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Conestoga Applied Research
Conestoga Applied Research

Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

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

Homes

CNERG: Charting a path to net zero homes through optimized retrofits

Single-detached homes account for more than half of Canada’s residential buildings and consume more than twice the energy per capita compared to apartments. To help meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets, this research focused on identifying the most effective retrofit strategies to reduce energy use in these homes, using a case study modelled on a house in Cambridge, Ontario. 
Food donation

CNERG: Exploring peer-led healthy eating initiatives for Conestoga students

This project examined healthy eating programs at post-secondary institutions across Canada to identify successful models, particularly those that are peer-led, and assess their potential for implementation at Conestoga.
Food bank

CNERG: Bridging food security and food safety on Ontario campuses

This project explored food security initiatives across Ontario post-secondary campuses with two key objectives: to identify existing programs, especially creative or lesser-known hidden gems, and to apply a food safety and waste reduction lens to those initiatives. 

Research & Innovation leadership

Rose Mastnak headshot

Rose Mastnak, MBA

Director, Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective

Jeff Dukes

Jeff Dukes, P.Eng.

Director, SMART Centre

Amin Yazdani, PhD, CSP

Amin Yazdani, PhD, CSP

Executive director, Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance

Linda Sheiban Taucar headshot

Linda Sheiban Taucar, RN, B.Sc., B.Sc.N, M.Sc.

Director, Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation

Alla Darwish

Alla Darwish, PhD, MBA

Director, commercialization & IP mobilization

Nicole Detlor

Nicole Detlor, M.Sc., P.Eng.

Director, Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab

Anthony Piscitelli

Anthony Piscitelli, PhD

Director, Conestoga Social Innovation Lab

Sherri Steele

Sherri Steele, PhD

Director, SoTL, Teaching Innovation & Assessment

Michelle Chrétien, PhD

Michelle Chrétien, PhD

Vice president, Research & Innovation

Sal Jiddawi

Saleh Jiddawi, MBA

Director, research operations

Tim Gibbins

Tim Gibbins, MBA

Director, research engagement

By the numbers (2024) 

In funding
Active projects
Industry & community partners engaged

Contact 

See how Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship can help you access faculty expertise, student employees, and the college's innovative lab spaces and equipment.

 Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship logo

96 Grand Avenue South. 
Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 2L9, Canada

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