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:

Innovation & Productivity

Innovation & Productivity

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.

Workforce Development

Workforce Development

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.

Applied Research Inventory

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.

Get Social with Polytechnics

.@sheridancollege's Screen Industries Research and Training (SIRT) Centre has secured a $450,000 @NSERC_CRSNG Applied Research and Development grant to partner with Newfoundland-based @CamberArts on a three-year research project exploring how digital tools and AI can help

What does it take to turn an autonomous robot into a market-ready product?

@HumberPoly Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation partnered with @locomobiworld /Mobi Robotics on a 20-month project to redesign and commercialize an autonomous parking attendant robot.

Designed to

NAIT is helping turn early inspiration into real opportunity🔨

Through its School of Construction and Building Sciences, @NAIT is creating pathways for students to turn an interest in the skilled trades into rewarding careers - and the $500,000 investment in student awards from

NAIT is helping turn early inspiration into real opportunity🔨

Through its School of Construction and Building Sciences, @NAIT is creating pathways for students to turn an interest in the skilled trades into rewarding careers - and the $500,000 investment in student awards from
NAIT @NAIT

A future in the skilled trades can start with a single moment of discovery.

For students at M.E. LaZerte High School, building a home with Homes by Avi provides more than hands-on experience. It gives them the chance to explore new skills, discover possibilities and imagine a

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.