Autodesk Toronto is moving to MaRS

Well, Autodesk Toronto has heeded that advice and is planning a move to MaRS starting in June 2016. The MaRS Discovery District (MaRSDD), that is. This is not a mere address change.  The MaRSDD in Toronto is the one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs.

Autodesk is seizing a strategic opportunity to relocate our office to the center of the largest urban innovation district in North America, which is presently home to more than $1.2 billion in research spending. MaRS is the base of Toronto’s medical research district where scientists translate discoveries into practical application, from the first use of insulin in the early 20th century to advances in stem cells and regenerative medicine today.

Toronto is the headquarters for Autodesk Research, and our new Toronto location will expose the surrounding community to the impact Autodesk research and technology has on the future of making things. By immersing Autodesk into the high tech, research and education hub of Toronto, Autodesk can also attract and retain the best talent and collaborate with new partners.

According to Gordon Kurtenbach, Autodesk senior director of Research, “Autodesk is thrilled to move to the technology, business, education and research center of Toronto.  It’s the right place to foster the talent key to growing our future business.”

Autodesk will occupy the second and third floors of MaRS West Tower, a total of more than 60,000 square feet. The move will occur in phases, starting in June 2016. The new space will eventually accommodate more than 300 employees.

Autodesk is also taking over the street-level space at the northwest corner of the new building and will transform it into an innovation space and design sandbox that will enable creators, customers and the public to explore new fabrication techniques using 3D printers and robotics.