Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

The Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation (CCBI) offers access to expertise, state-of-the-art technology and micro-analytical services, allowing craft brewers to experiment with new recipes and flavour profiles, propagate and maintain yeast strains and conduct scientific analyses to ensure the analytical and microbiological integrity of the beer, supporting this growing sector of the local economy. This ARTI grant application builds on CCBI’s mission “helping craft brewers brew with more confidence, by bringing more science to their work” and previous support from NSERC. The first awarded ARTI grant in 2014 allowed the CCBI to acquire the pilot brew line and lab equipment that enabled successful applied research projects with multiple craft breweries and artisan beverage makers using standard craft brewing equipment and local ingredients to discover new methods and foster innovation, not only for craft beer, but also for seltzers and kombuchas. The Centre has bolstered its research service through a second ARTI grant that facilitated the purchase of an Anton Paar finished beer analysis system which helped grow our capacity for craft/artisan beverage recipe development coupled with state of the art analytical and micro capabilities for finished beverage testing and analysis. Building on these successes a focus on better control of mashing, lautering, the boil, and fermentation was identified as the next crucial step to build a robust craft brewing industry in Canada. This will not only lead to improved quality, cost reductions and enhanced resilience, but also to new discoveries and micro innovations that will further elevate the breweries’ competitive position. The proposed infrastructure is strongly aligned with the college’s 2020-25 Strategic Plan and the Strategic Research Plan, which includes the goal to build applied research capacity to further support a more scientific approach to craft brewing. The college’s Strategic Plan is grounded by values of collaboration, diversity and inclusion, excellence, innovation, integrity, respect, and social responsibility. The commitment to applied research is evident in the Strategic Plan’s three pillars, namely Student, Work and Community Pillars.