News ReleaseMinistry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and SecurityPublished: July 29, 2026
McMaster reactor funding increases isotope output for cancer care
Ontario added $4.6 million to the McMaster Nuclear Reactor to boost production of medical isotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Summary
What happened
- Ontario announced an additional $4.6 million for the McMaster Nuclear Reactor in Hamilton to increase production of medical isotopes.
By the numbers (from the release)
- New provincial contribution: $4.6 million.
- Total provincial support for the reactor now: $26.9 million.
- Reactor production capacity cited: up to 84,000 treatments per year.
- The release says isotope production and research capacity increased by 300% and the province aims to double isotope output by 2030 through the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO).
Why it matters
- Medical isotopes are used in diagnosing and treating cancers; expanding local production aims to improve access to these treatments.
- The funding is intended to support research, skilled jobs, and a more resilient Ontario isotope supply chain.
What to watch next
- Further work by NIICO and steps toward the province’s goal of doubling isotope production by 2030.
Related links
- Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario
- Energy for Generations
- Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level.
- Centre of Excellence for Fusion Energy,
- $18 million to increase production of life-saving medical isotopes
- $6.4 billion into the postsecondary sector
- Learn more about the McMaster Nuclear Reactor
- Discover why nuclear isotopes are important for cancer research
- Read about research funding in Ontario
Source: Ontario Newsroom