重口味SM

University breaks ground on the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus

The campus will anchor U of T鈥檚 cluster of world-leading artificial intelligence scientists and biomedical experts, create an unprecedented concentration of research-based startups and advance U of T鈥檚 standing as a global innovation powerhouse
Heather Reisman operates a backhoe

Philanthropist and business leader Heather Reisman operates a backhoe during this week's groundbreaking of the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus on College Street (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Philanthropists and business leaders Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman joined 重口味SM President Meric Gertler, Chancellor Rose Patten, Vector Institute President and CEO Garth Gibson and other university and community leaders to break ground on the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus on College Street on Tuesday.

Designed by WEISS/MANFREDI, one of North America鈥檚 leading architectural firms, the iconic campus will create a new gateway for the university, steps from Queen's Park and at the centre of Ontario鈥檚 innovation ecosystem.

The $100-million investment from Mr. Schwartz and Ms. Reisman, announced in March 2019, is the largest donation in U of T鈥檚 history and the largest gift ever to the Canadian innovation sector. In addition to the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, the gift has also enabled U of T to create the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, which launched in June.

鈥淯 of T is home to leading thinkers in AI and biomedicine who are advancing innovation in these fields and addressing their role in society,鈥 said Ms. Reisman and Mr. Schwartz in a statement. 鈥淐reating the campus and the institute will supercharge the university鈥檚 ability to recruit and inspire the best talent in the world in these and related fields.鈥

The striking, glass-clad, 750,000-square-foot complex will anchor U of T鈥檚 unique cluster of world-leading artificial intelligence scientists and biomedical experts, its world-class entrepreneurship network and the country鈥檚 largest concentration of student- and faculty-led startups.

The campus will be constructed in two phases over the next few years. The first phase will erect the 12-storey west tower, creating 250,000 square feet that will focus on AI and innovation, and provide a new home for the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society and the Vector Institute, as well as other leaders of innovation. The second phase will build the larger, 20-storey west tower, which will provide 500,000 square feet of space for life-saving biomedical innovation.

\

Taking part in the groundbreaking were (from left) Scott Mabury, vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships; Jane Pepino, vice-chair of the Governing Council; Rose Patten, chancellor; business leaders and philanthropists Heather Reisman and Gerald Schwartz; U of T President Meric Gertler; David Palmer, vice-president, advancement; Vivek Goel, vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives; Garth Gibson, Vector Institute president and CEO; and Gillian Hadfield, inaugural Schwartz Reisman Chair in Technology and Society (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Once complete, the campus will feature vertical gardens, soaring atria and collaborative spaces that promote intellectual exchange and invite the public to take part in events and interact with scholars and innovators. The building鈥檚 engaging spaces will host thousands of researchers, investors, industry partners and international visitors each year.

鈥淭he Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus will be a magnificent architectural landmark and a new focal point for Canada鈥檚 leading innovation ecosystem,鈥 said President Gertler. 鈥淚t will gather in one place U of T鈥檚 world-leading artificial intelligence scientists and biomedical experts, and integrate them into our dynamic entrepreneurship network. Thanks to Gerry and Heather鈥檚 outstanding generosity and vision, this new campus will confirm to the world that Toronto and U of T are global leaders in AI and biomedical innovation.鈥

The Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society draws on U of T鈥檚 signature strengths in the sciences, humanities and social sciences to ensure that technologies and social structures work together to improve all aspects of life. The university appointed Professor Gillian Hadfield as the inaugural director of the institute, as well as the inaugural Schwartz Reisman Chair in Technology and Society in July. Professor Hadfield is already engaging researchers in the institute鈥檚 work and drawing on her broad background 鈥 in economics and law, humanities, business and technology 鈥 to shape the institute鈥檚 direction for the next few years.

鈥淭he Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus will be a stunning new building in the heart of Toronto, housing the new institute alongside the city鈥檚 most dynamic innovators and researchers. I am excited to be a part of this new vanguard in effective, cross-disciplinary research and concrete solutions to some of our biggest challenges,鈥 said Professor Hadfield.

A rendering of the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus on College Street

 

DUA