BUILDING COMMUNITIES AND CAREERS
Waterloo Region is a catalyst for innovation. Its thriving ecosystem of startups, global tech giants and research institutions is driving collaboration to shape the future. Within this dynamic landscape is Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, a leader in polytechnic education that has become indispensable to the region’s prosperity.
For nearly 60 years, Conestoga has been committed to serving the workforce needs of the communities it serves through career-focused education and training. The college’s network of more than 225,000 alumni from across the region and around the world is using their skills and knowledge to impact their industries and communities.
While the college has evolved over the decades, growing and adapting to meet the increasingly complex and diverse requirements of a changing world, it has always been home to top-tier talent dedicated to turning innovative ideas into real-life projects with impact. More than 5,200 Conestoga graduates are local entrepreneurs.
As one of the country’s top research colleges, Conestoga’s applied research activities support student learning and help area businesses grow, innovate and improve their productivity.
CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR SAFETY, WELLNESS & PERFORMANCE
Conestoga’s Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance (CISWP) is Canada’s only institute dedicated to applied, industry-driven health and safety research with real workers in real workplaces. The institute is tackling complex challenges, such as workplace injuries, aging workforces and accessibility for underrepresented groups, to develop tools, guidelines and best practices that strengthen the skilled trades sector and improve job safety. Working closely with industry stakeholders, CISWP is building capacity for productive and sustainable work.
CENTRE FOR COMMERCIALIZATION
The Centre for Commercialization (C4C) helps entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises unlock the value of their intellectual property (IP) and bring innovations to market. The centre offers a full suite of IP services across the entire innovation continuum. By guiding businesses through commercialization strategies, C4C strengthens the innovation economy and ensures local companies can compete globally.
CENTRE FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH & INNOVATION
As a regional leader, the Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation (CHCRI) partners with industry and community organizations to strengthen health care systems through collaborative research. Working alongside faculty and students, the interdisciplinary research team aligns industry, systems and patient needs to lead research and create innovative programs that improve care delivery, enhance patient outcomes and prepare future health professionals for inclusive practice — programs like the Canadian Remote Access for Dementia Learning Experiences (CRADLE+) online dementia course for unregulated care providers, which has had over 50,000 registrants, and Building Intergenerational Connections, which is dedicated to fostering empathy and challenging misconceptions through age- and dementia-inclusive programs for high school and college students and young professionals. CHCRI’s work demonstrates how experiential learning can transform health education and improve quality of life for all generations.
CONESTOGA BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH & INNOVATION HUB
Located in the college’s Cowan Centre for Medical Science and Biotechnology, the Conestoga Biotechnology Research and Innovation Hub accelerates innovation in biotechnology and life sciences through applied research and technical expertise. Its advanced facilities and instrumentation are essential for providing solutions to small and large businesses in the biosciences sector, offering support for advanced analytical testing, process optimization, product development, and method validation. The team has supported research in bioremediation, agriculture, food and medical fields.
CONESTOGA ENTREPRENEURSHIP COLLECTIVE
The Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective (CEC) empowers the college community to participate in the innovation economy. Through incubators like Venture Lab, Gig Lab, and Sales Lab, CEC supports new founders, freelancers, and high-growth sales professionals in developing entrepreneurial skills, launching start-ups, and flourishing in the venture ecosystem. In its first five years, the collective has helped launch ventures ranging from industrial coatings to social impact platforms, while forging partnerships with Communitech, Catalyst Commons and the Accelerator Centre. CEC is shaping the next wave of entrepreneurs and ensuring Waterloo Region remains a global leader in innovation.
CONESTOGA FOOD RESEARCH & INNOVATION LAB
The Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL) helps food businesses innovate through applied research, training and advanced facilities. From formula development to shelf-life studies and packaging solutions, CFRIL supports partners across the product development cycle – from concept to commercialization. Projects have included optimizing novel sustainable packaging alternatives, opening export markets by extending product shelf-life, and supporting the launch of over 50 new products to the market. CFRIL’s work enables companies to scale production and reduce environmental impact, driving competitiveness in Canada’s food sector while promoting sustainability and consumer trust. CFRIL has employed over 100 students over the past four years, resulting in the training of highly competent employees for the industry.
CONESTOGA SOCIAL INNOVATION LAB
The Conestoga Social Innovation Lab focuses on research that addresses societal challenges through community-based partnerships. From supporting affordable housing initiatives to improving mental health to sustainable procurement practices, the lab is structured to facilitate partnerships between the college and local cooperatives, nonprofits, social impact organizations, and change-makers to create structures that drive meaningful change.
SMART CENTRE
Conestoga’s SMART Centre is the region’s hub for innovation, engaging faculty and students to connect with industry to overcome challenges in manufacturing, advanced recycling and cyber security. As part of Canada’s network of NSERC-funded Technology Access Centres, the SMART Centre helps bridge the gap between industry needs and technological advancements, providing tailored solutions to small, medium and large businesses through applied research, technical services and specialized training. Projects range from energy management solutions to advancing machine learning and greywater recycling. Its state-of-the-art facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, accelerates innovation, enhances productivity, and supports a transition to sustainable manufacturing practices.
