QuickSTART is Ontario’s accelerated clinical trials start-up pathway to bring trials to patients more quickly. Designed for multi-site, industry-sponsored clinical trials, it aims to reduce delays, strengthen coordination and collaboration between institutions and sponsors, and support an efficient, predictable path to study start-up within 45 days.
QuickSTART uses a parallel review process that brings contracting, budget, and research ethics review together within a coordinated 45-day timeline. This process is supported by simple yet powerful tools and resources, including the Ontario Universal Clinical Trials Agreement (UACT) and CTO’s Stream platform. Managed through the interactive QuickSTART portal, sponsors and sites can collaboratively track real-time progress, update milestones and manage required actions, helping them stay aligned across all workstreams and reduce delays.
As part of the onboarding and training process, QuickSTART users will be introduced to a dedicated Central Navigator, who helps guide studies from submission through to start-up.
Working alongside sponsors and sites, the Central Navigator supports coordination, outreach and onboarding to CTO platforms—helping maintain alignment, navigate requirements, while monitoring QuickSTART applications to keep studies progressing within shared timelines.
A 45-day timeline may be ambitious—but Ontarians are ambitious. We’re inviting sponsors and sites to get involved and show what’s possible when we work together to position Ontario as a global leader in clinical trials. Become QuickSTART Ready to help road-test processes, shape the program, and move the needle toward a 45-day start-up reality.
We invite all sponsors and sites interested in learning more about how QuickSTART works, and steps to become QuickSTART Ready.
Institutions can begin QuickSTART readiness planning now by reviewing the QuickSTART Process Guide and Institution Readiness and Orientation guide. Operational staff should review the guides to identify any questions and discuss/consider how QuickSTART could be integrated into their trial activation workflows. CTO can meet with institutions at any time to provide an overview of QuickSTART and answer any questions. Once the institution determines they can support QuickSTART studies and meet the requirements outlined in the Institution Readiness and Orientation guide, CTO can coordinate onboarding and training for administrative/operational staff.
An institution must be participating in QuickSTART in order for their study teams or research groups to be eligible to use the program. This requirement exists because institutional approval/authorization, which is a key component of the activation pathway, is managed and supported at the institutional level.
Individuals may come forward and receive QuickSTART training from CTO while their institution is preparing for or completing their onboarding process.
An institution must be participating in QuickSTART in order for their study teams or research groups to be eligible to use the program. This requirement exists because institutional approval/authorization, which is a key component of the activation pathway, is managed and supported at the institutional level.
Individuals may come forward and receive QuickSTART training from CTO while their institution is preparing for or completing their onboarding process.
To be eligible to process through the QuickSTART pathway, a study must include at least two QuickSTART sites . The QuickSTART process and timeliness will apply only to participating QuickSTART sites. Non-QuickSTART sites will continue to work with the sponsor to activate the study as per their usual processes and submit participating site applications in Stream as they normally would.
Have more questions? Download the complete QuickSTART FAQ.
Access the Universal Agreement for Clinical Trials (UACT).
The guides, tools and resources you need to prepare for and participate in QuickSTART
The Central Navigator Service provides hands-on guidance to keep your study on track from the start.
Learn about the Ontario Leadership Table for Clinical Trials.
QuickSTART is supported by the Government of Ontario as part of the province’s life sciences strategy.
