HESIC Lab Researcher looking into microscope at hydrangea leaf.

A leader in industry-driven horticultural applied research and innovation in Canada,
specializing in greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture.

Performing growth trials to evaluate innovations, technologies,
processes and improvements that impact horticultural crops

Integrated Pest Management trials with
specialist input and strategy expertise

Utilizing Ontario's largest training greenhouse
located on-campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC)

Horticultural & Environmental Sciences
Innovation Centre

Niagara College’s Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) focuses on validation and development of innovations through collaborative research and development with industry partners. We specialize in performing growth trials with horticultural crops that evaluate innovations, technologies and improvements, contributing to their development and moving them towards commercialization. Our expertise includes assessing technologies, innovations, production practices, soils, media amendments, pest and disease control approaches and more. We conduct applied research projects that are driven by industry, which means that every project is developed in response to a business that has a new innovation or technology that they would like to develop further or test its effectiveness.

Greenhouse Technology Network accepting applications
for applied research

The Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN) has arrived online with the launch of its website and is ready to accept applications for applied research from greenhouses and related technology businesses in southern Ontario. This Niagara College-led initiative (backed by FedDev Ontario) brings together research institutions: Research & Innovation’s Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (formerly known as the Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre); University of Guelph’s Controlled Environment Research Facility; Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; greenhouse growers and technology providers.  VISIT WEBSITE →

More Information & Support Services

We Specialize In:

  • HESIC_CANNABIS

    GENOMIC SERVICES

    Access specialists to conduct cannabis genomic services, including breeding, phenotyping and screening.

  • StrawberriesTrial at HESIC's greenhouse

    Greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture trials

    Work with our researchers to conduct growth trials in our state-of-the-art research greenhouse and plant growth facility, which houses two laboratories with specialized equipment and enables trials across a wide range of crops and growing environments, including:

    • benchtop systems
    • nutrient film techniques
    • highwire setups
    • vertical grow systems
  • Researchers conduct product development in the HESIC Research Lab

    Product collaboration and development

    Partner with our team of research experts on applied projects to further develop products and innovations that impact the horticulture industry.

  • technology and innovation evaluations

    Engage our experts to evaluate and validate innovations, technologies, processes and improvements that impact horticultural crops, utilizing our state-of-the-art research greenhouse and plant growth facility, and our Health Canada licensed cannabis cultivation facility.

Work with us

Niagara College’s Research & Innovation provides real-world solutions for business, industry and the community through innovation activities.
For more information on these opportunities, contact Research & Innovation.