Secure Innovation: What UofT Founders Need to Know to Protect Their Start-ups – Jan. 29, 2026

In today’s ever-changing geopolitical landscape, understanding evolving government policies and frameworks is crucial for maintaining a competitive and secure innovation ecosystem and submitting successful grant applications. Join the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI)’s Research Security Team (RST) for a webinar designed for founders, entrepreneurs and academic researchers seeking:  

• Up-to-date information on the different research security policies and legislation that are relevant to start-ups and emerging companies 
• Insight into threats and risks facing early-stage enterprises, including tactics and techniques used by malign actors to improperly acquire research and intellectual property 
• A demonstration of tools and resources that can be used to better understand research security processes and improve the integrity of your enterprise  
• Details for where and how the RST can assist  

The session will also feature the CEO of a U of T start-up who will share insights from a founder’s perspective on navigating research security in practice and answer audience questions. 

A Q&A period will follow.   

Intended Audience:  

This webinar is tailored for members of the University of Toronto entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem who want to better understand frameworks and policies related to research security and how to navigate risks specific to start-ups and technology commercialization.

Presenters: 

• Paul Jarrett, Director Research Security, VPRI 
• Colin Baulke, Research Security Advisor, VPRI
• Michael Laurentius, Manager, Research Information Security Program
• Jon French, Director, University of Toronto Entrepreneurship 
• Mattia Montagna, CEO, Quantum Bridge Technologies 

• Recognize common security risks and tactics used by malicious actors targeting start-ups and understand how these can compromise research integrity and intellectual property 
• Identify relevant federal and institutional research security frameworks that apply to start-ups and university-industry partnerships, including guidance on compliance and risk mitigation 
• Apply available tools and resources to assess potential risks, strengthen security practices, and engage effectively with the Research Security Team for tailored support