HESIC provides applied research and technical services to companies innovating in the environmental and horticultural sectors, including controlled environment agriculture (CEA), greenhouse production, plant health and integrated pest management, genomics, cannabis cultivation and breeding, and sustainable growing practices. The TAC designation is accompanied by five years of renewable funding from NSERC.
“Securing this TAC designation for HESIC reflects the trust and recognition that NSERC places in our ability to support SMEs through applied research,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, vice-president, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises at Niagara College. “Our team will now be able to scale our support to more businesses working on sustainable agriculture, agri-tech, and environmental solutions. We’re proud to further our mission of helping Canadian companies innovate and thrive.”
With the support of TAC funding, HESIC will broaden its impact by offering expanded CEA services, including integrated pest management strategies, variety testing, third-party validation, and commercialization-focused R&D.
“Our new specialized research greenhouse and plant growth facility is purpose-built to help businesses test, refine, and scale their innovations in real-world conditions,” said Kimberley Cathline, Associate Director, HESIC. “With precision-controlled growing bays, postharvest and analytical labs, advanced genomics tools, and a forthcoming Health Canada-licensed cannabis cultivation space, we can support a wide range of applied research needs. We also work with companies on soil and media amendments, fertilizer alternatives, and agri-waste diversion strategies–helping them reduce environmental impact while boosting productivity and market readiness.”
As a TAC, HESIC will offer its expertise to SMEs that are actively developing innovative, science-based solutions aimed at improving environmental sustainability and efficiency. Based at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, HESIC focuses on advancing new technologies and approaches through applied research collaborations, having partnered with hundreds of industry collaborators over the years.
Companies interested in exploring project opportunities with HESIC are encouraged to visit ncinnovation.ca/contact or contact David DiPietro, Manager, Business Development, at [email protected] to discuss their innovation goals and determine eligibility for support through the TAC.
NC’s award-winning Research and Innovation division administers research funding through investments from various regional, provincial, and federal agencies. Students and graduates are hired to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry partners’ leap forward in the marketplace. Students come from a variety of the College’s programs, such as the Horticultural Technician Program, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, Business Administration – Marketing, and Computer Programmer.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of close to 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships worldwide and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
This post Niagara College earns third Technology Access Centre with federal funding investment appeared first on Niagara College.