Sault College is committed to providing a transformative life experience to those who study with us by empowering them to think and learn in progressive, innovative ways. Historically, the College has been a strong community partner, collaborating with numerous community companies and organizations, as well as with local research and innovation intermediaries such as the SSM Innovation Centre and the Economic Development Corporation. By providing access to its physical resources, the College promotes and facilitates applied research and innovation partnerships with community enterprises that involve its students, faculty, and staff. These partnerships enhance the experience of those who study with us and benefit the community by providing innovation support and highly specialized talent for the workforce. With the new resources available through the Government of Ontario’s new agency, Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), the College will receive additional support to help generate, protect, manage, and commercialize intellectual property (IP).
In the past, the College has engaged in industry-led projects in fields, such as Clean Tech and Information Technology, but has recently specialized in the areas of process automation and robotics. With its new Engineering degree program in Mechatronics, its impressive labs and long-standing process automation programs, the College has comprehensive capacity in this area. Some of the collaborative projects recently completed include robotic product handling and packaging with HDMI control, part picking and placing for assembly using robotic vision and robotics, and automation of part sorting, sizing and distribution for a conveyorized feed line. These projects provided unique experiential learning and hands-on training opportunities to students, great value to the partner and advanced their agenda along the innovation path, as they strive to continually improving their competitiveness in the marketplace.
In addition to the benefits to students and partners, collaborative projects provide valuable insights and opportunities for professional development for faculty who work closely with industry on the leading edge of technology. This enrichment is often incorporated into the teaching curriculum and benefits future students in the program.
In society today, the success of each community is dependent upon the success of the organizations within it. Through innovation, local partners can thrive and provide jobs contributing to sustainable vibrant communities. Talent within the community is one of the key drivers of innovation and with applied research and innovation support, partners have access to a well-trained local talent pool, which is key in the North as it faces the challenges of shrinking demographics and attracting and sustaining outside talent. Sault College will continue to support its community partners with their innovation agendas through its applied research partnerships and provide a highly trained local talent pool.