# Top 50 research institutes in Ontario Tamtam tracks 64 research institutes headquartered in Ontario. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of Toronto, McMaster University and University of Ottawa. Their median headcount is 1,723. Half of them were founded in 1922 or later. The most common headquarters are Toronto (24), Ottawa (7) and Hamilton (5). 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. πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ontario Β· 50 companies Β· Updated Nov 12, 2026 | # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | [University of Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-toronto) (defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca)
Leading Canadian university focused on research, innovation, and global education to address pressing societal challenges and prepare students for success | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 28,832 | | | 2 | [McMaster University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mcmaster-university) (mcmaster.ca)
Leading Canadian university known for innovation in education and research, serving 30,000 students and a global alumni network. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Hamilton | 13,160 | 1887 | | 3 | [University of Ottawa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ottawa) (uottawa.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 | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ottawa | 12,220 | | | 4 | [Western University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/western-university) (uwo.ca)
A leading research-intensive university with a global community of students and alumni focused on making change in the world Welcome scholars worldwide | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ London | 12,137 | 1878 | | 5 | [York University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/york-university) (yorku.ca)
Educates students, fosters career advancement, and drives positive societal change through research and community engagement. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 11,154 | 1959 | | 6 | [Queen's University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/queen-s-university) (queensu.ca)
A prestigious university known for its research, innovation, and commitment to addressing global challenges through scholarship and international engagement | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Kingston | 9,891 | 1841 | | 7 | [Unity Health Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/unity-health-toronto) (unityhealth.to)
A health network in Toronto providing primary, community, specialized, and long-term care services, as well as investing in research and education | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 8,686 | 2017 | | 8 | [The Hospital for Sick Children](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-hospital-for-sick-children) (sickkids.ca)
Leading pediatric hospital integrating patient care, research, and education to advance children's health and develop innovative treatments globally. | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 8,636 | 1875 | | 9 | [Toronto Metropolitan University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/toronto-metropolitan-university) (torontomu.ca)
Innovative urban university in Toronto, focusing on creativity, entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and global community engagement to serve societal needs | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 8,478 | | | 10 | [University of Guelph](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-guelph) (uoguelph.ca)
Dedicated to improving quality of life through innovative research and education in essential areas like water, food, health, and environment | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Guelph | 7,725 | 1964 | | 11 | [London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ London | 7,092 | | | 12 | [Carleton University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/carleton-university) (carleton.ca)
University located near government and high tech companies, combining research and teaching to provide superior education and solve real problems. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ottawa | 6,886 | 1942 | | 13 | [Hamilton Health Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hamilton-health-sciences) (hamiltonhealthsciences.ca)
Healthcare organization delivering specialized cardiac, stroke, trauma, cancer, palliative, and pediatric care to southwestern Ontario and beyond. | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Hamilton | 6,690 | | | 14 | [St. Michael's Hospital](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-michael-s-hospital) (unityhealth.to)
A leading hospital providing compassionate care, medical education in 27 disciplines, and research through the Keenan Research Centre for global impact | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 4,868 | 1892 | | 15 | [National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-research-council-canada-conseil-national-de-recherches-canada) (nrc.canada.ca)
Largest government research organization supporting innovation, helping SMEs scale, connecting Canadian innovators with advanced R&D capabilities, fostering partnerships. | Research Services | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ottawa | 4,732 | 1916 | | 16 | [Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/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 | Government Administration | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ottawa | 4,579 | | | 17 | [CAMH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/camh) (camh.ca)
A leading teaching hospital in Canada focused on transforming lives through clinical care, research, education, and advocacy for mental health and addiction issues | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 4,477 | 1998 | | 18 | [Sinai Health](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sinai-health) (sinaihealth.ca)
A leading academic health science centre focused on integrated care, innovative research, and educating future healthcare leaders for comprehensive patient care | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 4,083 | | | 19 | [Wilfrid Laurier University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wilfrid-laurier-university) (wlu.ca)
Canadian university focusing on teaching, research, and student satisfaction with programs in arts, business, science, social work, and education. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Waterloo | 4,060 | | | 20 | [St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-joseph-s-healthcare-hamilton) (stjoes.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 | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Hamilton | 2,983 | 1890 | | 21 | [CHEO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cheo) (cheo.on.ca)
A global leader in pediatric health care and research, providing excellence in complex care, education, and community partnership for children and youth | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ottawa | 2,784 | 1974 | | 22 | [Niagara College](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/niagara-college) (niagaracollege.ca)
Leader in applied education and training, established in 1967 in Welland and now expanding across the Niagara region for top student satisfaction | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Welland | 2,686 | 1967 | | 23 | [Ontario Tech University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ontario-tech-university) (ontariotechu.ca)
Innovative university focusing on advancing knowledge, integrating social and ethical implications of technology, and collaborating on solutions with partners | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Oshawa | 2,479 | 2003 | | 24 | [Canadian Nuclear Laboratories](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/canadian-nuclear-laboratories) (cnl.ca)
A leading organization in nuclear science and technology, specializing in research, development, engineering, waste management, and decommissioning services for various applications | Research Services | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Chalk River | 2,340 | 2014 | | 25 | [University of Toronto Scarborough](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-toronto-scarborough) (utsc.utoronto.ca)
Innovative university campus promoting diversity, academic excellence, experiential learning, research partnerships, and world-changing ideas in a vibrant environment | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 1,723 | 1964 | | 26 | [St. Joseph's Health Care London](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-joseph-s-health-care-london) (sjhc.london.on.ca)
A leading academic health care organization in Canada providing compassionate care, teaching, and research to help people live life fully | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ London | 1,707 | 1869 | | 27 | [Baycrest](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/baycrest) (baycrest.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 | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 1,407 | 1918 | | 28 | [OCAD University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ocad-university) (ocadu.ca)
A leading institution in Canada, specializing in art and design education for aspiring students to excel in their creative pursuits | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 1,343 | 1876 | | 29 | [Princess Margaret Cancer Centre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/princess-margaret-cancer-centre-toronto) (uhnresearch.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 | Medical Practices | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 1,211 | | | 30 | [Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/holland-bloorview-kids-rehabilitation-hospital) (hollandbloorview.ca)
Pioneering treatments, technologies, and programs for children with disabilities to fully participate in life through a world-class teaching hospital | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 1,086 | | | 31 | [Ivey Business School at Western University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ivey-business-school-at-western-university) (ivey.uwo.ca)
A business school specializing in leadership development with experiential learning, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programs affiliated with a university | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ London | 965 | 1922 | | 32 | [Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/temerty-faculty-of-medicine-university-of-toronto) (temertymedicine.utoronto.ca)
Leader in medical research and innovation, collaborating with diverse partners to address global health challenges for over a century | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 913 | | | 33 | [University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-toronto-rotman-school-of-management) (rotman.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 | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 857 | | | 34 | [Royal Military College of Canada/CollΓ¨ge militaire royal du Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/royal-military-college-of-canada-college-militaire-royal-du-canada) (rmc-cmr.ca)
This bilingual institution provides undergraduate and post-graduate education in both English and French, offering a variety of courses and programs | Defense and Space Manufacturing | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Kingston | 770 | 1874 | | 35 | [NOSM University \| UniversitΓ© EMNO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nosm-university-universite-emno) (nosm.ca)
A medical school focused on training healthcare professionals, leading in community-engaged education and research with a distributed learning approach | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Sudbury | 708 | 2005 | | 36 | [Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ontario-institute-for-studies-in-education-of-the-university-of-toronto) (oise.utoronto.ca)
A leading research and graduate institute in education, offering world-class programs for careers in teaching and learning | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 677 | 1847 | | 37 | [Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/schulich-school-of-medicine-and-dentistry) (schulich.uwo.ca)
The company delivers exceptional education, conducts impactful research, and collaborates with communities to enhance health and well-being for the future | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ London | 655 | 1881 | | 38 | [Royal Ontario Museum](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/royal-ontario-museum) (rom.on.ca)
Showcasing art, culture, and nature from around the world since 1914, with over 13 million objects, including mummies, sculpture, meteorites, and dinosaurs | Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 629 | 1914 | | 39 | [Vector Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vector-institute) (vectorinstitute.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 | Research Services | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 603 | 2017 | | 40 | [Defence Research and Development Canada \| Recherche et dΓ©veloppement pour la dΓ©fense Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/defence-research-and-development-canada-recherche-et-developpement-pour-la) (drdc-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. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ottawa | 603 | | | 41 | [DeGroote School of Business - McMaster University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/degroote-school-of-business-mcmaster-university) (degroote.mcmaster.ca)
Innovative business school at McMaster University focusing on interdisciplinary thinking and evidence-based management to empower graduates in a fast-paced world | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Hamilton | 482 | 1952 | | 42 | [Faculty of Engineering - McMaster University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/faculty-of-engineering-mcmaster-university) (eng.mcmaster.ca)
Inspiring, innovative engineering school fostering collaboration among diverse scholars to solve real-world challenges and create a brighter future | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Hamilton | 470 | | | 43 | [York University - Osgoode Hall Law School](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/york-university-osgoode-hall-law-school) (osgoode.yorku.ca)
A prestigious law school in Toronto offering a range of clinical programs, publications, and the largest law library in the Commonwealth | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 452 | 1889 | | 44 | [Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dalla-lana-school-of-public-health-university-of-toronto) (dlsph.utoronto.ca)
This company is a prominent organization specializing in public health education, research, and services that have a global and local impact | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 442 | 1927 | | 45 | [ICES](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ices) (ices.on.ca)
Non-profit organization using population-based health data to produce unbiased knowledge for improving health care policy and decision-making | Research Services | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 437 | 1992 | | 46 | [Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ontario-veterinary-college-university-of-guelph) (uoguelph.ca)
Leader in veterinary education, ranking among the top globally Highly regarded program at University of Guelph for veterinary science | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Guelph | 426 | 1862 | | 47 | [CHEO Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cheo-research-institute) (cheoresearch.ca)
The research institute strives to bring life-changing discoveries for children and youth through exceptional talent and technology, promoting trust and equity | Research Services | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ottawa | 417 | | | 48 | [Lassonde School of Engineering - York University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lassonde-school-of-engineering-york-university) (lassonde.yorku.ca)
The company prepares engineers and scientists to tackle complex global challenges and seize opportunities through a holistic and innovative approach | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 400 | | | 49 | [Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/leslie-dan-faculty-of-pharmacy-university-of-toronto) (pharmacy.utoronto.ca)
A leading Canadian pharmacy school offering cutting-edge educational programs and research focusing on modern drug therapy and healthcare innovation | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 372 | 1882 | | 50 | [Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/canadian-memorial-chiropractic-college) (cmcc.ca)
A leading chiropractic institution offering rigorous academic and clinical preparation, research opportunities, and advanced technology to enhance patient care and student education | Higher Education | πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Toronto | 355 | 1945 | ## How this list is built 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](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-ontario) (5,032) - [Multinational companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-ontario) (901) - [Financial services firms in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-ontario) (396) - [Manufacturers in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-ontario) (389) - [Critical infrastructure operators in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-ontario) (344) - [Retail chains in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-ontario) (327) - [Companies with in-house R&D in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-ontario) (300) - [Logistics companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-ontario) (285) - [Education providers in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-ontario) (276) - [SaaS companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-ontario) (275) - [Truck Transportation companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/truck-transportation-companies-ontario) (270) - [Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/transportation-logistics-supply-chain-and-storage-companies-ontario) (261) - [Public sector organisations in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-ontario) (259) - [Financial Services companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-ontario) (250) - [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-ontario) (235) - [Software Development companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-ontario) (231) - [Healthcare providers in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-ontario) (226) - [Hardware manufacturers in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-ontario) (213) - [Professional services firms in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-ontario) (211) - [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-ontario) (205) - [Distributors and wholesalers in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-ontario) (183) - [Companies with a mobile app in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-ontario) (181) - [Publicly traded companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-ontario) (156) - [IT services companies in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-ontario) (156) ## The same list elsewhere in Canada - [Research institutes in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-canada) (156) - [Research institutes in the province of Quebec](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-province-of-quebec) (52) - [Research institutes in Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-toronto) (31) ## The same list elsewhere - [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686) - [Research institutes in North America](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-north-america) (1,216) --- Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-ontario