Mobilizing Business, Health and Horticultural Centres at Niagara College

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As Niagara College fulfills its role in developing the local labour force and economy, its Research & Innovation division contributes by conducting applied research activities to benefit small- and medium-sized businesses in the region. For more than 20 years, and through four innovation centres in key economic sectors, including manufacturing, agri-business and commercialization supports, Research & Innovation has provided real-world solutions for business, industry partners and the community through applied research and knowledge transfer activities. These activities include innovative solutions, such as establishing proof-of-concept designs, producing and testing prototypes, evaluating new technologies, and developing new or improved technologies, products or processes. The Mobilize funding program will allow Niagara College to both expand and diversify its applied research project offerings by supporting several operational aspects, while enabling the creation of a new centre in health, wellness and ageing, to address a key societal need in our region. To continue growing and innovating, contributing to the economic development of our region, and enhancing our student applied research offerings, we have identified four main objectives for the years ahead, to be enabled by Mobilize funding. Under the Research & Innovation division, Niagara College will: 1) Diversify offerings for industry partners of the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre by further developing computer technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. This will be done by establishing the Research Chair, Computer Technology position. 2) Advance the Horticultural Science & Technology Innovation Centre's ability to align with current and future growers' applied research needs by re-naming and re-focussing the offerings of the Centre as a means of better signaling the work conducted therein, and by adding a Centre Manager position for a more strategic approach to future operations. 3) Formalize the Business & Commercialization Solutions team into a full Innovation Centre by adding a full-time research program manager to the team, while increasing the number of researchers dedicated to BCS work. 4) Establish the Health, Wellness & Ageing Innovation Centre by adding specific staffing resources and faculty release opportunities to conduct applied research in this field, aimed at supporting the health-care sector and vulnerable populations in society.