Polytechnics Canada is the voice of leading research-intensive, publicly supported polytechnics, colleges and institutes of technology.

Joined March 2011
1,508 Photos and videos
More than 85% of polytechnic applied research partners are SMEs — the very businesses that face the biggest barriers to investing in R&D. Polytechnics help close that gap, offering industry-connected expertise, facilities and talent to turn ideas into real-world solutions. The result? Stronger businesses, job creation and a more innovative, competitive Canada. Learn more in our Polytechnic Applied Research brief: polytechnicscanada.ca/resour…
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Innovation often begins where research meets real-world application. At @NAIT ’s Centre for Data Management and Visualization, researchers partnered with the @AMAcommunity to develop a Roblox-based learning game that teaches children how to navigate crosswalks safely. By combining motion capture technology with game design expertise, the project demonstrates how applied research can make education more engaging and effective🎮 This same spirit of innovation can be found in research labs and facilities across Canada, all catalogued in the Applied Research Inventory. 💡 Explore the Inventory to connect with the labs, equipment and experts that can help turn your ideas into reality. Explore here: polytechnicscanada.ca/applie…
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Students from @sait's School for Advanced Digital Technology are turning classroom ideas into real-world startups with major backing — thanks to the Bissett Seed Fund. Offering investments of up to $500K, plus mentorship and hands-on venture development, the program is helping students launch, scale and bring innovative technologies to market. With this funding, SAIT is helping build a pipeline of student-led startups — equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs with the skills, connections and capital to bring Canadian innovation to life. Learn more: sait.ca/news/media-releases/…
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What does it take to bridge the productivity gap in modern manufacturing? At the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase, @sheridancollege 's Dr. Ethan Shen, Dr. El Sayed Mahmoud and Madushen Paramanathan presented their session, "Bridging the Productivity Gap: Scalable AI-Robotics Integration through Collaboration." Now, they're diving deeper into the conversation in our latest Q&A blog. From AI-powered decision-making to collaborative robotics and industry-driven innovation, the discussion highlights practical pathways for manufacturers looking to scale technology adoption and boost operational performance🤖 Explore their perspectives on the future of AI-driven advanced manufacturing. Read our Q&A blog here➡️ polytechnicscanada.ca/news-e…
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Canada’s new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All marks an important step toward ensuring the benefits of artificial intelligence reach learners, workers, and businesses across the country. We welcome the strong emphasis on AI literacy, skills development and widespread adoption—recognizing that Canada’s AI leadership must extend beyond a select few and empower Canadians in every sector. Canada's leading polytechnics are already equipping learners with practical, industry-relevant AI competencies and helping businesses test, validate and implement AI solutions through applied research partnerships. As adoption accelerates, these strengths will play a critical role in growing talent and capacity across the economy. We look forward to contributing to this important national effort and ensuring AI creates meaningful opportunities for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Read more in our statement: polytechnicscanada.ca/news-e…
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.@SenecaPoly and @NYGH_News are joining forces to help address today’s healthcare talent needs while preparing for the future. Through a new Memorandum of Understanding, the partners will expand work-integrated learning opportunities, strengthen recruitment pathways and support hands-on clinical placements for students in nursing and other health programs. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger healthcare workforce in Canada, while advancing innovation in care and supporting student success. Learn more: senecapolytechnic.ca/news-an…
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Polytechnics are at the forefront of training the skilled trades workforce Canada needs to meet its current and future priorities. It’s always encouraging to see the federal government aligned with this mission. We were pleased to hear Hon. Minister @PattyHajdu acknowledge the critical role that polytechnics play in this ecosystem at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance yesterday. With significant new investments in apprenticeship training, there is a real opportunity to strengthen not only pathways into the skilled trades, but also apprentice retention and completion. We look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with the government to ensure these investments translate into tangible outcomes — more skilled workers, stronger communities and a more resilient Canadian economy.
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Polytechnics are turning defence strategy into real-world impact — building talent, validating technologies and accelerating innovation. As a NATO DIANA test centre, @SaskPolytech is helping advance Canada’s role in allied defence innovation. At the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase, Dr. Terry Peckham shared how this work comes to life. Through applied research, AI expertise and hands-on testing, Sask Polytech is helping move innovations from concept to deployment — bridging the gap to real-world use. Read the full blog post: polytechnicscanada.ca/news-e…
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June is National Indigenous History Month—a time to celebrate Indigenous innovation, leadership and knowledge systems that have shaped this land for generations. Polytechnic institutions across Canada are proud to collaborate with Indigenous partners to deliver applied education and training that reflects community needs, supports economic development and creates opportunities for future generations. As we celebrate Indigenous achievements, we also recognize the importance of continued learning and meaningful action toward reconciliation. #NationalIndigenousHistoryMonth #Indigenous
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Canada’s future competitiveness depends on more than innovation alone — it depends on people with the skills to turn ideas into action. In her latest @globeandmail article, Polytechnics Canada's @SarahWRynard highlighted the critical role polytechnics play in building a job-ready workforce while helping businesses solve real-world challenges through applied research. From health care and skilled trades to IT and tourism, polytechnics are preparing graduates for high-demand sectors and connecting students directly with industry before they even graduate. It’s a model that benefits everyone: ✔️Students gain hands-on experience ✔️Employers access talent and innovation support ✔️Communities strengthen economic resilience As Canada looks to strengthen productivity and economic resilience, investing in talent and practical innovation has never been more important. Read more here: polytechnicscanada.ca/news-e…
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Incredible to see innovation in action from our member @FanshaweCollege! 👏 This project is a powerful example of what happens when industry, students and educators come together to push boundaries and build real-world solutions.
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#OACETT and the @FanshaweCollege Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI) officially unveiled the completion of a first-of-its-kind applied research project, a fully electrified @Canam (BRP) Ryker trike built through innovation, collaboration, and student-driven engineering excellence. Through OACETT’s R&D Program, OACETT partnered in this collaboration by providing the Ryker platform itself and supporting the vision of transforming a bold idea into a fully realized applied engineering showcase. What began with a simple question — “What if we electrified a Ryker?” — evolved into an extraordinary hands-on research initiative that challenged students and faculty to solve real-world engineering problems involving: • Electric drivetrain integration • Custom fabrication & machining • CAD design & 3D scanning • Prototyping & testing • Sustainable transportation technology The result? “THE BEAST”, a fully electrified Ryker capable of producing over 500 Nm of torque while showcasing the incredible technical capability, creativity, and innovation happening every day within Ontario’s college system. But this project is about much more than building an electric vehicle. This trike will now become a traveling showcase for OACETT across Ontario, appearing at high schools, industry events, and community engagements to inspire the next generation of engineering technologists and technicians. It will help demonstrate the incredible potential of applied engineering education and real-world program solving. Too often, people underestimate what colleges are capable of achieving when given the opportunity, tools, and challenge. The education is just that good. It demonstrates what happens when students, faculty, industry, and professional associations come together with a bold vision and a willingness to push boundaries. A huge congratulations to the outstanding students, researchers, faculty, and technical teams at CRI who helped bring this vision to life.
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SAIT’s latest rankings are a powerful example of the impact of polytechnic education in Canada 🏆 In 2026, @worlduniranking and @ceoworld magazine both named @sait ’s School of Hospitality and Tourism #1 in Canada. CEOWORLD also ranked SAIT’s School of Business #2 in Canada and among the world’s best business schools🏆 This recognition reflects more than academic excellence — it demonstrates the importance of industry-connected learning and workforce-focused education. With degree, diploma and certificate programs that include up to 300–400 hours of work-integrated learning, SAIT continues to set a strong example of how applied learning prepares graduates for long-term success in rapidly evolving hospitality and business industries. #Polytechnics #ranking #highereducation
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At the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase, @KwantlenU’s Laura McDonald and Dr. David Burns shared insights from their session, Parity of Esteem Between Trades & Business: Building Pathways for Students. Their work champions greater recognition of the skilled trades alongside traditional academic pathways — reinforcing the value, expertise, and impact of both. Our latest Q&A blog explores the critical efforts underway to challenge long-standing disparities and entrenched hierarchies between trades and academia. Read the full blog post here: polytechnicscanada.ca/news-e…
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Polytechnics Canada retweeted
In honour of #CanadianScreenWeek, Generator is taking a moment to spotlight how SIRT Centre is empowering the future of storytelling through research, technology and industry collaboration: bit.ly/4fF8mdS
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Today’s report on Youth Employment in Canada published by the @OurCommons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities underscores the critical role of hands-on, industry-aligned training in expanding opportunities for young people in Canada. It is encouraging to see such strong emphasis on the value of trades and applied learning, as well as the importance of aligning training systems more closely with labour market needs: an approach that sits at the core of the polytechnic model. Polytechnics Canada CEO @SarahWRynard 's earlier committee appearence is featured prominently throughout the report, highlighting the contribution of polytechnics to Canada’s skills ecosystem: “Sarah Watts-Rynard described polytechnics and institutes of technology as ‘leaders in the college sector,’ working closely with industry to deliver advanced technical education. She noted these institutions prepare graduates for a large share of occupations in highest demand and reported strong employment outcomes, with many programs seeing over 90% of graduates working in their field within six months.” Read more in the report: ourcommons.ca/documentviewer… #PolytechnicsCanada #HUMA #Committee
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This morning, the Honourable @rechievaldez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), joined by @SoniaLiberal, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, visited @sheridancollege to announce over $77.5 million in funding to extend projects for 395 organizations advancing gender equality across Canada. This investment underscores the importance of building an economy where everyone has a fair chance to contribute and succeed — an outcome this funding will help drive forward. Sheridan President and Vice Chancellor, @cindy_gouveia, welcomed the announcement on campus, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing a more inclusive and equitable economy.
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