By Corey Allen, senior manager, research communications
York University is partnering with Seneca Polytechnic and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) to boost the number of applied research opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Toronto Area and York Region, fostering greater connections between academics and industry.
“Through innovative collaborations with our research faculty and students, companies and non-profits gain access to expertise and a talent pool that can generate impactful solutions to their organizational challenges,” said Jennifer MacLean, assistant vice-president innovation and research partnerships at York University. “We look forward to working with our partners to drive further positive change and economic growth across sectors and industries.”
By engaging in applied research, SMEs will be able to strengthen their research and development capabilities, access the expertise of applied researchers at both institutions, and leverage collaborations to grow their business, improve performance or gain a competitive advantage.
“Innovation knows no boundaries, and this collaborative partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to fuelling the growth and innovation potential of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Ontario,” said Claudia Krywiak, OCI president and CEO.
OCI is a non-profit organization that brings industry, academic institutions and government together for collective investments in research and technology development that will benefit the people of Ontario.
The new partnership establishes a new OCI position for a business development and commercialization manager, tasked with promoting the benefits of applied research to Ontario businesses and helping to enhance the province’s innovation ecosystem.
“Seneca is excited to work with York University and the Ontario Centre of Innovation to enhance applied research capacity within the innovation ecosystem of the Greater Toronto Area,” said Ben Rogers, dean, Seneca Applied Research. “This partnership will open up new possibilities for our students and faculty as they help local enterprises solve their challenges and grow their operations.”
For more about the partnership, click here: New Partnership to Connect GTA Businesses with Applied Research Opportunities, Fueling Innovation and Growth – Ontario Centre of Innovation (oc-innovation.ca).