Canadian colleges tackle local challenges with 42 collaborative research awards
General news Professors Students
October 31, 2025
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are supporting 42 new applied research awards led by Canadian colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics. This support is made possible by an investment of nearly $17 million through the tri-agency College and Community Innovation (CCI) program.
CCI program funding is a cornerstone for applied research in Canada, enabling colleges to collaborate with partners across the private, public, and not for profit sectors, as well as other colleges and universities, working together to generate economic, social, health, and environmental benefits for Canada. The 42 awards announced today are being funded through two key CCI grant types:
- $13.35 million over two to three years for 38 recipients through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), which supports community innovation by connecting the knowledge, facilities and capabilities of Canada’s colleges with the needs of local organizations.
- $3.56 million over five years for four recipients through the Mobilize grants, providing long‑term, flexible support for applied research at colleges to expand student learning opportunities and drive lasting community impact.
By fostering partnerships that drive community-focused innovation with national relevance, these initiatives expand colleges’ capacity and provide students with essential, transferable skills valued by local businesses and community organizations.
Examples of projects awarded across the country include:
Centennial College is receiving a $359,307 CCSIF grant to co-develop smart socks with Diabetes Action Canada and Indigenous partners that monitor foot health and help prevent diabetic foot ulcers in Indigenous communities.
NorQuest College is receiving a $353,738 CCSIF grant to assess the impact of Edmonton’s Migrant Inclusion Policy on newcomer employment and social inclusion, in collaboration with the City and local agencies.
Sheridan College is receiving a $360,000 CCSIF grant to evaluate a mobile community health clinic in Halton Region that provides trauma‑informed primary care for people experiencing homelessness.
L’Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) is receiving a $1,000,000 Mobilize grant to support research, knowledge transfer and training in the tourism, hospitality, and restaurant sectors.
Cégep Gérald-Godin is receiving a $1,000,000 Mobilize grant to expand its infrastructure and workforce capacity in in RNA and gene therapies, train up to 40 interns annually and support sustainable pharmaceutical innovation.
College of New Caledonia is receiving a $750,000 Mobilize grant to develop digital detection and geomatics solutions for sustainable forest management in British Columbia with First Nations and industry partners.
Quotes
Since its launch in 2008, the College and Community Innovation program has empowered colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics to transform ideas into real-world impacts. These institutions work hand in hand with local partners to address community needs, strengthen regional economies and provide students with the skills and experience they need to succeed. On behalf of the tri agencies, I congratulate today’s recipients and look forward to seeing how their creativity and dedication will continue to inspire progress across the country.
Canada’s college research community is not only attracting the best talent from around the world but also investing in talent and innovation at home in communities nationwide. Through investments like the College and Community Innovation program, our government is equipping local partners and researchers to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions that will benefit Canadians for generations to come.
Quick facts
- The CCI program provides five kinds of grants to help colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics across Canada. These grants support applied research, fund specialized centres where they’re most needed and back projects that solve real challenges for communities and partners: Applied Research and Development grants, Applied Research Tools and Instruments grants, College and Community Social Innovation Fund grants, Mobilize grants and Technology Access Centres.
- Earlier this year, a total of $29.82 million in funding was announced through the CCI program’s 2025 grants, including $23.5 million over five years for 17 Technology Access Centre (TAC) awards and $6.32 million over one year for 34 Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) awards.
