Since its founding in 1988, INO has made remarkable progress in its research and development activities for Canadian industry and in establishing itself as a world-class source of scientific expertise. With over 1,500 R & D contracts under its belt, INO has been the instigator of 12 new high tech companies and has completed 10 technology transfers from its in-house research program to Canadian industry.

Under its Excellence Award program created in 1992 and the many cooperative projects it runs with universities, INO has provided training to 230 graduate students. It has also completed 23 joint projects with the national and international scientific communities and produced over 600 scientific reports and presentations. The institute is currently involved in various Canadian programs and consortiums and has business ties with major American, European, and Japanese firms that also benefit INO suppliers and partners in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

INO exports its products worldwide. By developing new products and techniques, and offering a high level of expertise, INO provides both small and large companies with optics and photonics products and services that boost their competitiveness on the international scene. INO is a one-of-a-kind enterprise in Canada.