Belleville, Ontario, February 8, 2018 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $660,000 in funding through the Government of Ontario’s Colleges Applied Research and Development Fund (CARDF), administered by Ontario Centres of Excellence in partnership with Colleges Ontario. This grant will allow the College to extend cutting-edge research conducted by the Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC). Combined with $660,000 from industry partners, the total value of the project is $1,320,000.
This funding through CARDF is one of 61 projects across 22 Ontario colleges, announced on February 6 by Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science, to connect college students with businesses to tackle research and development (R&D) challenges and launch innovative new products and services.
Loyalist College’s ARC is a 1,800-square-foot state-of-the-art laboratory which provides industry with access to a hub of resources and expertise in clean technologies, including innovative supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and advanced analytical technologies for analysis of commercially relevant biologically active compounds, with applications in the food and beverage industry, functional food and natural health products, and medical cannabis industry.
In January 2017, Loyalist received approval from Health Canada for a Controlled Drugs and Substances Licence for the purpose of research and analysis using medical cannabis. Currently, Loyalist is the only College in Canada to have a laboratory approved to conduct research activities with cannabis under the Narcotic Control Regulations, as listed on the Government of Canada’s website.
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“Our province needs talent to continue to sustain its growing innovation eco-system. Investing in applied research and development is a step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our province. By bringing together colleges and the R&D sector, we’re creating opportunities for our students and ensuring they are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.” – Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science
“Ontario’s college students are bright, ambitious and ready to take on real world challenges. When students have the opportunity to apply their education in practical ways, they’re even better equipped to participate in the skills-based economy we’re building in the province. These projects will encourage students to explore their full potential, immerse themselves in industries and help us keep Ontario’s R&D sector competitive.” –Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development
“This fund is one of the many ways the Ontario government and Ontario Centres of Excellence are preparing our communities for the jobs of the future. We are thrilled to be working with R&D partners and the Ontario colleges to administer this fund, and we all look forward to seeing the potential of these young innovators.” –Tom Corr, President and CEO, Ontario Centres of Excellence
“This is a tremendous investment into real-world research at colleges that drives innovation and economic growth. Working in partnership with colleges, small businesses across Ontario will develop new products and services that can be sold throughout the world.” – Linda Franklin, President and CEO, Colleges Ontario
“We are grateful for this generous provincial government funding, which will assist Loyalist College in establishing its ARC as an applied research hub, helping commercial operations ensure quality control processes while also providing practical scenarios through which our students discover and learn in the food, natural products and medical cannabis sectors.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO
About Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Department
Through Loyalist’s Applied Research and Innovation Department, the College collaborates with industry partners in various fields on applied research projects, creating amazing learning experiences for students and faculty of all disciplines. The College has had success with funding support through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) on a variety of projects. Having access to funding support allows Loyalist to increase capacity to work with local industries and businesses, support faculty who are committed to conducting research and to facilitating student research experiences. It has increased the capacity of Ontario industries to conduct applied research and attract new investors, stimulating innovative product development and job creation in our region.
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About Loyalist College
Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior student services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers more than 65 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre, which is LEED® Silver certified, are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. The College is a key driver of the social and economic health and prosperity of the area and contributes 5.4 percent to the Gross Regional Product. This represents an overall effect on the regional economy of $530 million annually – based on a 2014 Report by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.
Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913 ext. 2536