UPEI Office of Commercialization relaunches as Research Partnerships and Innovation
From the Springboard Content Lab
Congratulations to Springboard member University of Prince Edward Island on the relaunch of its UPEI Research Partnerships and Innovation.
The group announced its relaunch in January of 2026.
The new name reflects a renewed focus on the group’s core mission and role in the PEI innovation ecosystem, the group announced in a LinkedIn Post.
“Research Partnerships and Innovation is a name that reflects the work that we do connecting industry, community, and government partners with UPEI researchers, contributing to economic and social development in the region.”
UPEI Research Partnerships and Innovation announcement
While it is a new name, it is the same team of UPEI and Springboard representatives supporting the mission: Marc Richard, Wael Roshdi, Rebecca Mok, PhD, and Maria Steele, P.Eng, MBA, PMP.
The group formerly operated under the name of Office of Commercialization, Industry and Innovation (OCII).
Bridging researchers with industry, government and community
Research Partnerships and Innovation acts as a bridge between UPEI’s world-class researchers and external partners across industry, government, and community sectors. We connect organizations with the expertise needed to address strategic challenges and develop innovative solutions that drive real-world impact.
As the only university on Prince Edward Island, UPEI researchers are uniquely positioned to offer subject matter expertise across a broad range of disciplines. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with external organizations seeking to leverage our academic strengths for practical, innovative outcomes.
Why Collaborate with UPEI?
Ranked 4th in Canada for Not-for-Profit Research Income
In 2023, UPEI was ranked 4th among Canadian primarily undergraduate institutions for not-for-profit research income (Re$earch Infosource Inc.), highlighting our strong track record of research excellence and our ability to drive impactful outcomes.
Expertise Across Diverse Fields
UPEI researchers are experts in areas such as sustainability, human and animal health, environmental stewardship, and social innovation. With a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges, we collaborate on projects that improve communities and industries locally and globally.
Community-Centered Research
We take pride in our partnerships with local companies, community organizations, and government, and we are always seeking new opportunities to collaborate on research that benefits society. Our goal is to create research solutions that have both local and global significance.
Research Partnerships and Innovation is excited to help you explore new research opportunities, tackle real-world problems, and drive meaningful change. Whether you’re an external organization seeking collaboration or a UPEI researcher ready to connect, our team is here to support you at every step.
UPEI is a member of the Springboard Network of 10 colleges and universities in Atlantic Canada. Our mission is to promote economic growth through the commercialization of research and industry/community collaborations.