Research and Innovation

Congratulations to the R&I graduating class of 2026! 🎓👏

We extend our congratulations to Niagara College’s Class of 2026, with special recognition of the graduates who contributed to all Research & Innovation (R&I) teams during their studies. Read our full message to the grads in the link below:

Congratulations to the R&I graduating class of 2026 We extend our congratulations to Niagara College’s Class of 2026, with special recognition of the graduates who contributed to Research and Innovation (R&I) teams during their studies.

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Gr.11 Sir Winston Churchill SS marketing students back on campus to present their Innovation Mentorship Program final presentations to Mahtay Cafe & Lounge.

The student groups presented new marketing initiatives, impactful community partnerships and rebranding strategies that reflect the inclusive feel of Mahtay Cafe.

We are always blown away by the quality of work from these students. Congratulations to all of you!

Honoured to be recognized as Business of the Year at the 2026 Business Achievement Awards.

At Niagara College Research and Innovation, our five innovation centres collaborate with SMEs across diverse sectors including food and beverage, horticulture and environmental sciences, healthy aging and wellness, manufacturing, and business and commercialization.

Together with our industry partners, students, faculty, and staff, we help businesses innovate, commercialize ideas, and move projects forward through applied research and hands-on collaboration.

Thank you to the NOTL Chamber and everyone who continues to support the work we do.

Had to jump on this trend! A reminder why understanding your target market is key!

Innovation | Niagara College | Marketing | Social Media

In case you missed it: Our Spring e-Newsletter is here! 🌷
Read Research and Innovation’s up-to-date news, filled with exciting project successes, staff and alumni spotlights + more! The link is in our bio.

Coco the seal, Charlie the cardinal, and Sam the bluebird may be robotic, but their positive therapeutic benefits could not be more real – and research underway at College is helping to harness their full potential.
The heartwarming breakthroughs that robotic animals offer seniors with dementia are the driving force behind NC’s “Fins, Feathers and Fur” project. This initiative has become the cornerstone for the College’s new Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre (HAWIC), the latest focus for its trailblazing Research and Innovation division.
Learn more: https://www.niagaracollege.ca/blog/2026/05/04/robotic-companions-real-connection-ncs-fins-feathers-and-fur-project-takes-flight/

From idea to prototype.

The Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre supports innovators at every stage of development.

Each project begins with a clear understanding of the problem, followed by defined goals, scope, and success criteria.

A structured workplan aligns design, technical development, timelines, and budget.

Through iterative design, testing, and refinement, ideas are translated into practical, validated solutions.

The outcome is not just a concept, but a clear and actionable path forward.

Project highlight:

680 × 250 mm print of the PV2535 system, produced on one of Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre’s large‑format 3D printers for trade show display and transport.

The PV2535 is an advanced EO/IR platform designed for long‑range surveillance and ISR applications across air and maritime environments.
✅ Delivered on time to meet the event deadline
✅ Assembled and prepared for shipment within days
“Quality was fantastic and delivery was right on time.”

The Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre team also coordinated direct delivery to support the project timeline.