The Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL) and the Conestoga Biotechnology Research & Innovation Hub (BioHub) have been awarded $326,000 in funding from the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) through its Collaborate 2 Commercialize program.
This commitment includes two applied research projects in biotechnology and food innovation and creates nine paid research positions for Conestoga students in partnership with Canadian biotechnology company Sparrow Bio and Toronto-based Biofect Innovation.
“Turning great research into market-ready solutions requires strong collaboration between industry and academia,” said Claudia Krywiak, president and CEO, OCI. “Through OCI’s Collaborate 2 Commercialize program, we’re connecting Ontario companies with Conestoga’s research expertise and emerging talent to accelerate the development and commercialization of new technologies.”
With this support, the Biohub and CFRIL are continuing to advance vital student opportunities for career development while driving growth within their industries.
“Applied research creates an important bridge between industry innovation and student learning while helping companies advance new technologies and address real-world challenges,” said Saleh Jiddawi, executive director, Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
The first project, led by the BioHub, will support Sparrow Bio in developing a lab-grade PCR diagnostic personal DNA analyzer designed for at-home use. As part of the project, Conestoga researchers will conduct laboratory activities related to pathogen detection, including sample preparation, testing and analysis.
With paid applied research opportunities for six Conestoga students, including two co-op and four part-time positions available, Conestoga is providing students with the opportunity to apply skills developed through programs such as the Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology and Biotechnology Technician diploma in a real-world laboratory setting.
Working alongside BioHub researchers, students will gain hands-on experience conducting laboratory research while contributing to the project from experimental design and method development through data analysis and reporting.
“These opportunities give students the chance to build technical skills in a professional research environment while contributing directly to developing innovative technology alongside our industry partner,” said Anthony Bauer, research lead, BioHub.
The second project will support Biofect Innovations in advancing a next-generation natural sweetener by validating its performance across food and beverage applications and generating technical data to support commercialization.
Working with Biofect, CFRIL will test the sweetener in food and beverage applications and develop demonstration products to validate its performance and support commercialization.
“These projects are a great example of how we can simultaneously help companies innovate and grow while giving students valuable hands-on experience in industries that are important to Ontario’s future,” said Krywiak
The project will also provide three paid research opportunities for Conestoga biotechnology students, who will work part time over three semesters on formulation development and stability testing while gaining hands-on experience in food innovation research.
About the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab and the BioHub
CFRIL works with partners across the food processing, packaging, and foodservice sectors, while the BioHub supports innovation in biotechnology and biosciences through advanced analytical, microbial, molecular, and health sciences research. Together, the research centres provide specialized expertise, facilities, and technologies to help organizations develop and improve products, processes, and solutions.
About the Ontario Centre of Innovation
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.
OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.
For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca