Research at Conestoga creates practical solutions that address real-world challenges
We work with industry and community partners to develop innovative products, improve processes, and support informed decision-making. Through applied research, technology development, and knowledge transfer, our research teams help businesses grow, strengthen communities, and build a better future.
In 2024, Conestoga ranked as one of the top 20 research colleges in Canada by engaging with 175 industry and community partners, 177 active projects, and hiring 251 students.
Centres, labs, and institutes
Research impact
Supporting shelf-life and packaging development for North Pacific Kelp Wild Foods’ kelp biostimulant
Enhancing packaging and shelf-life strategies for Live On Chocolate
Supporting product development and packaging strategies at Hummingbird Chocolate Maker
Announcements
SMART Centre awarded over $110,000 from SONAMI to advance clean technology projects
Through funding from the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), Conestoga’s SMART Centre has received more than $110,000 to support two clean technology projects. The Solar Panel Deconstruction Unit Phase 2 project, in collaboration with Sunset Renewables, received $40,146 to continue developing sustainable recycling solutions for solar materials. The CONTADA Phase 2 project, with Purus Power Corporation, received $73,348 to advance innovations in power management and clean energy systems.
Conestoga's SMART Centre receives $1.75 million and renewed Technology Access Centre designation
Conestoga's SMART Centre has been awarded $1.75 million over five years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support its renewal as a designated Technology Access Centre. This funding enables the SMART Centre to continue helping small and medium-sized enterprises overcome innovation challenges, while also expanding into the zero-emission vehicle ecosystem and agri-tech sector. Since its launch in 2020, the SMART Centre has supported 251 unique industry partners across 294 projects while hiring and training 423 paid research students. Through this funding, the centre plans to employ and train over 500 student researchers over the next five years. Read more
Conestoga awarded $50,000 from OAFRI to develop novel XR sanitation training for food processors
Through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative’s Knowledge Translation and Transfer stream, Conestoga has received funding to support the development of an extended reality (XR) training tool focused on sanitation practices in food processing environments. Led by the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab, this project aims to enhance knowledge transfer using immersive technology to improve food safety training across the sector.
Conestoga awarded $120,000 from NSERC to expand on shared equity housing research
In partnership with Ourboro, a company that co-invests in homes with buyers in exchange for a share of future value, this research will build on existing projects exploring the shared equity ownership model. In this phase, the Conestoga Social Innovation Lab and Ourboro will assess the product’s impact on customers’ lives and gather feedback to refine the model for broader reach.
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Centre for Commercialization receives $422,000 from IPON
Conestoga’s Centre for Commercialization (C4C) has received over $400,000 in funding from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) to expand their support for businesses across the region.
This funding will also expand on the partnership between Conestoga College, Durham College, and Sheridan College.
With this funding, C4C will be able to continue expanding on their existing programs that support IP strategy and support, education and training, and commercialization services.
Conestoga part of $47.5 million investment from FedDev
As part of a $47.5 million investment from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Waterloo's Communitech, in partnership with Conestoga College, will continue to offer regionally tailored programming for entrepreneurs to help their businesses succeed locally and globally through the Scale-Up Platform program. Read more
