French biopharmaceutical giant Sanofi is investing $294 million to expand its global AI Centre of Excellence in Toronto.

The expansion will create 50 new high-skilled jobs in AI and machine learning, adding to more than 150 roles established since the centre launched in 2022, said the Paris-based company. The new positions will focus on designing and deploying advanced AI tools across Sanofi’s global research, manufacturing and business operations, with the aim of accelerating the delivery of medicines and vaccines.

The project will receive a conditional grant of up to $5 million from the Invest Ontario Fund, supporting the province’s strategy to strengthen its AI and life sciences sectors.

“With local biopharma expertise and a world-class AI talent pool in Toronto, we are developing made-in-Canada solutions that are being scaled to operations across the globe,” said Dimitrije Jankovic, Sanofi’s global head of digital strategy and operations. “We appreciate the partnership with the Province of Ontario – their support will help us continue our growth here and create tremendous opportunities for AI talent to join us in transforming healthcare.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the investment underscores confidence in the province’s workforce.

Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s economic development, job creation and trade, said Sanofi’s investment is also a testament to the province’s leadership in the AI and life-sciences sectors, reinforcing its reputation as the “best place to innovate, scale, and succeed.”

Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the expanded centre will create better health outcomes for patients and families across the province and country while creating long-term economic opportunities.

The AI centre serves as a global innovation hub, integrating data, AI, scientific and manufacturing teams to accelerate development across Sanofi’s operations in more than 90 countries.

“AI is woven into the fabric of how we discover, develop, produce, launch, and support innovative therapies at Sanofi,” said Emmanuel Frenehard, Sanofi’s chief digital officer. “Our Toronto AI COE exemplifies how we’re harnessing artificial intelligence, accelerating our mission to halve the time from discovery to delivery of innovative treatments.

“Our investments in Canada are building the foundation for the next generation of breakthrough medicines and vaccines.”

Sanofi said the investment will support expanded facilities, new technology partnerships and growth in its internship program, while contributing to its broader plan to invest more than $2 billion in infrastructure in Canada by 2028.

Pictured: Sanofi AI Centre of Excellence in Toronto

Image: CNW Group/Sanofi