Deep Tech Download Live and IP Essentials workshop connect U of T startups with investors and industry leaders
Deep Tech Download Live: Connecting startups with investors and industry
On March 5, more than 150 attendees gathered at U of T for Deep Tech Download Live. The event brought together U of T startups, investors, and industry leaders to explore collaboration and investment opportunities. Featuring networking and open-mic pitches from research-based companies and startups from U of T’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, attendees were challenged to mobilize these startups, whether industry who can pilot a new technology, community members to add support, or investors to help fuel their growth.
With investors from Panache, Innospark, Whitecap, GreenSky, OCI, RISC Capital, and more in attendance, startups shared what they were working on across AI, biotech, health, climate, quantum and beyond. Just some of the research-based startups included:
- Arma Biosciences – Developing a biosensing platform for at-home disease monitoring to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions.
- BioBox Analytics – Building a platform to help drug discovery scientists decode biology and improve decision-making. Raising a $3M seed later this year.
- NerveX – Hardware and software for veterinary diagnostics and automating clinical transcription. Raising $2M seed.
- Neuropeutics – Advancing a small molecule therapy for neurodegenerative diseases that has shown a 30% reduction in disease pathology after two weeks of treatment. Raising $1.5M pre-seed led by TIAP.
- Photonous – Commercializing AI-powered light-sensing software for high-speed, low-light imaging, with applications in defense, surveillance, and autonomous vehicles. Raising $500K early-stage round.
- Quantum Bridge – Developing quantum-proof cybersecurity solutions. Completed seed round led by Juniper Networks and planning Series A in 2025.
- Xatoms – Using AI and quantum chemistry to design new water treatment materials that neutralize pollutants and pathogens with high precision.
- Zapetite – Oral, plant-derived appetite suppression with a new mode of action that results in up to 15% weight loss, even alongside a high-fat diet.
- Click here to check out more profiles on the companies that presented.
The event was hosted by Michael DiPaul from IPO and was an in-person remix of the Deep Tech Download deal flow newsletter that has over 2,400 global subscribers and has facilitated over 300 intros for investors and industry to startups for mentorship, pilots, and investment.
Together, both events highlighted the quality of research and startups coming out of the University of Toronto ecosystem, and created opportunities for external investors, industry, and community to help fuel their growth.
About UTEST
The University of Toronto Early-Stage Technology (UTEST) program supports emerging deep tech entrepreneurs through a range of services, including seed funding, office space, and business strategy support. UTEST helps early-stage startups based on research from U of T and partner hospitals to refine their business models and develop go-to-market strategies. Since launch, UTEST has supported over 100 startups, playing a key role in translating world-class research into successful commercial ventures. For more, visit https://utest.to.
About U of T’s Innovations & Partnerships Office
The Innovations & Partnerships Office (IPO) supports U of T researchers and entrepreneurs in commercializing their discoveries and building successful startups. IPO provides strategic guidance on IP, licensing, and partnerships with investors and industry. Each year, IPO handles over 150 Invention Disclosures, files more than 70 patent applications, and manages more than 40 Licensing and option agreements. For more, visit https://uoft.me/technologies.