March 28, 2023 – OTTAWA – Proposed new investments in polytechnic and college applied research in today’s federal budget reflect the important role the sector plays supporting business innovation and propelling growth.
Federal Budget 2023 delivers $108.6 million of new funding to the College and Community Innovation Program over the next three years. The program is administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
“In partnership with our association colleagues, we have been able to highlight the tremendous impact of applied research taking place at Canadian polytechnics and colleges,” says Sarah Watts-Rynard, CEO at Polytechnics Canada. “Because applied research responds to current and emerging challenges identified by business and community partners, it is uniquely positioned to contribute to business productivity and growth. Projects support partners as they develop new products and services, reduce their environmental footprint, adopt new technology and better deliver services to Canadians. Partners come from sectors as diverse as natural resources, advanced manufacturing, information/communications technology, food service, hospitality, housing and healthcare.”
As Canadian businesses and organizations seek to innovate and remain competitive, they often require support to re-tool and re-imagine the future. New funding will ensure more Canadian businesses have access to the expertise and facilities they need.
Canada’s 13 polytechnics conducted more than 3,800 applied research projects and developed more than 5,300 prototypes in 2021-22. They engaged more than 3,000 partners and 21,000 students to solve a wide range of innovation challenges. For every dollar they received in federal support, they were able to leverage $1.47 from other sources.
About Polytechnics Canada
Polytechnics Canada is the voice of leading research-intensive, publicly supported polytechnics, colleges and institutes of technology. Sitting at the intersection of workforce development and business innovation, Canada’s polytechnics contribute to a more innovative, productive and globally competitive country.
Located in Canada’s key economic regions, the members of Polytechnics Canada are: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Red River College Polytechnic, Fanshawe College, Conestoga College, Sheridan, Humber, George Brown, Seneca and Algonquin College.
Media Contact
Alexandra Hornby
Manager of Operations
343-777-3882
alex@polytechnicscanada.ca