Grant: Technology Access Centre

Sheridan’s Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) has operated as a Technology Access Centre (TAC) for the last ten years, providing access to leading-edge infrastructure, expertise and training for the screen industries in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Ontario and across Canada. SIRT primarily supports the competitiveness and innovation of small- and medium-sized Canadian companies by providing research, technology adoption and development supports. SIRT participates in workforce training and upskilling aligned with areas of industry need, and provides experiential learning opportunities for Sheridan students, equipping them with valuable workforce preparation. Following rapid increases in both our revenue generation and staff team, we are strategically approaching the next five years as a period of stabilization and measured growth and expansion. During this stage of organizational maturity, TAC renewal funding will enable us to build on our staff expertise, advanced infrastructure and well-developed systems and processes to ensure our longevity. SIRT’s core technology focus areas will continue to be virtual production, virtual humans and virtual and augmented reality, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The screen industries will remain SIRT’s primary client group, but we also plan to diversify our partner mix to meet industry and community demand by a) pursuing a strategic focus on digital technologies in live performance and the cultural industries, b) engaging companies from other sectors integrating screen-based technologies, and c) serving not-for-profit entities aligned with the expanded eligibility criteria of NSERC’s College and Community Innovation programs. A priority during the renewal period is to further build our collaborations with other educational institutions and support organizations to further meet partner needs. SIRT enjoys an enviable reputation as an applied research leader with a solid track record of delivering economic benefit to our partners and the region. Renewed TAC funding will help ensure that the Centre can continue to provide technology support for the creation and commercialization of film, television, gaming, and interactive experiences, that SIRT extends its impact by reaching a wider range of partners, and that students continue to benefit from exceptional training opportunities.