Grant: Technology Access Centre

Okanagan College is applying to NSERC to renew Technology Access Centre funding for the British Columbia (BC) Beverage Technology Access Centre (BTAC). The BTAC is located in the Okanagan Region of BC, which boasts an abundance of beverage companies, is known for its orchards and wineries, and supports a vibrant food and wine tourism industry. The BTAC has a record of excellence in supporting beverage sector innovation in the Okanagan and its services are unique in the province. Since 2019, the BTAC has partnered with 133 beverage companies and 30 other organizations, trained 53 students, generated over $282K in partner cash and $1.2M in partner in-kind contributions, and attracted over $4.468M in grant funding. BC’s $3.2B+ alcohol industry is a vital component of the provincial economy and part of the region’s rich heritage – the first large-scale vineyards were planted in the 1920’s. The industry is undergoing disruption due to changes in consumer preferences, severe climate events, and shrinking profit margins. The renewed BTAC will support the sustainability of BC’s beverage sector via training opportunities and research and innovation services to: (a) Innovate products to meet consumer demand for on-trend beverages including “better-for-you” and convenient “ready-to-drink” formats and develop products from concept to shelf-readiness including market research, recipe development, product safety, regulatory compliance, sensory evaluation, shelf stability, and packaging. (b) Foster adoption of the “circular economy” within the beverage sector, by improving operational efficiency and developing environmentally sustainable production practices to conserve water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reuse or upcycle wastewater and production by-products. (c) Solve technical challenges and identify and remediate issues (e.g., trace metals and smoke taint) through complex analysis, research, and innovation. (d) Develop highly qualified personnel including OC students, our clients, and collaborators from college, university, and industry research teams. The BTAC will also help to protect the water resources and environment of the Okanagan via impactful collaborations with First Nations communities, beverage industry associations, municipalities, and other research groups. The renewal of NSERC’s funding of the BTAC is a timely and essential investment to support BC’s beverage industry and environmental sustainability in the Okanagan.