Posted on July 11, 2014

On June 11, the University of Toronto Mississauga launched the new Institute for Management & Innovation (IMI), providing undergraduate and professional graduate programs that will develop the next generation of strategic thinkers in fields as varied as health care, biotechnology, professional accounting and environmental sustainability. It will also provide a space for academics, students and the community to converge to drive ideas and entrepreneurship.

“IMI graduates will apply their multidisciplinary knowledge to the sectors that are driving today’s growth,” said Professor Deep Saini, vice-president of the University of Toronto and principal of U of T Mississauga. “This signature institute will generate new knowledge, build on our core professional programs and foster a culture of innovation.”

“It is imperative that we take a proactive role in growing and nurturing a highly skilled and talented labour force that promotes and supports innovation in business and education,” said Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. “The result will be a community with an international profile and a reputation that will draw expertise and investment from around the world.”

Professor Hugh Gunz, IMI’s inaugural director spoke of how UTM recognizes the important role that innovation plays in the global knowledge economy. “In IMI, we have created a better ecosystem for training future innovators, entrepreneurs and managers who are essential for sustainable prosperity in our region. Our graduates will have the capacity to invent, innovate and transform new ideas into practical solutions for the Mississauga community and beyond.”

About 2,300 students will initially attend the institute, with growth expected to reach 3,000 students. IMI plans to hire approximately 30 new faculty from around the world. The institute will be housed in the four-storey Innovation Complex, scheduled to open in September 2014.

The launch featured a panel discussion on innovation and competitiveness with Dr. Howard Alper, chair of Canada’s Science, Technology and Innovation Council; Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of the MaRS Discovery District; and Dr. Jason Field, president and CEO of Life Sciences Ontario.

“U of T and the City of Mississauga share a dynamic partnership that has evolved over more than 40 years, and has helped create one of the most vibrant communities in Canada,” said President Meric Gertler. “Together, we are developing a framework for innovation to foster economic growth and build a great future for Mississauga.”

“Beyond the borders of this campus, IMI will build a competitive advantage for regional and national industries,” Saini added. “That is the key to prosperity in the 21st century, and UTM is poised to play its part.”