Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning has been awarded $3 million over five years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) College and Community Innovation (CCI) program to bolster innovation in Waterloo Region.
The funding is part of a $65.2 million investment through CCI’s Mobilize grant program to support colleges across Canada in expanding applied research capacity.
“This funding enables us to provide enhanced research opportunities for students while being more responsive in meeting the region’s innovation needs,” said Dr. Michelle Chrétien, associate vice president, Research & Innovation.
Conestoga's Mobilize funding will support several key initiatives that support sustainable and inclusive communities:
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and students to expand research inclusivity
- Enhance capabilities in emerging research areas to boost research capacity
- Ensure robust collaborations by nurturing and reinforcing existing partnerships
“Supporting the participation of students in applied research is a critical component of this funding,” said Dr. Chrétien. “We will also be able to engage with community leaders and industry stakeholders to support economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental sustainability in the communities we serve.”
Conestoga's research portfolio contributes significantly to economic growth in Waterloo Region. During 2022-2023, 206 students and 40 faculty members engaged in 96 research projects, collaborating with 121 industry and community partners, and securing $7 million in funding.
Mobilize grants provide Canadian colleges with flexible funding to acquire necessary resources to address applied research priorities in industry, public, and not-for-profit organizations within their community and to provide applied research training opportunities for students.