Labs4: Leveraging the know-how of Canada’s colleges to drive innovation and productivity

Culinary student poses in front of Les Vert indoor garden system

Labs4 will leverage the applied research expertise and industry connectivity of Canada’s colleges to drive innovation and productivity across sectors. The impact stories below highlight how institutions that lead Labs4’s regional hubs are already advancing the productization of research and commercialization of new technologies—from clean energy and advanced materials to health innovation and Indigenous entrepreneurship.

These examples demonstrate the real-world capacity of colleges, polytechnics, and universities to deliver solutions that support industry, serve communities, and strengthen Canada’s innovation economy.

Manitoba Hub

RRC Polytech and Les Verts Living grow urban innovation

With support from RRC Polytech’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) and the Prairie Research Kitchen, urban agriculture researchers at Les Verts Living developed TerracePro: a pesticide-free hydroponic growing system designed for indoor urban farming. The product moved from concept to market through applied research, prototyping, and faculty mentorship, showing how hands-on support can help scale sustainable agri-food innovations.

RRC Polytech expands composites research capacity

RRC Polytech’s Advanced Composites Development Centre is partnering with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Magellan Aerospace to advance and validate NRC’s composite forming technology for industrial use. The project applies NRC’s innovation directly to Magellan’s aerospace production line, demonstrating its readiness for large-scale integration while exploring a future business case for adopting automated layup and forming technologies. Supported through Labs4, this initiative strengthens RRC Polytech’s automation capabilities and exemplifies how applied research facilities help accelerate the commercialization of IP by testing technologies in real-world manufacturing environments.

Revitalizing Métis foodways through applied research

Rayne Ryle Côté, a Métis researcher and food innovator, is working with RRC Polytech and the Prairie Research Kitchen to reclaim traditional Métis food practices. Her work blends cultural knowledge with recipe development and product testing to create marketable food products rooted in Indigenous traditions, while strengthening community-based entrepreneurship.

BCIT MAKE+ collaborates with Providence Research on medical innovations

BCIT’s MAKE+ group collaborated with Providence Health Care’s Providence Research to co-develop new medical devices through the annual Skunkworks innovation challenge. One result was a 3D-printed diabetic foot pad designed to relieve pressure and prevent injury, illustrating how applied research and clinical insight can accelerate patient-focused healthcare innovation.

BCIT students build AI model to support smarter airport operations

Students from BCIT’s Business Information Technology Management program worked with Vancouver International Airport to build an AI model predicting hourly demand for taxis and carshares. The project used real-time flight data to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions, offering both technical learning and a direct contribution to more efficient airport services.

Turning plastic waste into industrial-grade materials

Dr. Muhammad Arshad’s research team at NAIT is working with Heartland Polymers to improve the quality and usability of recycled plastics. By developing new blends of polypropylene and scaling from lab to pilot production, the team is advancing sustainable alternatives for packaging and manufacturing and showcasing the circular economy in action.

NAIT research team develops peat alternatives for land and garden use

Researchers at NAIT are partnering with Plantae Technologies and the Métis Settlements Development Corporation to develop peat replacements made from crop residues like hemp, wheat, and barley. Supported by the Scotiabank Net-Zero Research Fund, the project aims to reduce emissions and create sustainable materials for reclamation and horticulture.

NAIT partners with startup to develop industrial batteries that use saltwater

At NAIT’s Centre for Grid Innovation, startup Aqua-Cell is developing a large-scale industrial battery that uses saltwater instead of rare or hazardous materials—offering a low-cost, locally made energy storage solution for the clean energy transition. With support from NAIT’s applied research staff, the company has refined and scaled its prototype into a grid-ready system that can operate even in extreme temperatures.

NAIT Applied Research partners with Lakeland College for a safer, stronger bison industry

To improve animal health monitoring and reduce stress-related losses in the bison industry, NAIT partnered with Lakeland College to develop BisonSense—a remote sensing system that collects real-time data on weight, muscle and fat development, and signs of illness. Designed to withstand Alberta’s harsh climate, the solar- and wind-powered system allows ranchers to monitor herds non-invasively, improving decision-making while reducing labour and animal handling.

SAIT and IS Energy co-develop real-time flow monitoring tool

At SAIT, researchers worked with IS Energy to design and field-test FLOW, a compact flow meter that measures oil, gas, and water ratios in real time. Using optical sensor technology adapted from NASA, the device increases safety and accuracy in wellsite operations while reducing emissions and downtime, making energy innovation more efficient and sustainable.

Medical delivery using drones

Researchers at SAIT’s Centre for Research and Innovation in Unmanned Systems came together with researchers at University of Calgary’s W21C Research and Innovation Centre and the TeleMentored Ultrasound Supported Medical Interventions (TMUSMI) Research Group to provide Indigenous communities and remote access sites immediate real-time at-the-scene emergency response and health care delivery through the fusion of drones, medical devices, tele-mentoring and point-of-care testing and treatment.

Hybrid water desalination system integration for hydrogen production

SAIT’s Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions partnered with Arrowhead Abandonments to repurpose and optimize an existing Hybrid Water Desalination System to produce pure water for sustainable hydrogen production. By integrating advanced technologies such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, the system is now capable of treating river water and ensures high purity water production for hydrogen electrolyzers.

Kuugalaaq cultural campus

In partnership with Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq / Kitikmeot Heritage Society, SAIT’s Green Building Technology Access Centre played a pivotal role in creating Kuugalaaq, a first-of-its-kind modular cultural workspace in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. This initiative seeks to bridge traditional Inuit knowledge with sustainable building practices, addressing the challenges of constructing energy-efficient infrastructure in Arctic conditions. Kuugalaaq serves as a hub for traditional activities, local innovation, and renewable energy testing while targeting high-performance building goals.

New fibre processing line supports clean manufacturing in Saskatchewan

Sask Polytech’s Innovative Manufacturing Centre has added new capacity for processing agricultural biomass like flax and hemp. Located at the B-TAP facility in Hafford, the equipment enables the conversion of farm waste into high-quality fibres, supporting local manufacturers and creating new circular economy opportunities for the agri-food sector.

Sask Polytech and BetterCart advance grocery AI solutions

The Digital Integration Centre of Excellence at Sask Polytech is working with BetterCart Technologies on AI tools that help consumers compare grocery prices more effectively. The project focuses on building machine learning models that distinguish price changes and predict trends, enhancing retail analytics while providing students with real-world AI development experience.

Humber Polytechnic explores the metaverse for post-secondary learning

With support from eCampusOntario, Humber is exploring how metaverse technologies can support immersive learning experiences. Faculty, students, and partners are testing virtual environments that enhance engagement and collaboration and laying the groundwork for scalable, inclusive models of digital education.

Real-world learning drives innovation at Humber

At Humber, applied research is embedded across disciplines, giving students the chance to solve real industry problems while building their portfolios and career connections. From social innovation to new product development, these hands-on projects demonstrate how post-secondary institutions can drive community and economic impact.

Humber students design the future of driving with LeddarTech

In collaboration with automotive tech company LeddarTech, Humber students in industrial and interaction design helped prototype advanced driver assistance systems. The project challenged students to integrate AI-powered sensors into user-friendly vehicle interfaces, blending design thinking with industry needs to imagine the car of the future.

Healthcare access meets innovation in Humber’s mobile clinic project

Humber Nursing students and faculty co-designed a mobile, nurse-led health clinic to serve underserved communities in Toronto. Developed with community partners, the clinic model integrates health and social services in one accessible platform, showing how applied research and student leadership can address complex, real-world health inequities.

Innovating in 3D manufacturing: COALIA and Fablab propel thermal innovation

COALIA worked with Fablab to improve the strength, efficiency, and sustainability of additive manufacturing. By expanding the use of biosourced and recycled materials and improving the reliability of 3D-printed components, this project demonstrates how applied research can accelerate industrial adoption and reduce environmental impact.

Revolutionizing workforce training by combining virtual reality and pedagogy

Modjo Solutions partnered with INÉDI to develop a virtual reality (VR) training system using digital twin technology. The platform simulates realistic manufacturing breakdowns, allowing learners to troubleshoot complex machinery in a safe, immersive environment. This applied research is now supporting the commercialization of scalable VR-based training solutions for both industry and education.

Modernizing fishing with a fish identification application powered by AI

Québec’s Ministry of the Environment partnered with CIMMI to develop iPêche, a mobile app powered by artificial intelligence and computer vision. Now widely adopted by anglers, iPêche is also generating valuable biodiversity data for conservation efforts, demonstrating how applied research can commercialize tech solutions that benefit both people and ecosystems.

The circular economy serving the recovery of contaminated soils and the energy transition

To address the dual challenges of contaminated soils and rising demand for critical metals, CTRI, COALIA, and Northex Environnement partnered to develop a mechanical separation method that recovers valuable metals without damaging soil integrity. This applied research collaboration is now enabling more sustainable, circular approaches to soil remediation and critical mineral recovery, advancing innovation with commercial and environmental impact.

Solidel and Novika Solutions: a partnership serving innovation

To advance the development of its innovative solar-powered Altitude streetlight, Solidel partnered with Novika Solutions to integrate wireless connectivity, remote programming, and other smart features into its multifunctional design. With support from Québec’s CCTT network and ERAC Centre-du-Québec, the collaboration helped accelerate product development while reducing errors and costs.

Kemitek helps Borale Soap Factory go from small batch to market-ready manufacturing

Kemitek partnered with Borale Soap Factory to scale up production using its new pre-commercial manufacturing facility, helping the company meet growing market demand. By providing access to pilot-scale equipment and technical support, Kemitek enabled Borale to move from small-batch production to a more efficient, commercially viable process.

Kemitek helps Visionaturolab scale natural bio-descaler

Kemitek supported Visionaturolab Inc. in developing and scaling up its new natural bio-descaler, playing a key role in moving the product toward commercialization. The collaboration reflects Kemitek’s ongoing role in helping innovative entrepreneurs bring sustainable products to market.

NSCC researchers develop solar windows for smart buildings

At Nova Scotia Community College, researchers are partnering with GlasOcean Electric to develop semi-transparent solar windows that generate energy while letting in light. The project offers students hands-on training in clean energy and contributes to the commercialization of building-integrated solar technology.

Plug-and-play energy monitoring for marine vessels

Led by SEATAC at NSCC, this project developed a ready-to-use vessel monitoring system that helps operators track fuel use and reduce emissions. With real-world testing aboard working boats, the project delivered a practical, industry-ready tool for improving sustainability in Canada’s marine sector.

Portable energy generators scaled for market by NSCC team

NSCC partnered with GlasOcean Electric and COVE to help a local entrepreneur scale up portable renewable energy generators. The project refined prototype designs and improved production processes—supporting clean tech adoption while giving students experience in product commercialization.