business school specializing in leadership development with experiential learning, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programs affiliated with a university |
965 | |||
| 32 |
Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Torontotemertymedicine.utoronto.ca
Leader in medical research and innovation, collaborating with diverse partners to address global health challenges for over a century |
913 | |||
| 33 |
University of Toronto - Rotman School of Managementrotman.utoronto.ca
A global center for research and teaching excellence in Canada, Rotman School of Management fosters transformative learning and public engagement for creating value in business and society |
857 | |||
| 34 |
Royal Military College of Canada/Collège militaire royal du Canadarmc-cmr.ca
This bilingual institution provides undergraduate and post-graduate education in both English and French, offering a variety of courses and programs |
770 | |||
| 35 |
NOSM University | Université EMNOnosm.ca
A medical school focused on training healthcare professionals, leading in community-engaged education and research with a distributed learning approach |
708 | |||
| 36 |
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Torontooise.utoronto.ca
A leading research and graduate institute in education, offering world-class programs for careers in teaching and learning |
677 | |||
| 37 |
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistryschulich.uwo.ca
The company delivers exceptional education, conducts impactful research, and collaborates with communities to enhance health and well-being for the future |
655 | |||
| 38 |
Royal Ontario Museumrom.on.ca
Showcasing art, culture, and nature from around the world since 1914, with over 13 million objects, including mummies, sculpture, meteorites, and dinosaurs |
629 | |||
| 39 |
Vector Institutevectorinstitute.ai
A non-profit organization dedicated to AI research, specializing in machine and deep learning Collaborates with various entities to advance AI adoption and commercialization |
603 | |||
| 40 |
Defence Research and Development Canada | Recherche et développement pour la défense Canadadrdc-rddc.gc.ca
Provides department of national defense and armed forces with technological advantages and scientific knowledge through seven research centers to protect interests nationwide. |
603 | |||
| 41 |
DeGroote School of Business - McMaster Universitydegroote.mcmaster.ca
Innovative business school at McMaster University focusing on interdisciplinary thinking and evidence-based management to empower graduates in a fast-paced world |
482 | |||
| 42 |
Faculty of Engineering - McMaster Universityeng.mcmaster.ca
Inspiring, innovative engineering school fostering collaboration among diverse scholars to solve real-world challenges and create a brighter future |
470 | |||
| 43 |
York University - Osgoode Hall Law Schoolosgoode.yorku.ca
A prestigious law school in Toronto offering a range of clinical programs, publications, and the largest law library in the Commonwealth |
452 | |||
| 44 |
Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Torontodlsph.utoronto.ca
This company is a prominent organization specializing in public health education, research, and services that have a global and local impact |
442 | |||
| 45 |
ICESices.on.ca
Non-profit organization using population-based health data to produce unbiased knowledge for improving health care policy and decision-making |
437 | |||
| 46 |
Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelphuoguelph.ca
Leader in veterinary education, ranking among the top globally Highly regarded program at University of Guelph for veterinary science |
426 | |||
| 47 |
CHEO Research Institutecheoresearch.ca
The research institute strives to bring life-changing discoveries for children and youth through exceptional talent and technology, promoting trust and equity |
417 | |||
| 48 |
Lassonde School of Engineering - York Universitylassonde.yorku.ca
The company prepares engineers and scientists to tackle complex global challenges and seize opportunities through a holistic and innovative approach |
400 | |||
| 49 |
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Torontopharmacy.utoronto.ca
A leading Canadian pharmacy school offering cutting-edge educational programs and research focusing on modern drug therapy and healthcare innovation |
372 | |||
| 50 |
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Collegecmcc.ca
A leading chiropractic institution offering rigorous academic and clinical preparation, research opportunities, and advanced technology to enhance patient care and student education |
355 | |||
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Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
More company lists in Ontario
- The largest companies in Ontario 5,032
- Multinational companies in Ontario 901
- Financial services firms in Ontario 396
- Manufacturers in Ontario 389
- Critical infrastructure operators in Ontario 344
- Retail chains in Ontario 327
- Companies with in-house R&D in Ontario 300
- Logistics companies in Ontario 285
- Education providers in Ontario 276
- SaaS companies in Ontario 275
- Truck Transportation companies in Ontario 270
- Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Ontario 261
- Public sector organisations in Ontario 259
- Financial Services companies in Ontario 250
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Ontario 235
- Software Development companies in Ontario 231
- Healthcare providers in Ontario 226
- Hardware manufacturers in Ontario 213
- Professional services firms in Ontario 211
- Hospitals and Health Care companies in Ontario 205
- Distributors and wholesalers in Ontario 183
- Companies with a mobile app in Ontario 181
- Publicly traded companies in Ontario 156
- IT services companies in Ontario 156
The same list elsewhere in Canada
- Research institutes in Canada 156
- Research institutes in the province of Quebec 52
- Research institutes in Toronto 31