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2026 Polytechnic Showcase
From May 12-14 at Humber Polytechnic discover how polytechnics serve as Canada’s innovation partners, turning applied research into real-world impact
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.
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.
Get Social with Polytechnics
We’re pleased to welcome Alex Usher, President of @HESA_News, as the Closing Keynote for the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase.
An expert in higher education — spanning student financial aid, quality measurement, rankings, public financing and strategic planning — Alex brings deep
Polytechnics Canada welcomes the major $6 billion investment in skilled trades training announced in today’s Spring Economic Update. Given that polytechnics deliver training to 70% of Canada’s active apprentices, we look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure
Canada leads in world‑class research — but too many innovations stall before reaching the market. Labs4 at @RRC Polytech is closing that gap.
Through a national network of 40 polytechnics, colleges and universities, Labs4 supports researcher‑entrepreneurs in transforming
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.