GEORGIAN COLLEGE
College receives $1.75 million in federal funding to launch Ontario's first Industry 5.0 sandbox

Georgian College has been officially designated a Technology Access Centre (TAC) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and awarded a $1.75 million grant over five years to support its Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping.

This investment designates Georgian College as the first institution in Ontario to operate an Industry 5.0 sandbox - a space where manufacturers can test, develop, and refine new technologies in a safe, flexible environment and will offer expert consultation, applied research partnerships, technical services and specialized training for industry.

Industry 5.0 integrates advanced technologies with human-centred design to build smarter, more sustainable, and resilient manufacturing systems. Georgian's centre will help manufacturers adopt these innovations by offering digital and physical simulation, design, prototyping, and training services under one roof.

The TAC designation places Georgian among a national network of colleges connecting businesses with specialized research facilities and expertise. It also deepens the college's ties with local industry, strengthens its innovation ecosystem, and expands opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with real-world projects.

Quotes:

"Georgian College is at the forefront of transformative and career-focused education," said Georgian College president and CEO, Kevin Weaver. "Among the college's many contributions is the development of a highly skilled regional talent pipeline. This grant also speaks directly to how Georgian College is unlocking opportunities regionally, nationally and, indeed, globally - strengthening the economy and providing substantial social benefits. This is a significant milestone for the college - its students, employers and the community."

"This funding reflects Georgian's national leadership in applied research and our commitment to helping industry drive innovation and economic growth," said Dr. Mira Ray, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Georgian College.

"The TAC designation validates our community's shared vision and gives us the tools to deliver made-in-Ontario solutions, future-proof our students, and support regional economic development," said Laleh Khodaparast, Georgian College's Director of Research and Innovation.