About Us
WORLDiscoveries® Asia is a subsidiary of WORLDiscoveries, the technology transfer and business development office of Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute’s extensive research network and the bridge between Canadian innovation and global industry. Western and Lawson, based in London, Canada, are world-class leaders in moving research out of the labs and into the lives of people around the world through public- and private-sector partnerships.
Established in 2011 in response to the changing global economy and an increasing demand for world-class technologies in Asia, WD Asia operates out of offices in Hong Kong and Nanjing of Jiangsu province. We are the first permanent technology commercialization entity in Asia ever created by a Canadian organization.
Over the years, WD Asia has achieved a series of successes in facilitating licensing deals, research collaborations, and the creation of start-ups, valued at over $30 million. By early 2019, with the support from strategic partners and years of development, WD Asia has grown into a successful professional services provider dedicated to help research institutions and hi-tech small and medium sized enterprises (SME) across Ontario develop IP and innovation partnerships in Asia.
In June 2019, with direct support from the Incremental Project Grants (IPG) funding, WD Asia’s service successfully expanded to Quebec and Japan, establishing local operations. WD Asia developed its research organization and SME client base in Quebec and built a business network in Japan among investors and industry. To date, this program has enrolled 15 Japanese organizations, more than 10 organizations based in Quebec and added over 40 technologies to its portfolio.
Currently, WD Asia is focused on enhancing Canada’s profile, the level of engagement in research collaboration, technology commercialization and venture capital investment in the Asian region and achieving financial sustainability through delivering quality professional services in these areas.
Mission
Through bridging cross-border research collaborations, technology development, high-tech project financing and company creation, WORLDiscoveries® Asia strives to unleash the power of Canadian innovations to generate social-economic value as well as to help combat challenges faced by Canada and Asian countries.
Vision
To be the Canada-Asia gateway and leader for science and technology partnerships
