News Releases – Applied Research and Innovation Office

Loyalist College Ranks #2 For Industry Research Income As Percentage Of Total Research Income

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Kate CookeLeave a comment

Loyalist College Ranks #2 For Industry Research Income As Percentage Of Total Research Income

Belleville, Ontario, Jan. 25, 2023 – Loyalist College earned its place among the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for the third consecutive year, cementing its status as a regional destination for economic development, applied research and innovation. The annual rankings were announced today by Research Infosource Inc., a leading consulting firm specializing in analyzing universities, corporations, hospitals and colleges in Canada’s research and development ecosystem.

According to the spotlight rankings for medium-tier colleges, Loyalist is a national leader in attracting and supporting industry research, earning second place in the country for Industry Research Income as a percentage of total Research Income.

“Loyalist College has proudly grown into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship over the last five years,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, Acting President of Loyalist College. “We are committed to advancing Canada’s bioeconomy and championing social innovation by expanding and diversifying our research footprint aligned to the needs of our community and industry partners. I want to thank the dedicated students, faculty and staff who continue to work tirelessly as we secure our position among the country’s top research Colleges. This achievement demonstrates the big impact a small, specialized college can have on the future of Canada’s economy.”

Loyalist’s Applied Research and Innovation Office (ARIO) supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they develop and scale their ideas, products and processes to compete in a global market. Loyalist College is also home to Canada’s only National Technology Access Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis.

“Investing in applied research is win-win,” said Jeremy Laurin, Senior Vice President of External Relations and Business Development. “Our industry partners benefit from Loyalist’s expertise and state-of-the-art equipment and students benefit from the opportunity to participate in truly unique hands-on learning experiences – whether that’s developing sustainable beauty products, getting value from waste or exploring the feasibility of growing hemp on the International Space Station.”

To solve your industry challenge and collaborate with Loyalist, one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.

About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com. 

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Contact: 
Braden Root-McCaig 
Director of Marketing and Communications 
647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com 

Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada Support SME’s Success in the Bioeconomy

Posted on November 24, 2022 by Livea Maria CarreiraLeave a comment

Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada Support SME's Success in the Bioeconomy

Belleville, Ontario, Nov. 24, 2022 – Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (CNPMC) received $75,000 through GreenCentre Canada’s CONNECT program to help five companies bring sustainable products to market. This is the second consecutive year that Loyalist has secured GreenCentre CONNECT funds to support the growth and development of regional businesses in the bioproducts or cleantech sectors.

“Loyalist College remains committed to supporting the future-proofing of local industries and driving regional economic and social development that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, Acting President of Loyalist College. “We’re excited to build on the success of last year’s GreenCentre CONNECT projects by supporting five more businesses as they transition to more sustainable and efficient practices. Led by the expert researchers in our CNPMC, each project will create unparalleled work-integrated learning opportunities for students while they earn industry experience and solve real-world business problems.”

Supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), GreenCentre’s CONNECT program assists start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by connecting them with specialized research and development service providers like the CNPMC, and funding up to $15,000 per project in the bioproducts or cleantech sectors.

“GreenCentre is pleased to engage with Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis through our CONNECT program. The CNPMC is a proven professional service provider that continues to benefit numerous Canadian SMEs, helping to accelerate their technologies’ time to market,” said Tim Clark, Business Operations Manager at GreenCentre Canada.

With GreenCentre’s support, Loyalist College is supporting the following five companies:

Biomimetics is a biopharma research company focused on synthesizing and commercializing rare terpenoid molecules. Their primary interest lies in investigating molecules with novel biological activity that have remained widely unused or unnoticed by clinical researchers due to a lack of commercial availability. Using novel chemistry techniques, Biomimetics looks to bridge this gap and bring proven molecules to a world in need. The Biomimetics–Loyalist College collaboration involves the extraction of rare phytochemicals from various species of plants. The project will develop a supercritical CO2 extraction route with the goal of replacing current solvent extraction methodologies.

BodyHarmony Therapies and Wellness was started in 1998 on the foundation of holistic health principles and the use of phytochemical extracts and concentrated essential oil formulations. The company’s goal is to formulate wellness products using aromatic plant extracts and cannabinoids to create reliable treatments for people in discomfort and daily pain. The project’s primary focus will be developing a CBG, and selective terpene-infused topical product.

FireRein has been operating since 2012 and developed the first 100% naturally sourced fire suppression gel, Eco-Gel.™ This project will further evaluate the formulation stability of the Eco-Gel product to meet the needs of the wildland fire sector using the particle size reduction equipment and advanced environmental chambers at Loyalist College. These tests will inform product readiness for USDA Forest Services Qualified Products List (QPL) testing, and general product shelf life for existing markets.

Kimberlite Group Limited is a Canadian company specializing in natural products technology under the banner of Valley of Gold Farms in Deloro, Ontario. Kimberlite Group Limited is expanding their product stream to grow and sell hops as a specialized seasonal fresh/wet product to regional brewers. This project aims to increase the value-add of their products through innovative green technology, especially as it applies to post-harvest hop processing. This study will also determine the feasibility of fractional steam extraction of terpenes from hops to create an essential hop oil product.

Token Naturals is an independent Canadian company that manufactures cannabis products for partners and consumers in the recreational market. Founded in 2016, Token Naturals has focused on securing licenses for producing, selling, and researching cannabis products in the extracts and dried flower categories. Their current project focuses on developing a concentrated THC nano-emulsion using all-natural ingredients and surfactants that can be added to finished products without compromising THC potency or quality.

About GreenCentre Canada

Based in Kingston, ON, GreenCentre Canada is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to support the growth of chemical and material start-ups, SMEs, and multinationals by transforming their innovations into valued products, processes, and services. GreenCentre Canada provides a full suite of technical services, including product validation, process development, application testing, and scale-up support.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com. 

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Contact:
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications 647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com

Loyalist College Launches Home Share Loyalist Alternative Housing Initiative

Posted on October 3, 2022 by Livea Maria CarreiraLeave a comment

Loyalist College Launches Home Share Loyalist Alternative Housing Initiative

Belleville, ON, Oct. 3, 2022 –Loyalist College is matching students with older adults as part of a new initiative promoting intergenerational living in the region. Home Share Loyalist is an alternative housing model designed to generate many benefits in response to shifting demographics and community needs.

“We were excited to launch Home Share Loyalist on National Seniors Day and the United Nations International Day of Older Persons as we celebrated seniors in our community,” says Loyalist College Acting President Mark Kirkpatrick. “As the dynamics of our community are quickly evolving, this program presents a new and innovative way to enhance the quality of life for both new and existing residents and address affordable housing needs. It will also deepen the connection between our College and surrounding communities by engaging community organizations, older adults as citizens and students as residents in the community.”

By participating in this program, students will benefit from affordable accommodations in exchange for approximately seven hours per week of companionship, shopping, household chores or other non-medical tasks. Older adults benefit from companionship, social support and rental income.

“Home Share Loyalist is based on the premise of people helping each other. It provides a solution to address affordability and availability of housing and has the potential of improving the quality of life for students and older adults who may be experiencing loneliness,” says Dr. Kim Bergeron, Aging and Health Researcher, Applied Research and Innovation Office

Home Share Loyalist also provides applied learning opportunities for Social Service Worker students at Loyalist College. Students gain valuable real-world experience in program development by contributing to the research, program planning, implementation and evaluation.

The program is funded by a College and Community Social Innovation grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. It is supported by an advisory committee that includes Quinte Immigration Services, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services, Hastings County Community and Human Services, Volunteer & Information Quinte, a community member and a Loyalist College alumna.

The first co-habitation arrangements are expected to be in place in early 2023. Older adults and students interested in participating in this program can find more information and apply online at homeshareloyalist.com.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com. To learn more about Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis and the College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office, visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.

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Contact: 
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications
647-523-4300 
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com 

Loyalist College Helps Seven Business to Grow and Develop the Bioeconomy

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Livea Maria CarreiraLeave a comment

Loyalist College Helps Seven Business to Grow and Develop the Bioeconomy

Belleville, Ontario, September 19, 2022 – Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis is helping seven companies grow and develop innovative natural products and processes through its COLLABORATE program, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) new Applied Research and Technology Partnership grants (ARTP).

“On behalf of Loyalist College, I’d like to thank NSERC for their additional support as we expand our sustainability focused research collaborations with small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises across the region,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, Acting President of Loyalist College. “This funding will empower the College to create unparalleled work-integrated learning opportunities for students where they can help SMEs solve real-world challenges and advance the bioeconomy.”

As a recent signatory on the UN Sustainable Development Goals Accord, Loyalist continues to identify opportunities to integrate the SDGs into its academic programming, applied research, and campus initiatives. By supporting SMEs with the development of new sustainable technologies in the bioeconomy the College and its partners are collectively working to advance SDG #12 Ensuring Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns. For SMEs, enhancing their sustainable practices and procedures requires advanced commercial and technical expertise, but accessing this support during the research and development phase can be challenging for small businesses. Loyalist’s COLLABORATE program is solving this problem by providing $440,000 of funding over two years for SMEs to work with the Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis to accelerate development of their bio-based products and services.

“This additional support from the Government of Canada is a testament to the value of colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics and how they contribute to Canadian innovation – from exceptional applied research expertise and training experience to outstanding facilities and equipment,” said Alejandro Adem, President of NSERC. “On behalf of the tri-agencies, congratulations to the successful colleges who will benefit from this special investment that will help their students, local businesses and communities thrive.”

In the first year of the program, Loyalist has allocated NSERC’s ARTP COLLABORATE funding for projects with the following companies:

Afiya Beauty develops and sells clean, all-natural beauty products through their online store. This project will look to develop an extract from apple pomace to be incorporated into cosmetic products.

Black and Blue Foods is a company focused on using natural products to treat chronic medical conditions. They are currently working on a natural health product to treat inflammation. Through funding from its COLLABORATE program, the Centre will create a design of experiment protocol for the manufacturing parameters to define the approach for the formula.

Cold Plasma Group Inc. is developing a patent-pending, sterilization technology for the cannabis industry. This technology consists of cold plasma processing cycles, tailored to be effective at reducing the microbial contamination on cannabis products, yet gentle towards product quality and chemical composition. This project will perform prototype “field” testing that will facilitate the implementation of the technology under typical customer operational conditions.

Finda Beauty Care is an aesthetic and hair care centre that provides beauty services to those with sensitive skin and/or those sensitive to strong scents. This project will assist in the development of a unique, natural, low- to no-fragrance product to moisturize very dry skin during the winter months.

MediPharm Labs is a pharmaceutical company specializing in cannabinoids. This project will evaluate the suitability of a technological methodology to isolate THC of pharmaceutical purity from the distillate input, and will also make recommendations on scale-up to commercial processing.

Terra Plant is a Toronto-based startup in synthetic biology, which has developed a proprietary plant-based production system that can be used to produce small molecules and proteins faster, cheaper and with greater scalability. The technology is highly adaptable and can produce multiple products including vaccines, insulin, vitamins, biofuels and protein supplements. This project will build and validate a prototype and minimum viable product for a cannabinoid production system.

Vive Crop Protection is a Canadian crop protection technology company that creates Precision Chemistry to expand the horizons of Precision Agriculture. Using the Allosperse® Delivery System, Vive greatly improves the targeting and performance of chemical and biological active ingredients, helping growers achieve better results. This project expands on initial proof-of-concept work to investigate the ability of Vive’s Allosperse polymers to disperse non-polar chemicals in water.

About NSERC

NSERC invests over $1.2 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. NSERC investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect the makers and users of discoveries. Research partnerships established by NSERC help inform research and development and solve scale-up challenges. NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada.

About Loyalist College

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Contact:
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications 647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com

Loyalist College Joins Partners to Lead Ontario’s Bio-Cleantech Sector

Posted on August 15, 2022 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College Joins Partners to Lead Ontario's Bio-Cleantech Sector

Belleville, Ontario, August 15, 2022 – As a member of the new, federally-funded Canadian Bio-Cleantech Applied Research Network (CBARN), Loyalist College is proud to support Canada’s transition to a green economy. Founded in partnership with Lambton College, Fanshawe College and Mohawk College, CBARN has received a $3-million investment from the FedDev Ontario Jobs and Growth Fund to support research and advancement in the bio-cleantech sector.

“[This] investment reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through supporting projects that pave the way for a cleaner future, contributing to a resilient economy and the generation of good green jobs,” said the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through the Canadian Bio-Cleantech Applied Research Network, 65 bio-based SMEs will be able to increase their competitiveness, products and customer base, grow their business and increase their workforce, boosting Canada’s green economy for years to come.”

Members of CBARN will work together to provide bio-cleantech businesses with a full range of specialized facilities, infrastructure and expertise to help expand their products and optimize their processes. This collaborative approach offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to invaluable research and innovation support through one centralized channel.

“Our membership in CBARN aligns perfectly with Loyalist’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and our ongoing efforts to lead change and innovation in our region,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, Loyalist College Acting President and CEO. “We’re thrilled to work collaboratively with our partner colleges in Southern Ontario to support environmentally-conscious SMEs while providing our students with extraordinary work-integrated learning experiences.”

Companies registered with a business number who have operations in Southern Ontario are eligible to participate. CBARN projects will include bio-based cleantech solutions, bio-based products and processes, natural health products, and sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

About FedDev Ontario

The Federal Economic Development Agency Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. In Southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is investing $224 million to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs in every corner of the country.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com. To learn more about Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis and the College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office, visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.

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Contact:
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications
647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com

Loyalist College Partners with Indigenous-owned Business Cheekbone Beauty

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Livea Maria CarreiraLeave a comment

Loyalist College Partners with Indigenous-owned Business Cheekbone Beauty

Belleville, Ontario, June 21, 2022 – As Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day, this is an important opportunity to recognize Indigenous leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

At Indigenous-owned cosmetic company Cheekbone Beauty, sustainability and Indigenous wisdom go hand-in-hand.

“Sustainability is an innately Indigenous concept,” said Jenn Harper, Founder and CEO at Cheekbone Beauty.

“It defines the relationship between my ancestors, my Indigenous family and the environment. Cheekbone combines innovative, sustainable practices with an emphasis on Indigenous representation, because we know it’s so important that Indigenous youth see people who look like them, and who come from the same places that they do, in every industry.”

In pursuit of low-waste, environmentally-conscious products, Cheekbone enlisted the support of Loyalist College researchers to create a process for extracting and upcycling natural ingredients for their newest product line.

“It’s essential that we continue to invest in building a circular economy, which repositions waste as a resource and not simply a cost of industry,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO.

“We’re excited to partner with Cheekbone Beauty, a company that uplifts Indigenous voices and thinks big about sustainable business practices, to create advanced solutions for bringing environmentally- and socially-conscious products to market.”

Funded through the Mitacs Indigenous Pathway Program Award, the project will upcycle the residue from processing a unique grape varietal grown at Niagara’s Henry of Pelham Family Estate.

“We’re proud to partner with our neighbours at Cheekbone Beauty. Henry of Pelham is certified by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario and part of that program is to partner with likeminded businesses in the community,” said Paul Speck, President, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery.

Grape pomace, a significant but largely unused by-product of wine and juice production, is a coveted ingredient in cosmetics due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Lead researcher Barb Allen, along with Mitacs research interns and Loyalist College graduates, Daniel Guevara and Rodolfo Guerrero, will seek to repurpose the pomace to create functional cosmetic ingredients with multiple performance benefits for consumers.

“Sustainability is a journey. It’s very nuanced in that there is no single approach that’s right,” said Jenn. “It takes a lot of work and research to create the best product. Working with innovative partners to find creative solutions, including more people in the process, only makes our products better.”

Learn more about Cheekbone Beauty.

Learn more about working with Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact:
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications
647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com

Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada Help Develop the Bio Economy

Posted on October 27, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada Help Develop the Bio Economy

Belleville, Ontario, October 26, 2021 – Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis is using its expertise to help five companies grow and develop their technologies and products through GreenCentre Canada’s CONNECT program.

“As Loyalist College looks to augment our industry aligned programming and applied research offerings in the Bio Economy, this CONNECT funding enables us to strategically support these companies in bringing sustainable products and processes to market. I would like to thank GreenCentre Canada for their continued support which empowers the College to enhance applied research opportunities for industry partners within our Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis while providing our students with remarkable work-integrated learning experiences,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO of Loyalist College.

Companies developing new sustainable technologies in the bio-products sector can benefit greatly from external commercial and technical services. However, identifying and funding these services can be a challenge. GreenCentre’s CONNECT program provides the opportunity and the funding for SMEs to work with Canadian service providers, such as Loyalist’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis, to accelerate the development of their bio-based products or services.

“The CONNECT program is an all-around success story for the Canadian bio-economy. An immediate benefit is to provide SMEs with expert resources such as those found at Loyalist’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis. Long-term, the program keeps the value of these development services as well as the SME’s intellectual property in Canada” said Dr. Andrew Pasternak, Executive Director, GreenCentre Canada.

About the Companies and Projects

Canna Stream Solutions Ltd. is developing technologies for storing, transportation and processing of cannabis and other plant waste. Their patent-pending technology allows for the efficient processing of cannabis flowers and organic waste into extracts containing cannabinoids. It also can be used for extraction of high value chemicals from other plants and fungi. This project will demonstrate proof of concept of the novel green extraction technology on various plants and fungi.

Cold Plasma Group Inc. has developed and is bringing to market a patent-pending, sterilization technology for the cannabis industry. This technology consists of cold plasma processing cycles, tailored to be effective at reducing the microbial contamination on cannabis products, yet gentle towards product quality and chemical composition. This project will perform prototype “field” testing that will facilitate the implementation of the technology under typical customer operational conditions.

MycoDynamix Company Limited is a bioscience company developing nutraceutical and biopharmaceutical products based on functional mushrooms. This project involves the investigation of extraction technologies, techniques, and processes useful in the isolation of beneficial bioactive compounds found in certain functional mushrooms.

Terra Plant Molecular Pharming Inc. is a Toronto-based biotech startup in synthetic biology which has developed a patent-pending plant-based production system that can be used to produce small molecules and proteins faster, cheaper and with greater scalability. The technology is highly adaptable and can produce multiple products including vaccines, insulin, vitamins, biofuels, opioids and protein supplements. This project is to build and validate the prototype and minimum viable product for a cannabinoid production system.

Vive Crop Protection creates Precision Chemistry to expand the horizons of Precision Ag. Using the Allosperse® Delivery System, Vive greatly improves the targeting and performance of chemical and biological active ingredients, helping growers achieve real results. This project expands on initial proof-of-concept work currently being undertaken to investigate the ability of Vive’s AlloReach polymer to disperse non-polar chemicals in water.

About GreenCentre Canada

Based in Kingston, ON, GreenCentre Canada is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to support the growth of chemical and material start-ups, SMEs, and multinationals by transforming their innovations into valued products, processes, and services. GreenCentre Canada provides a full suite of technical services including product validation, process development, application testing, and scale-up support.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and #1 in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2018-19 graduates, 88.8 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact: Marketing and Communications
Loyalist College, marcom@loyalistcollege.com

Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada Sign MOU

Posted on October 5, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada Sign MOU

Belleville, Ontario, October 5, 2021 – Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support innovation in sustainable chemistry and advanced materials.

Together, Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada will establish an integrated services model that will respond to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on accelerated technology development and reduced commercialization timelines.

This partnership supports Loyalist College’s strategic cluster-based approach to applied research, which enables students and community partners to develop and grow across multiple disciplines. In particular, it will enhance the College’s Bio Economy, Agritech (Food, Pharmaceutical and Natural Products) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) clusters.

By fostering regional growth and entrepreneurship, Loyalist College and GreenCentre Canada will leverage their combined resources, expertise and networks to provide industry clients with a broad spectrum of services and funding opportunities. This partnership will also lead to strengthened business relationships between their respective networks.

Quotes

“GreenCentre Canada is pleased to work collaboratively with Loyalist College to integrate our complementary capabilities and advance companies in the region. Our combined services will accelerate their technologies’ time to market and lead to growth in regional employment opportunities.”
– Dr. Andrew Pasternak, Executive Director, GreenCentre Canada

“As we emerge from the pandemic, Loyalist College recognizes that supporting economic development while fostering sustainable solutions for a circular economy is more important now than ever. That’s why we are committed to collaborating with local partners like GreenCentre Canada who are recognized leaders in their field for transforming innovations from start-ups, SMEs and multinationals into valued products, processes and services.”
– Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Loyalist College

About GreenCentre Canada

Based in Kingston, GreenCentre Canada is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to support the growth of chemical and material start-ups, SMEs, and multinationals by transforming their innovations into valued products, processes, and services. GreenCentre Canada provides a full suite of technical services including product validation, process development, application testing, and scale-up support.

About Loyalist College

Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and #1 in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2018-19 graduates, 88.8 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Marketing and Communications
Loyalist College, marcom@loyalistcollege.com

Loyalist College Receives Government of Ontario Funding for Cannabis Tissue Culture Project

Posted on July 8, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College Receives Government of Ontario Funding for Cannabis Tissue Culture Project

Belleville, Ontario, July 8, 2021 – Loyalist College has been awarded funding by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), through the province’s Voucher for Innovation and Productivity (VIP) program, to conduct a two-year ‘Process Optimization for Production of Cannabis Starter Plants from Tissue Culture’ project with Apollo Green.

“The outcome of this exciting applied research project has the potential to change and shape the future of cannabis production,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO. “We’re grateful to the Ontario Centre of Innovation for this VIP funding, which will enable the College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis to explore advanced plant tissue culture which supports Apollo Green’s efforts in growing genetically identical, high-yield plants for commercialization. Together, we are envisioning solutions to an industry-wide challenge, while providing our students with a one-of-a-kind applied academic experience.”

With this VIP funding, the College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis aims to determine cannabinoid profiles, growth patterns, environmental and nutrient requirements, and disease resistance of Apollo Green’s 600 cannabis varieties, while establishing commercial viability.

“Apollo Green is thrilled to enter into this project and continue collaborating with Loyalist College,” said Vinay Singh, Chief Science Advisor. “The variables in growing cannabis are numerous, and it’s critical to understand how they impact the propagation process. To be successful it’s essential that we constantly look at ways to optimize our production processes and nurture future innovation. This project will allow students to contribute to our growth while we all learn and produce the highest quality products for our customers.”

Findings from Loyalist College’s research will help Apollo Green optimize its cannabis production processes to efficiently produce starter plants for the Canadian market. This process is expensive and carries significant risks of project failure as all plants are exposed to the same environment in the same space. The backup and storage of these varieties is an issue as it requires space, time and labour to maintain living plants in a regular indoor growing environment using traditional methods, such as pots, soil and lights.

For five Loyalist College Bioscience and Cannabis Applied Science students, this project provides a unique work-integrated research opportunity to learn about cannabis propagation and evaluation of factors impacting growth and market sustainability.

“OCI is pleased to support R&D collaborations between Ontario’s industry and postsecondary institutions,” said Claudia Krywiak, OCI President and CEO. “Solving industry-based challenges and driving commercialization outcomes is the foundation of the province’s VIP program.”

The province’s VIP program helps eligible Ontario companies develop, implement and commercialize technical innovations by supporting industry-academic collaborations, allowing industry to leverage Ontario’s world-class academic institutions to solve business challenges, develop new products and processes, and increase productivity. With the VIP program, Loyalist College’s research project received $75,000 in support from the Government of Ontario, through OCI. This was matched with $169,100 in industry contributions, for a total project value of $244,100.

About Loyalist College

About Apollo Green

Apollo Green is Canada’s leader in cannabis genetics. The company’s mission is to provide an ever-growing bank of seeds and clones to medical patients and recreational consumers. Apollo Green provides clean, trusted cannabis seeds and clones, which are backed by the foremost tissue culture technology to reduce risks, costs and time-to-market for licensed producers around the world.

About The Ontario Centre of Innovation

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), formerly the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Made-in-Ontario intellectual property and technologies. A pan-provincial collaboration platform, with a broad and deep network across industry, academia and government, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent. Learn more about the Voucher for Innovation and Productivity (VIP): oc-innovation.ca

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Contact: Ashliegh Gehl, Coordinator, Marketing and Communications

Loyalist College, agehl@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2826

Loyalist College and olds College Sign Agriculture Applied Research and Programming MOU

Posted on June 15, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College and olds College Sign Agriculture Applied Research and Programming MOU

Olds, Alberta and Belleville, Ontario, June 15, 2021 – Unifying key agriculture applied research, education and training across the country, Loyalist College and Olds College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to advance Canadian agriculture.

Together Loyalist College and Olds College will establish new and enhanced work-integrated learning opportunities for students between the two institutions, and explore potential areas of collaboration in smart agriculture, vertical farming and aspects of urban planning around farming and food sustainability. The MOU initially covers a two-year period and will be governed by a joint committee of representatives from both institutions.

Quotes:

“We are so excited to be working with one of Canada’s best colleges in industry-focused applied research. Loyalist College and Olds College are both listed on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges. In fact, Loyalist College is #1 in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research and Olds College is #9 in the nation. Our institutions have extensive networks within Alberta and Ontario; this agreement will allow us to leverage and add value to our networks for a pan-Canadian impact.” – Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College

“Our partnership with Olds College, a leading Canadian agricultural college, aligns perfectly with Loyalist College’s Bio Economy & Agritech cluster of programs and applied research. Loyalist is at the forefront of emerging demand for natural products and medical cannabis, Olds is leading the nation in smart agriculture, and the synergies we create across the agricultural sector, eco-tourism and related industries will benefit regional employers and contribute directly to the economy. By sharing expertise, knowledge and research data, we’ll collectively generate more opportunities for graduates to join and advance the sector through the development of safe, sustainable new products, methods, and services.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Loyalist College

About Olds College

Olds College is known for high-tech, hands-on agriculture education and innovative applied research that lays the foundation for solving real-world problems in farming, food and land. The College offers programming in Agriculture, Horticulture, Land and Environment Management, Animal Science, Food Production, Business, Trades and Apprenticeships. Olds College Centre of Innovation and Smart Farm are accelerating the development and adoption of technologies and practices that result in improved productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food industry through industry-driven applied research. Olds College has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges by Research Infosource. As Canada’s smart agriculture college, Olds College is working to achieve its social purpose of transforming agriculture for a better world.

About Loyalist College

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Contact: Ashliegh Gehl, Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Loyalist College, agehl@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2826