POLYTECHNICS ARE…

Empowering students with in-demand digital skills

Discover how Canada’s polytechnics are preparing for the rise of digitalization and AI

POLYTECHNICS ARE…

Unlocking Canada’s productivity with applied research

Read the full report on the economic impact of applied research at Canada’s polytechnics

POLYTECHNICS ARE…

Addressing national challenges

Find out how Canada’s polytechnics are contributing to a carbon-neutral future

POLYTECHNICS ARE…

Preparing tomorrow’s workforce

Learn how polytechnics are building a talent pipeline prepared to take on the future of work


noun
an institution of higher education providing technical, applied, hands-on learning; offering applied degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship training; fuelling business innovation with applied research expertise

Value and Impact

Polytechnics Canada is a non-profit association representing 13 leading research-intensive, publicly supported polytechnics and institutes of technology. We advocate for federal action in areas where polytechnics provide solutions for a more innovative, productive and globally competitive country. As a result, our advocacy priorities are related to:

Research & Innovation

Research & Innovation

Applied research at Canada’s polytechnics helps non-profit and business enterprises of all sizes find solutions to the challenges they face. In many cases, these projects are also supporting significant social advances from improving health and eldercare to boosting environmental sustainability.

Skills & Talent

Skills & Talent

Among Canada’s post-secondary institutions, polytechnics have proven themselves to be the most adaptable, agile and well-connected to industry. Polytechnics are focused on strategic workforce development, ensuring learners have the skills required to succeed.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion

Polytechnics are committed to creating equitable and inclusive places to study and work. Recognizing that the learning environment is enriched by those of various backgrounds and abilities, institutions offer programs and services to meet the needs of the students and communities they serve.

Partner with a Polytechnic

Applied research refers to an exceptionally broad range of innovation services that polytechnics offer business and community partners to advance new ideas or overcome challenges. Our applied research inventory is a searchable database showcasing the applied research expertise resident at our member institutions.

Latest News & Resources

Interested in learning more about the polytechnic advantage? Our resources bring the polytechnic model of education to life with examples of initiatives and partnerships underway across our member institutions.

News Articles
Commercialization is critical for Canadian productivity. Colleges can help

Commercialization is critical for Canadian productivity. Colleges can help

News Articles
A new model to revolutionize higher education

A new model to revolutionize higher education

Best Practices
Polytechnic Applied Research

Polytechnic Applied Research

Best Practices
Polytechnics at Work

Polytechnics at Work

News Articles
Canada’s innovation tool box should contain more applied research

Canada’s innovation tool box should contain more applied research

Policy Papers & Submissions
Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Federal Budget

Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Federal Budget

Policy Papers & Submissions
The Economic Impact of Applied Research at Canada’s Polytechnics

The Economic Impact of Applied Research at Canada’s Polytechnics

Opinions
2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s transition to registered nursing in Canada

2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s transition to registered nursing in Canada

Opinions
2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: How the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is providing world-class applied student learning experiences

2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: How the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is providing world-class applied student learning experiences

Opinions
2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: Humber’s international development journeys

2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: Humber’s international development journeys

Policy Papers & Submissions
Response to the Capstone Research Organization Consultation

Response to the Capstone Research Organization Consultation

Opinions
2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: How Conestoga is inspiring sustainability in research and academics

2024 Polytechnic Showcase Spotlight: How Conestoga is inspiring sustainability in research and academics

Word on the Tweet

In order to meet Canada's goal of a net-zero economy by 2050, we need ambitious and drastic action - this is where polytechnics come in! 🌱

From @sait to @RRC to @bcit and @KwantlenU , Canada's leading polytechnics are pioneering green technology and sustainable solutions to the…

From bio tech to manufacturing to healthcare advances, Canada's top polytechnics are transforming sectors through applied research!

As a result of applied research collaborations, industry partners observed that:
- 26% gained access to new markets, including export markets
-…

Canada's leading polytechnics are powerhouses for applied research, driving innovation with industry partners and turning ideas into market-ready solutions!💡📈
As a result of applied research collaborations, industry partners have observed that:
- 51% increased their R&D…

Land Acknowledgement

As a national association, Polytechnics Canada acknowledges that our offices are located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation and that our members are located on the traditional territories of numerous Indigenous nations. We recognize there is much to learn on the path to reconciliation and that Canadian post-secondary institutions have a responsibility to be active participants. To learn how Canada’s polytechnics are supporting Indigenous inclusion on their campuses, click here.