As communities and regions across Ontario continue to navigate the pandemic and begin to rebuild, Ontario’s universities remain committed to supporting the province’s communities, helping strengthen resilience and building thriving regions.
Universities are partnering with local industry and businesses to cultivate local ecosystems of talent and innovation, creating the type of environment that will support the local workforce, create jobs and attract investment.
In recognition of Economic Development Week, below are just some of the ways these partnerships are helping to drive regional economic development and stimulate local economies.
Algoma University
In order to help businesses and not-for-profits in Northern Ontario continue to adapt as they address COVID-19 challenges, as well as with their research and development needs, Algoma University is partnering with Mitacs to provide high-quality work-integrated learning opportunities to students, while providing local businesses with access to talent.
To learn more, visit Algoma University.
Brock University
With a goal to create a bridge between academia and the marine industry and help grow Niagara’s regional economy, Brock University is partnering with the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority to provide more work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-op placements for students, as they help the local industry address challenges it’s facing.
To learn more, visit Brock University.
Carleton University
To help support research and work-integrated learning opportunities, while fostering regional economic development within the Ottawa region, Carleton University is opening a new innovation space at Kanata North’s Hub350 that will connect industry, finance and academic partners to work on innovative solutions specific to the region.
To learn more, visit Carleton University.
University of Guelph
By developing a commercialization plan and business strategy for a simple, affordable biological test that can be used on-site at wetlands to find out if water is contaminated, two University of Guelph students won top prize at the Proteus Innovation Competition, a contest that aims to move technology from academia to the marketplace, helping to spur economic growth within the region.
To learn more, visit the University of Guelph.
Lakehead University
With a goal to combine business, economic development and educational resources to foster research, innovation and new growth within the region, Lakehead University is partnering with the City of Orillia and the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) in the creation of a new innovation hub.
To learn more, visit Lakehead University.
Laurentian University
To help students develop new technologies and create new businesses, while supporting jobs, growth and the local start-up ecosystem in Greater Sudbury, Laurentian University is expanding services in the Foundry, as part of its Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space, providing work-integrated learning opportunities and developing local talent.
To learn more, visit Laurentian University.
McMaster University
An innovative virtual incubator is helping women whose careers have suffered during the pandemic turn their skills to community-minded entrepreneurship. Co-created by McMaster University, the online community resource provides training to support regional growth, inclusion and social well-being.
To learn more, visit McMaster University.
Nipissing University
To generate ideas, innovate and find solutions unique to the North Bay region, Nipissing University has launched the Sparrow Experiential Learning Centre, which connects students and faculty with local businesses, entrepreneurs and community members.
To learn more, visit Nipissing University.
OCAD University
To foster economic resilience for artists and designers across Canada and promote regional economic development in Canada’s arts, culture and design sectors, OCAD University is launching a unique cooperative online marketplace, known as CRAFT, where those in creative fields can sell their work and develop skills that will help them thrive in an evolving economy.
To learn more, visit OCAD University.
Ontario Tech University
Local partnerships with business and industry ensure students receive the work-integrated learning experience they value and the local industry needs. Ontario Tech University is working with the City of Oshawa to facilitate student entrepreneurship and attract talent, start-ups and industry partnerships in a new experiential learning hub.
To learn more, visit Ontario Tech University.
University of Ottawa
Youth-led ventures have the opportunity to accelerate their business and receive funding, office space, mentorship and support through the University of Ottawa’s Start-up Garage. The summer cohort program fosters entrepreneurship for Ottawa and Eastern Ontario youth between 18-29.
To learn more, visit the University of Ottawa.
Queen’s University
To help new graduates jumpstart their careers, while helping small businesses in Kingston attract and retain talent and scale their operations, Queen’s University partnered with Kingston Economic Development to create the Queen’s Career Apprenticeship program.
To learn more, visit Queen’s University.
Ryerson University
To help create a tech ecosystem for the Town of Innisifil and boost the local economy, the DMZ at Ryerson University partnered with Innisfil Accelerates, a municipal government program, creating a new accelerator that offers entrepreneurs support, resources and connections an hour from Toronto.
To learn more, visit Ryerson University.
Trent University
By bringing together students, local businesses and researchers in the manufacturing and clean technology sectors, Trent University’s Cleantech Commons provides work-integrated learning opportunities for students, fosters entrepreneurship, partners with local industry and helps attract new businesses to Peterborough.
To learn more, visit Trent University.
University of Toronto
To help to spur innovation, collaboration and regional economic growth in the Great Lakes region, the University of Toronto is partnering with University of Illinois System to develop the Great Lakes Higher Education Consortium, with the goal to support a new generation of entrepreneurs that will transform the region and drive commerce.
To learn more, visit the University of Toronto.
University of Waterloo
Many local economies and small businesses have been disrupted by COVID-19. By creating an online financial tool, a former University of Waterloo student is helping local and small business owners develop financial projections and spot inefficiencies to better prepare for the future.
To learn more, visit the University of Waterloo.
Western University
New graduates will receive more local career opportunities and the City of London will retain more skilled talent due to a new partnership between Western University and the London Economic Development Corporation. The partnership provides participants with employer connections and career development workshops, while businesses have access to new talent.
To learn more, visit Western University.
Wilfrid Laurier University
Wilfrid Laurier University is combining the experience of local communities, municipal professionals and students to create solutions to local challenges through CityStudio, an innovative partnership with the City of Waterloo.
To learn more, visit Wilfrid Laurier University.
University of Windsor
Many businesses continue to face challenges during the pandemic, particularly in transitioning to new technologies in an increasingly digitized workspace. The University of Windsor recently launched the EPIC Nimble program to help Windsor-Essex businesses use technology to create new revenue streams or pivot to a new business model – ultimately ensuring they stay competitive in a fast-changing marketplace.
To learn more, visit the University of Windsor.
York University
With the aim to enhance health services, training opportunities, research and innovation and healthier outcomes for the York Region, York University is partnering with Mackenzie Health in an innovative new community-focused health collaboration.
To learn more, visit York University.