Prototypes to be displayed at innovation event

By Patrick Denison

deni0038@algonquincollege.com

On Thursday April 9, Algonquin will host its 7th annual Applied Research Day, giving young inventors the opportunity to show off what they have been working on in the past year.

There will be around 30 display tables at the free event, with entries from all different departments.

Applied research day started in 2003 with just a few display tables, and has grown into the premiere showcase for new research happening at Algonquin.

Algonquin’s focus on applied research differs from the research done in universities in that it is directed towards a goal, rather than focused on pure discovery.

“Our research focuses more on the practical aspects, how to apply the research towards the creation of products,” said Mark Hoddenbagh, director of the Applied Research Centre. “University research tends to be on a more fundamental level, aimed at scientific discovery.”

In addition to the many displays, there will be two featured speakers at this year’s event. Andrew Fisher, executive vice president of Wesley Clover Corporation and Peter Hofstra, vice president and founding portfolio manager of Greenrock Asset Management. Both will speak about the funding end of research and securing investors.

“Most of the research you’ll see will be at the prototype stage,” said Cory Brown, administrative assistant for Applied Research and Innovation. “It’s the best opportunity to see what’s been going on at the college, where applied research is at right now.”

The event is a unique opportunity for students to display their work and also attract potential investors. The Ontario government, under the auspices of the Colleges Ontario Network for industry and Innovation, is contributing $10 million over three years to develop research capacity in colleges. “The funding program is really needed right now, said Brown. “It will help keep students in their co-ops and focused on their research,” he said.