Community and industry partnerships
Community and industry partnerships
Through hands-on, industry-led partnerships, the College is helping Nova Scotia tackle pressing issues like climate resilience, healthcare for seniors and digital transformation. This work advances social enterprise, drives productivity and supports economic growth while giving students valuable work experience through innovative projects and up-training programs tailored to future skills.
Climate change initiatives with partners
The College works on projects to advance clean technologies and protect Nova Scotia from climate change. We create de-carbonization AI bots for industry partners like clean tech company Acuicy and use advanced mapping techniques to tackle climate issues like floods, coastal erosion and ocean pollution. Work in energy research, including data analysis and battery testing now extends to marine propulsion projects, supporting the integration of electric and hybrid systems into boats. Collaborating with 3D Wave Design, 3D mapping models have been enhanced to improve wildfire planning and emergency response.
SEATAC renewal
SEATAC, a federally funded Technology Access Centre, provides essential support for small and medium-sized ocean-technology businesses. In June 2024, SEATAC was one of 15 centres nationwide to receive $1.7 million in renewal funding for the next 5 years, building on its impactful work since 2019. SEATAC has been involved in 60+ projects helping companies increase economic competitiveness and productivity since its inception.
Supporting longevity and community engagement for seniors
The Centre of Rural Aging and Health (CORAH), a partnership between the Province and NSCC, has expanded to include locations at Shelburne Campus and Strait Area Campus. These new hubs are modelled after a successful pilot at Annapolis Valley Campus, which launched in 2021. All locations offer activities, education and services tailored to the needs of local seniors, helping them remain engaged in and connected to their communities.
Agricultural innovation
The quality of balsam firs in Nova Scotia is at risk. In partnership with Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation and the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, NSCC researchers have improved tissue culture methods to produce superior seedlings. This resulted in a federal grant in June 2024 of over $500K to establish an Agriculture Biotechnology Cool Climate Centre. The Centre will work with local businesses to research biostimulants and soil amendments to develop resilient crops and increase yield.
Mamadou Coulibaly
Geographic Information Systems/ Applied Research AGRG, COGS
Under the guidance of NSCC geomatics researchers, Geographic Information Systems student Mamadou Coulibaly is assisting Mahone Bay-based 3D Wave Design in refining its wildfire simulation software by comparing it to existing models.
“3D Wave Design’s software simulates fires in 3D, unlike the current 2D models, which will significantly improve wildfire planning and emergency preparation. This experience has deepened my passion for geospatial analysis and its real-world impact.”
CORAH registration sessions at Annapolis Valley Campus from 2020-2024
$5.8M
in research income/funding received in 2023/24