ARC – Page 3 – Applied Research and Innovation Office

Loyalist College Receives its First Mitacs Accelerate Funding Awards

Posted on March 9, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College Receives its First Mitacs Accelerate Funding Awards

Belleville, Ontario, March 9, 2021 – Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre has received its first two Mitacs Accelerate funding awards totalling $30,000 to support an applied research project with apollogreen, a global cannabis starter plant supplier.

With more than 600 cannabis strains, apollogreen plans to increase quality consistency across its young plants, which it grows in bulk and sells to cannabis product producers. To enhance plant uniformity, the project aims to optimize cannabis cloning (asexual reproduction) and streamline micropropagation procedures, which rapidly multiply stock plant material. If successful, apollogreen could establish an early prediction system that improves the selection and production of starter cannabis plants with the most desirable components for production and consumption for medical and recreational markets.

The project includes two six-month student internships. Kandace Parks, a post-graduate Cannabis Applied Science student at Loyalist College, is the successful candidate for the resulting 12-month research assistant position with apollogreen.

Quotes

“We are grateful for Mitacs’ support of this innovative project, which empowers us to work with apollogreen to envision new solutions for harvesting genetically-identical cannabis plants. The findings will inform the future of cannabis plant cloning to advance safety, efficiency and time to market. For our students, these types of real world projects offer exceptional opportunities to expand their understanding of advanced tissue culture research, testing and analysis. Through applied research in various disciplines, Loyalist College is driving economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Bay of Quinte region. We encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to get in touch with us to collaborate in bringing their ideas to market.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO

“We are putting scientific research at the forefront of our product development strategy. This research program will provide valuable data and insights that will become the foundation for future studies with Loyalist College and will contribute directly to the development of more consistent cannabis products for consumers. We want to acknowledge the Mitacs Accelerate program for supporting our research and providing grant funding.” – Tyler LeBlanc, apollogreen Co-Founder and Director

“This is a very innovative and research-intensive project. We don’t know exactly what is going to happen. We have an idea, but it is nerve-racking until proven. Everything about this experience is exciting and I am very thankful to Mitacs, apollogreen and Loyalist College for the opportunity to make industry connections while strengthening my research skills.” – Kandace Parks, post-graduate Cannabis Applied Science student at Loyalist College

To learn more about Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis, visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.

About apollogreen

At apollogreen, we’re cloning mother plants with superior genetic strains, growing them with the strictest quality assurance and trusted environmental conditions. This ensures premium plants for our partners that decrease your risk and increase profit. Our dedicated team, located 20 minutes east of downtown Ottawa, sources and grows the best genetics, continually searching for strains with high robust yields, strong cannabinoid and unique terpenes that show resistance to disease and bacteria.

About Mitacs

Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions. Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About Loyalist College

Ranked as 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 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 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: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536

Insights into baking commercial edibles

Posted on February 24, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Insights Into Baking Commercial Edibles

March, 2021 – On January 26, 2021, The BAC Ontario Chapter partnered with Loyalist College Applied Research to bring baking professionals a webinar primer about baking with cannabis. Called, “Cannabis Edibles for Bakers: Insights Into Baking Quality Edibles,” it was co-hosted by Barb Allen from ARC and Chef Scott Royce, discussing the challenges that bakers and confectioners might meet when baking or making sweets with cannabinoids.

The event was introduced by Dr. Kari Kramp, the head of Laboratory/Scientific Manager for the Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis at Loyalist College (ARC.) “We have an absolutely tremendous team. I’d say that is our biggest strength from our research and technical staff perspective, from our students, is the experiential learning opportunities that they gain and working for the center. It’s fantastic. And we have business and operations specialists that have developed over time and extensive network across not only our region but across the country.”

Dr. Kramp adds that ARC is capable of working with a partner or clients on a particular project to help identify gaps.

Click to Read More: Insights to Baking Edibles (Bakers Journal)

Loyalist Joins College Cannabis Consortium

Posted on February 24, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist Joins College Cannabis Consortium

February 24, 2021, EDMONTON – A first-of-a-kind post-secondary sector cannabis partnership welcomes two additional Ontario post-secondaries to its ranks. Ottawa’s La Cité and Belleville’s Loyalist College join five other Canadian post-secondaries in this pan-Canadian organization working to secure funding and support for research, expand educational offerings, and increase industry partnerships.

Loyalist College and La Cité join NorQuest, Niagara, Durham, and Okanagan colleges, and Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) as members.

Each college participating in the consortium has cannabis-related programming, industry partnerships, and advisory committees to identify need and professionalize the training and education available to employers and learners.

The consortium works together to:

• co-develop courses, curricula, credentials and badging,

• share and co-produce market intelligence

• apply for research funding

• assist in creating industry partnerships,

• launch externally-funded projects, and

• develop other partnerships that support the aims of the consortium

Members expect that the consortium will continue to grow in size as more colleges enter the world of cannabis programming.

Quotes:

“When we envisioned this partnership back in 2019, we hoped that what we had developed would only be the start of something great for the cannabis industry,” said Michele Braun, Director of Continuing Education and Partner Solutions at NorQuest College. “We’ve seen incredible growth in the industry and corresponding demand for skilled graduates ready to contribute. This consortium continues to be a great example of how post-secondary institutions from across Canada can join forces and work hand-in-hand with industry to drive economic growth.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with other Canadian postsecondary institutions as we continue building capacity and supporting growth in this exciting new industry,” said Jeremy Laurin, Senior Vice-President, External Relations & Business Development at Loyalist College. “In 2017, Loyalist College was the first Canadian college and academic institution in Ontario to receive approval from Health Canada to conduct cannabis research. Since then, we have been working closely with our local industry partners to develop programs which prepare career-ready graduates to make an immediate and meaningful impact in the industry.”

“By joining the Consortium, Collège La Cité gains access to a wealth of collaborations,” stated Lise Bourgeois, President and CEO of La Cité. “This partnership allows the College to better understand industry needs, take part in research projects, develop collaborative training and share best practices. The students in our Agricultural Techniques – Cannabis Production program are sure to gain a lot from these opportunities.”

Loyalist College Introduces its First Cannabis Career Launch Micro-Credential

Posted on February 8, 2021 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College Introduces its First Cannabis Career Launch Micro-Credential

Belleville, Ontario, February 8, 2021 – Loyalist College’s new three-week Cannabis Career Launch program welcomed its first cohort of 12 participants on January 25. Designed to increase employment prospects and mobility, this short, intensive micro-credential is ideal for job seekers and incumbent workers in the cannabis sector who are ready for entry-level industry training.

Focused on hands-on cannabis production, safety and workplace communication, the College’s SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO) pilot project is free, includes a paid two-week industry placement and is funded in part by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

The next intake for Loyalist College’s Cannabis Career Launch micro-credential is Monday, March 15. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jay Taugher, Project Lead, at jtaugher@loyalistcollege.com.

Quotes

“Giving people the skills they need to fill jobs in their community is essential to helping them recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Micro-credential and short-duration training programs help people learn new skills quickly to prepare for in-demand career opportunities. I want to thank Loyalist College for stepping up to keep people across the Bay of Quinte region at the forefront of Ontario’s economy.” – Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development

“Through Loyalist College’s Cannabis Career Launch micro-credential, individuals will learn about quality control and cannabis legislations and regulations. They will quickly earn the skills for which local small and medium-sized enterprises are looking to bring cannabis 2.0 products to market. We are grateful for the continued support of the Government of Ontario, and that of our industry partners. Together, we will position program participants for success as they pursue careers in cannabis, helping to address significant skills gaps in this burgeoning sector.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO

“We are proud to support the Cannabis Career Launch program to help job seekers gain industry knowledge and experience to begin a fulfilling career in the cannabis industry. Loyalist College is a valued partner in developing a highly-skilled cannabis workforce that is positioned for long-term success in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic industries.” – Sébastien St-Louis, HEXO Corp. Co-Founder & CEO

“The Cannabis Career Launch program was designed to help participants stand out to employers in the cannabis space. As an employer who is actively hiring, we look favourably on candidates who have put forth the extra effort to get basic industry knowledge and training. The cannabis industry is still in its infancy and will continue to experience exponential growth for years to come.” – Tyler LeBlanc, apollogreen Co-Founder and Director

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, Loyalist College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 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: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536

Loyalist College and Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc. are One Step Closer to a Sustainable Cannabis Beverage Bottling Solution

Posted on December 17, 2020 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College and Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc. are One Step Closer to a Sustainable Cannabis Beverage Bottling Solution

Belleville, Ontario, December 17, 2020 – Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis is using its expertise in green technology and cannabis to identify and test different sustainable liner options to match the quality of Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc.’s (KAT) recyclable aluminum bottles.

Funding from GreenCentre Canada’s CONNECT program to advance this initiative will move KAT, a privately-held Canadian company, closer to commercial success in the Cannabis 2.0 market.

CONNECT is supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) and funds small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working with service providers, such as Loyalist’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis, to accelerate the development of their products or services.

This strategic collaboration not only contributes to Canada’s role as a leader in Cannabis 2.0 products, but also meets the high demand for environmentally friendly containers that are sustainable, child-resistant, and retain the potency and quality of beverages. All of which are a key production concern in the cannabis industry.

Quotes

“Containers and liners can greatly impact the acceptable range of cannabinoid potency and stability, which ultimately influences marketability. Loyalist’s solution-driven team of researchers are dedicated to helping small and medium-sized enterprises like Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc. create safe, sustainable packaging without compromising product quality.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President & CEO, Loyalist College

“Our patented blow moulding process results in fully recyclable aluminum bottles which are a viable alternative to plastic bottles. In turn, our sustainable process uses less energy to produce and requires half the space of a traditional production line. This allows anyone from a start-up to a large brand to work with us.” – Betty Pilon, President, Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc.

“CONNECT is an all-around success story for the Canadian economy, providing companies like KAT with expert resources at Loyalist’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis, while boosting the Canadian economy by retaining both the service and the SME in Canada.” – Dr. Brian Mariampillai, Director of Business Development, GreenCentre Canada

About GreenCentre Canada

GreenCentre Canada, established in 2009, is a not-for-profit Chemistry/Materials Commercialization Centre with a mandate to support the growth of chemical and materials start-ups, SMEs and multinationals by transforming their innovations into valued products, processes and services. The organization is based in Kingston, Ontario, and operates a world class state-of-the-art research and development chemistry facility for small to medium scale chemistry innovation services. The organization is supported by a group of scientists, most of whom have advanced degrees in the chemistry field. GreenCentre features an 8,000 ft2 bench scale chemistry facility fully equipped with analytical equipment.

About Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc.

Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc. (KAT) solved a 30-year-old industry challenge tackled by some of the largest companies and many of the leading experts in aluminum technology – how to customize the shape of a lightweight aluminum bottle on a commercial production line. KAT’s blow molded aluminum bottle is a game-changer in the bottling industry. KAT is providing a practical alternative to PET and glass bottles with real environmental benefits. And in addition to providing its low volume clients (beverage producers, co-packers and packaging distributors) with the more environmentally friendly option they have been asking for, KAT is also providing them with more ways to differentiate themselves from the competition on the shelf (through shape and in graphics).

About Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis

Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis is an innovation hub helping industry collaborate with academia to transform the results of research into high-quality, consistent and safe products, solving their applied research challenges and building their applied research capabilities. The Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis offers companies across Eastern Ontario a supportive, community-oriented platform from which to enhance their productivity, expand their reach and augment their competitiveness in the global market. In addition to income from industry partnerships, the Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis is funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program, as well as the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Ontario Research Fund (ORF), and the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE).

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536

Loyalist College Ranks #1 for Industry Research Income as Percentage of Total Research Income

Posted on December 15, 2020 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist College Ranks #1 for Industry Research Income as Percentage of Total Research Income

Belleville, Ontario, December 15, 2020 – Loyalist College reached an institutional milestone today when it was recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges. This is the first time Loyalist has ranked on Research Infosource Inc.’s annual list, placing first in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income and eighth for college research income growth.

“What an incredible achievement for Loyalist College, the Bay of Quinte region, and our industry partners,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO. “The continued growth and recognition of the College’s Applied Research and Innovation Department strengthens our resolve as an institution of choice for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking analytical testing, method optimization, and product development in competitive marketplaces. This achievement reflects our deep commitment to advancing applied research in our region and contributing to a skilled Biosciences workforce to fuel economic growth, entrepreneurialism, and innovation.”

Loyalist’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis houses Canada’s only federally supported Technology Access Centre for natural products and cannabis, and is a regional innovation hub for industry to access advanced instrumentation and subject-matter experts.

“Our Applied Research Centre provides student researchers with unprecedented access to work-integrated learning opportunities in a high-tech facility which broadens the range of their scientific aptitude and expands the breadth of their expertise,” said Ron Byrne, Loyalist College Senior Vice-President Academic. “We directly connect Bioscience and Cannabis Applied Science students with industry so they can network with future employers and begin their careers.”

The Applied Research Centre offers companies across Eastern Ontario a supportive, community-oriented platform from which to enhance their productivity, expand their reach and augment their competitiveness in the global market. In addition to income from industry partnerships, the Applied Research Centre is funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program, as well as the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Ontario Research Fund (ORF), and the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE).

To collaborate with Loyalist, one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, please visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 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 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 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’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536

Loyalist ARC, Bioenterprise Sign MOU to Support Agri-tech Sector, SMEs

Posted on December 4, 2020 by wpadminLeave a comment

Loyalist ARC, Bioenterprise Sign MOU to Support Agri-tech Sector, SMEs

Dec. 4, 2020 – Loyalist College has signed a MOU with Bioenterprise that facilitates collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership will see Loyalist’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) and Bioenterprise support small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and drive economic growth in the food, beverage, cannabis, and related industries.

Bioenterprise and Loyalist College Establish Partnership to Support Innovations in the Food & Cannabis Sectors

Posted on November 26, 2020 by wpadminLeave a comment

Bioenterprise and Loyalist College Establish Partnership to Support Innovations in the Food & Cannabis Sectors

Nov. 26, 2020 – Loyalist College and Bioenterprise: Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine have signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying their commitment to supporting small- to mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada. Bioenterprise and the Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) at Loyalist College will work together to drive economic growth within the food and beverage, natural health products, cannabis, and hemp industries. Bioenterprise will help to connect innovative companies from across the country to the ARC, which offers industry expertise and services in process optimization, product development, extraction technologies, and analytical testing to ensure their client’s products are safe and efficacious. Furthermore, Bioenterprise and Loyalist College will work together to provide mentorship and advisory services to help SMEs successfully scale their business.

“Our partnership with Loyalist College will allow us to join forces and provide specialized expertise to the food, beverage, cannabis industries and related sectors,” says Dave Smardon, President and CEO of Bioenterprise. “We are seeing an increasing demand for analytical services in the natural products and cannabis sectors. This collaboration will ensure that we are providing stronger, more impactful support to members of Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine.”

For Cold Plasma, When It Came to Proving their Product’s Validity, Not Seeing Was Believing

Posted on November 17, 2020 by wpadminLeave a comment

For Cold Plasma, When It Came to Proving their Product’s Validity, Not Seeing Was Believing

Nov. 12, 2020 – “The Canadian government requires that all cannabis sold legally be nearly devoid of microbes, which can generally be achieved only through sterilization. But the nature of cannabis itself makes this difficult – it is extremely sensitive to heat and to radiation (currently gamma radiation is frequently used to sterilize it). Because of this, sterilizing the plant means running the risk of damaging its properties.”

Dr. Florina Truica came up with the idea of using cold plasma technology for sterilization and came to the ARC for help. “ARC’s analysis of the treated cannabis showed that their process left it unchanged in terms of its cannabinoids, the drug’s active ingredients, and terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give it much of its distinctive aroma. All while destroying up to 99.99 per cent of the yeast, mould and bacteria on its surface.”

Click to Read Story: For Cold Plasma, When it Came to Proving Their Product’s Validity, Not Seeing Was Believing (Queen’s University News)

Loyalist College to Launch Canada’s First Technology Access Centre for Natural Products and Cannabis

Posted on June 13, 2019 by wpadmin1 Comment

Loyalist College to Launch Canada's First Technology Access Centre for Natural Products and Cannabis

Belleville, Ontario, June 13, 2019 – Loyalist College is the recipient of a $1,750,000 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program grant over five years to launch Canada’s first Technology Access Centre (TAC) for natural products and cannabis. In addition, Loyalist received $1M through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) College-Industry Innovation Fund (CIIF) to add specialized equipment to the TAC.

Loyalist was one of 90 recipients at colleges, cégeps and polytechnics across the country to receive part of the $73M in funding, announced today by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. Through the CCI Program and the CIIF, this investment will help post-secondary institutions partner directly with local employers to facilitate commercialization and transform the results of research and development into new technologies to help businesses expand and grow.

The rapid growth of Canada’s cannabis, hops and natural products sectors positions Loyalist’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) as a national innovation hub for small- to medium-sized enterprises. As a TAC, Loyalist will build on the ARC’s 15 years of natural product extraction expertise and analysis-based applied research. In transitioning to a TAC, Loyalist’s ARC will significantly increase the College’s capacity to lead applied research of commercially relevant natural products and cannabis, and to support innovation by enhancing industries’ access to sector-relevant expertise and technology.

The TAC initiative will cultivate an environment for College-industry partnerships to thrive while providing students with unparalleled opportunities for work-integrated learning; investigating extraction, isolation, and formulation; and product development. In partnership with the Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC), Loyalist will support the Bay of Quinte’s burgeoning natural products and cannabis sectors to generate regional socioeconomic benefits, and to provide opportunities for a new generation of innovators. Loyalist will also offer companies across Canada a supportive, community-oriented platform from which to enhance their productivity, expand their reach and augment their competitiveness in the global market.

Quotes

“NSERC values the tremendous contributions of Canada’s colleges in the research and innovation ecosystem. Today’s investment will enhance our country’s world-class research capacity, help businesses innovate to create growth, and train our next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs.”– Dr. Marc Fortin, Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

“The power of research is exemplified when it is applied to tackle real-world problems. Whether addressing the development of novel agri-food products or expanding the frontiers of aerospace and manufacturing technologies, researchers at colleges and polytechnics are well equipped to partner with industry to help boost Canadian innovation.” – Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation

“We are very grateful for NSERC’s continued support and proud to be Canada’s first TAC for natural products and cannabis. Loyalist currently has more than 25 companies interested in applied research, and as our ARC transitions into a TAC, we will be able to meet their requirements while significantly extending our network to help more companies to innovate. Our Biosciences and Cannabis Applied Science students will have the advantage of being involved in ground-breaking research that propels Canada forward as the world leader in cannabis and natural product developments.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO

“It’s great to see this NSERC and CFI funding come through for Loyalist College’s launch of Canada’s first TAC for research in natural products and cannabis. Being able to conduct research in a state-of-the-art facility means that students working in the College’s ARC will be able to build up their expertise in product analysis; which can then be applied directly to commercial development. This is just the beginning of seeing a new series of natural products being designed, assessed, made and delivered from our region.” – Neil R. Ellis, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte

“I am so proud to see the innovation that is driving research and economic development in our rural community through Loyalist College’s ARC. Innovation is key to Rural Sustainability and this investment will ensure that we are training the next generation in the latest technological advances. I congratulate them on their NSERC and CFI grant, and wish them all the best of success.” – Mike Bossio, Member of Parliament for Hastings—Lennox and Addington

“The Quinte Economic Development Commission is proud to be a supporting partner with Loyalist College on this important initiative that is aligned with economic development opportunities and priorities in the region. The TAC will support industry research and innovation for companies in key industry sectors as well as helping students develop in-demand skills and experience. Congratulations to the team at Loyalist on launching this important project.” – Chris King, Chief Executive Officer, Quinte Economic Development Commission

About Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis
Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) is a state-of-the-art laboratory with expertise in clean technologies, including innovative supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and advanced analytical technologies. In January 2017, Loyalist was the first College in Canada to receive approval from Health Canada to investigate cannabis for research purposes. Committed to meeting the objectives of its partners, the ARC provides analysis of commercially relevant biologically active compounds, with applications in the food and beverage industry, functional food and natural health products, and cannabis industry.

About Loyalist College
Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. When it comes to Ontario college graduates getting jobs, Loyalist is the top College in the province, according to KPI results, released November 2018. Of 2016-17 Loyalist graduates, 90.8 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 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 is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 5.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $465 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2018 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536