How Springboard universities & colleges help companies solve industry challenges with applied research partnerships in Atlantic Canada

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    From Chris Fevens, Manager Partnerships and Member Support, Springboard Atlantic

    Summary

    Universities and colleges across Atlantic Canada work with companies on applied research including product testing, prototyping, artificial intelligence, and process optimization. Institutions such as Dalhousie University, University of New Brunswick, and Memorial University of Newfoundland collaborate with SMEs to solve real industry challenges. These partnerships help companies accelerate innovation without needing a formal research project.

    Key Takeaways

    • Springboard Atlantic connects companies with applied research expertise and partnerships at universities and colleges across Atlantic Canada.
    • Companies do not need a formal research project to engage with the academic ecosystem — many partnerships begin with a practical industry challenge or operational problem.
    • Universities and colleges in Atlantic Canada work directly with companies on applied research including product testing, prototyping, process optimization, and technology validation.

    How Springboard universities and colleges can help companies solve real industry problems

    One thing I hear often from companies: “I didn’t realize universities could help with that.”

    There’s still a common perception that working with universities means long research projects or highly theoretical work. But across Atlantic Canada, much of the expertise and infrastructure within our universities and colleges is incredibly applied and industry-facing.

    “You don’t need a fully defined research project.
    You don’t need to speak academic language.
    And you don’t need to be a large company.
    If you have a challenge, a question, or even just a sense that something could work better, there is almost certainly someone in the Atlantic research ecosystem who can help.”

    – Chris Fevens, Springboard Atlantic

    Across the region, applied research teams regularly work with companies on practical challenges such as:

    • Materials testing and engineering support
    • Product testing and validation
    • Manufacturing and process optimization
    • Prototyping and technology development
    • Data analysis and artificial intelligence applications
    • Regulatory testing and compliance

    Applied Research Collaborations in Atlantic Canada

    Ocean Technology and Marine Innovation

    At Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador University, the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland Institute provides world-class expertise and testing environments for ocean technology, marine operations, and offshore industries. Industry partners work with researchers to test equipment, validate technologies, and develop new solutions for the global ocean sector.

    Artificial Intelligence for the Ocean Economy

    At Dalhousie University, initiatives like DeepSense work with ocean-sector companies to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to real-world challenges. These projects help develop predictive models, advanced analytics tools, and prototype technologies supporting the growing blue economy.

    Construction Innovation and Modular Building

    At University of New Brunswick, centres like the Off-site Construction Research Centre work directly with industry partners to develop new approaches to modular and off-site construction. The centre helps companies modernize building practices, improve productivity, and adopt advanced construction technologies.

    Agri-Food and Beverage Product Testing

    At Acadia University, the Atlantic Laboratories for Agri-Food and Beverage (ALAB) works directly with breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries to support quality control, product testing, and regulatory requirements.

    SME Applied Research and Prototyping at NSCC

    Nova Scotia Community College – NSCC Applied Research works with hundreds of SMEs every year to prototype products, test technologies, and improve manufacturing processes. This is applied, industry-facing work that helps companies solve real problems.

    If you are a business looking for help from academia, you just need the following:

    • A question.
    • A challenge.
    • Or an idea that could work better.

    Across the Atlantic Canadian research ecosystem, there is almost always a researcher, applied research team, or innovation centre that can help move that idea forward.

    FAQs: How applied research helps companies in Atlantic Canada

    Can companies work with universities / colleges in Atlantic Canada without a formal research project?
    Yes. Many partnerships start with a technical question or operational challenge. Researchers and applied research teams can help with testing, prototyping, data analysis, and technology validation.

    What kinds of companies work with universities and colleges?
    Most collaborations involve small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in sectors such as ocean technology, construction, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.

    Which universities in Atlantic Canada collaborate with industry?
    All 19 universities and colleges in the Springboard Network work on industry collaborations to solve real-world problems faced by companies in Atlantic Canada.

    About Springboard Atlantic

    Springboard Atlantic is a network connecting industry with research expertise across 19 universities and colleges in Atlantic Canada. We help companies collaborate with researchers, access specialized facilities, and accelerate innovation through applied research partnerships. Springboard is Powered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)