Everybody you talk to in the elevator, the hall,
the cafeteria - they are all in the science field - so you
can network with one another," says Ratheesh. "MaRS
does not just provide research space, they are bringing
business people, people with money."
These are the connections that can turn your idea
into a profit-making business that employs many
people. This is exactly what MaRS is all about. As they
say on their website, "MaRS connects the communities
of science, business and capital and fosters collaboration
among them."
MaRS advisors are able to connect entrepreneurs
with private funding opportunities as well as free
educational programming and hands-on advisory
services. Corporate sponsor CIBC funds an
entrepreneurship lecture series, for example.
Ratheesh adds, "Patent people are here as well, so if
you have patentable technology, you can talk to them."
Once you start your business, MaRS offers many
supports. "When we had the lab space we had the
chemical hood that had to be set up so MaRS came and
provided people to set up our hood," explains Ratheesh.
"They help us dispose of chemical waste, provide water
service, fridge and freezer service - so these are all
important.
"For smaller companies that have problem buying
fridges and freezers, they can use common equipment."
MaRS facilities also include lecture theatres,
meeting rooms and an auditorium.
Growing Cultures
Bacteria and tissue cultures aren't the only cultures
that thrive in the MaRS environment. It's also a great
place for newcomers from every culture to
