GEORGIAN COLLEGE
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Georgian College will further support the applied research needs of local industry thanks to two large grants worth a total of $550,000 from the Government of Ontario’s Colleges Applied R&D Fund (CARDF).
Georgian was awarded $400,000 from CARDF’s College Strategic Sector/Cluster/Technology Platform (CSSCTP) program, which will be used toward its Competitive Smart Manufacturing (CSM) program. Georgian’s CSM program supports regional manufacturers with implementation of advanced technologies and information strategies that improve traditional approaches to manufacturing and boost competitiveness.
With the funding from the CSSCTP stream of the program, Georgian will provide up to 40 students with experiential learning opportunities through industry-led applied research and development projects. Over 10 faculty members will be engaged in projects with up to eight regional industry partners. The companies participating in the program with Georgian must match the funding through a combination of cash and in-kind contribution.
The college was also awarded $150,000 in the College Voucher for Technology Adoption (CVTA) program. Georgian will work with 15+ small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on projects related to product development, process optimization, technology evaluation, integration and adoption, and data analytics.
The companies participating will receive $10,000 of grant funding from the CARDF program, which must also be matched through a combination of cash and in-kind contribution. CARDF is administered by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) for the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science in partnership with Colleges Ontario.
“Georgian College is determined to advance our research and innovation agenda in support of economic development in our region,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, Georgian President and CEO. “The OCE funding is essential in allowing us to address complex issues and workplace challenges, tackling everything from product design and prototyping to market research and analysis.”
The key aspects of the CSM program – automation, computer control, robotics, customization, and adaptability in product and process improvement – will help businesses address the needs of just-in-time manufacturing in a global market.
CSM projects will be the first example of the types of opportunities that can be provided to local industry when the new Advanced Technology, Innovation and Research Centre at the Barrie Campus opens in fall 2018.
“These grants allow industry to access expertise, resources and talent at the college to advance their research and development, and innovation agendas,” said Dr. Mira Ray, Director, Centre for Applied Research and Innovation.
The funding also allows Georgian to bring its CSM program to manufacturers in the region. “Manufacturing is a key sector in Ontario, accounting for almost 50 per cent of Canada's total manufacturing sales,” added Ray. “However, changing global dynamics mean that in order to be competitive, Ontario manufacturers must find ways to lower costs, deliver products quickly, provide custom solutions, source cost-effective and sustainable raw materials, and, in most cases, integrate advanced technologies.”
The Government of Ontario is focused on supporting industry-academic collaboration for today – and in the long run.
“Our province needs talent to continue to sustain its growing innovation ecosystem. Investing in applied research and development is a step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our province,” said Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. “By bringing together colleges and the R&D sector, we’re creating opportunities for our students and ensuring they are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Both CARDF-funded programs will also provide experiential learning opportunities for students to enhance their learning, apply their skills, and develop a strong foundation for success in their future careers, while delivering significant value to industry partners.