Organization: Polytechnics Canada

U15 pre-budget submission: Canada must invest in talent, research and security to stay competitive

As it emerges from the pandemic, Canada faces an increasingly competitive R&D environment and a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. The federal government should invest in people, invest strategically in Canada’s research ecosystem and invest in rebuilding campuses for tomorrow, according to a pre-Budget submission by the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.

Innovation Conversations: Q&A with Nobina Robinson

Nobina Robinson retires from her position of Chief Executive Officer at Polytechnics Canada this month after nine years in that role. In those years, Robinson has been recognized by her colleagues for bringing attention to the important role polytechnics and colleges play in Canada’s innovation ecosystem, particularly applied research and commercialization. She shares her thoughts with RE$EARCH MONEY about the legacy she leaves behind and what’s next for the sector.

Sarah Watts-Rynard

Sarah Watts-Rynard is the next CEO of Polytechnics Canada effective July 30, 2018. She will succeed Nobina Robinson who is retiring after nine years of service. Currently serving as executive director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF), Watts-Rynard has been credited for increasing public appreciation of the skilled trades in Canada and for engaging with…

Cautious optimism for government’s new R&D procurement program

Innovative Solutions Canada, a novel new government program that aims to boost R&D support for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMES) is being welcomed by players in the innovation ecosystem as many have long been clamouring for such an initiative.

Polytechnics CEO to step down

Leadership change is coming to Polytechnics Canada as its CEO, Nobina Robinson, has announced that she will step down by May 2018. The association, which represents research-intensive, degree-granting colleges and institutes of technology, has tapped the services of Boyden Canada to facilitate the selection of a new CEO for a smooth turnover. Robinson was appointed…

Colleges, polytechnics say time is right to boost funding for applied research

Polytechnics and colleges are once again making the case for what they say is a fair share of funding for applied research. In their pre-Budget submissions to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, Polytechnics Canada, and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) are asking to double the funding made available to applied research in previous Budgets.

Kwantlen Univ joins Polytechnics Canada

Kwantlen Univ has become the newest member of Polytechnics Canada. Kwantlen is Canada’s only polytechnic university and has four campuses in the Vancouver region – Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley. It works closely with several industries to support applied research and community engagement, particularly in its faculties of science and horticulture, trades and technology and…

CCI program announces $17 million in new grants

The College and Community Innovation Program (CCI) has announced $17 million in new awards to support 50 partnerships between colleges, universities and companies. The latest round brings CCI disburses to $175 million since 2009, supporting 321 grants at 69 colleges and CEGEPs. CCI funding is provided through six types of grants: Industrial Chairs for Colleges,…