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Why Research and Innovation

Work on your next project with the experts at the #1 Research College in Canada

At Research and Innovation we are all about providing solutions for industry. We solve real-world challenges for business, key industry sectors and the community through applied research and knowledge transfer activities.

With funding support from various regional, provincial and federal agencies, students and graduates are hired to work alongside faculty researchers to assist industry partners leap forward in the marketplace.

How We Help

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Applied research projects

Leveraging funding, we turn your innovation challenge into a solution.

Technical services

Known as “fee-for-service,” this is a great option for a quick turn-around service.

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Course-based projects

An accessible, low-barrier way to innovate in partnership with a class, over one term.

Business and commercialization solutions

Offers a full suite of solutions to make businesses more successful.

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Talent pipeline

Tap into highly qualified students and graduates who are ready to work with you.

Research Opportunity Fund

A program created to nurture and cultivate research and innovation for Niagara College staff.

The Importance of Research and Innovation

Staying competitive in the ever-changing marketplace can be difficult, but when you tap into the expertise of Research and Innovation, it becomes a whole lot easier.

We provide access to state-of-the art facilities, cutting-edge technologies and share expert insights to help your subject matter expert succeed. We de-risk the innovation process, through access to funding opportunities to make innovation more accessible, free up your resources and support you in the commercialization process . By hiring students and recent graduates to work with us, we are also feeding your future talent pipeline.

As a recognized leader in applied research, we host two multi-institutional networks, the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and the Greenhouse Technology Network, which enhance the members’ competitive edge in manufacturing and sustainable technologies. Work with us at Niagara College, where your innovation aspirations become our mission.

Our Achievements

  • Celebrating 24 years of providing solutions for industry
  • For the ninth year in a row, Niagara College ranks among the top 10 colleges in the country for research funding, including number one in 2023 and 2019, according to Research InfoSource. Since they first published the Top 50 Research Colleges report in 2013, Niagara College has been consistently in the top 15
  • Since July 2011, we’ve received over $200M in government, industry and institutional contributions to fund 3 new buildings, 900 projects with industry, resulting in more than 15,700 student research experiences, and more than 550 faculty/researchers
  • We received the 2019 Research Partnership Award from the Canadian Association of Research Administrators for the NC-led Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation
  • We won the 2018 Gold Award of Excellence in Applied Research and Innovation at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics World Congress
  • We won silver at 2018 Applied Research and Innovative Excellence from Colleges and Institutes Canada

Let's Work Together

There are three potential ways you can engage with us.

Funding sources cover most project costs, including labour, materials, and administration, with a 1:1 match from an outside industry partner (combination of cash and in-kind contribution). We take on the administrative legwork, so the industry partner doesn’t have to apply for or secure their own funding. Industry partners must meet funding criteria to qualify (often 2+2 model in years in business plus number of employees).

Known as “fee-for-service,” a technical service works well when your project doesn’t fit the typical funded research project model. This is a great option if you are looking to have a quick turn-around service performed using our technical expertise and specialized equipment. A quote is provided before the work begins, followed by an invoice at the service’s completion.

During the term, under faculty supervision and as part of their learning objectives, students work with an industry partner to solve a real-world challenge. Course-based projects are an accessible, low-barrier way for industry partners to work with Research and Innovation, as they typically have little to no costs. 

Get In Touch!

Our intake is ongoing, so contact our award-winning team today.

Together, we will determine how best to meet your needs, whether we perform a quick turnaround service, or a full innovation project.