Grant: Technology Access Centre

Lambton College founded the Information Technology Communication Research Centre (ITCRC) as a response to the growing digital technology needs among companies from the local to the national level approaching the College. Renowned for its collaborative endeavors in software design, cloud computing, virtual reality, gamification, artificial intelligence, and data science, the center has established successful partnerships with 320 companies over the past decade. These collaborations have led to the acquisition of $5.8M in grants and $1.45M in cash contributions from the industry, engaging 159 faculty members, 324 staff, and 458 student researchers. Moreover, ITCRC has successfully completed 35 partner-funded projects, generating $388k in revenue. To ensure its continued growth and sustainability, Lambton needs to enhance ITCRC’s core operation capacity to assist Canadian companies in the development and commercialization of digital technologies and integration of digital technologies into their business operations. To achieve this, Lambton is seeking operational resources through the NSERC Technology Access Grant to transition ITCRC and establish the "Digital Transformation Lab" (DTL). Over the five-year grant, DTL will collaborate with 300 SMEs on applied research projects and contract services, attracting over $2.72M cash from industrial partners ($1.75M for applied research leverage with grants and $970k for contract projects). These projects will leverage over $5.5M grants and will engage 125 faculty researchers, 375 student researchers, and 304 staff researchers, empowering companies in their pursuit of digital transformation and leading to a significant impact on Canada. DTL is poised to make impactful contributions across various sectors, driving economic growth through the innovation and commercialization of digital technologies. This will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost competitiveness. DTL will also create a substantial social impact by generating job opportunities and fostering community development. In the realm of healthcare, DTL is committed to improving services with cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, its focus on technologies that optimize resource utilization and reduce environmental footprints underscores its commitment to sustainable practices and a greener future. Central to DTL’s operations are its foundational values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.