“NSCC has opened so many doors for me. First through the Entrepreneurship team, who connected me with Enactus that took me all the way to Ottawa for a national competition. Then through SEATAC, where my internship showed me just how many cool opportunities there are in the ocean sector. Every step has helped me build skills, grow my network and see how I can use my business skills to make a real difference.”
- Mary Mach, Business Administration student and SEATAC intern
“NSCC has opened so many doors for me. First through the Entrepreneurship team, who connected me with Enactus that took me all the way to Ottawa for a national competition. Then through SEATAC, where my internship showed me just how many cool opportunities there are in the ocean sector. Every step has helped me build skills, grow my network and see how I can use my business skills to make a real difference.”
- Mary Mach, Business Administration student and SEATAC intern
A year of impact
Highlights from across our department
Applied research
With 107 active projects and over $4 million in funding this year, our research teams are addressing climate challenges through applied experimentation and hands-on student engagement.
“Launching a hardware startup can feel like navigating a tunnel without a map. Partnering with the AERLab helped us fast-track development and pilot our tech in 12 homes, saving over $21,000 in energy costs and cutting 34,000 kg of CO2 emissions. That momentum led to a pilot with the Town of Mahone Bay and the next phase is already underway.”
– AbdulGaniyu Onabanjo, President and CEO, iFormit Solutions
Industry partnerships
Through a $3.2M Value Proposition investment from Irving Shipbuilding, we’re enhancing 2 key trades shops at Akerley Campus. The upgrades, part of the college’s work to strengthen Canada’s marine workforce, will boost efficiency, safety and training capacity for welding and metal fabrication.
“Our partnership with Irving Shipbuilding is transforming our learning environment. With upgraded shops, students are gaining experience that directly aligns with the needs of today’s marine manufacturing sector.”
– Dwayne MacLeod, Manager, Industry Partnerships
Entrepreneurship
NSCC is now leading the Atlantic Hub of a national entrepreneurship initiative thanks to a $5M investment over 5 years. As part of Red River Polytechnic’s College-University Lab to Market Network, we’re fostering entrepreneurship skills and commercialization capacity.
“It’s exciting to help students and researchers take their ideas beyond the classroom and into the real world. This investment is opening doors for innovation across the region.”
– Sheri Williams, Senior Manager, Entrepreneurship
Student research support
Just launched in August 2024, the Student Research Network already has over 450 student and faculty members across the province.
“I’m excited to share that I’ve secured a position with Detect as one of their field operators! I wouldn’t have found this opportunity without the support of the Network.”
– Victor Opadele, 2nd Year Natural Resources Environmental Technology student, Strait Campus
Workforce development
Delivered 12 training initiatives specific to equity-deserving groups, including the ISANS Bridge to Construction Training Program. This 7-week program offered newcomers and underrepresented individuals hands-on learning, industry-recognized skills and direct pathways to employment.
“It’s incredible to see participants gaining confidence and skills so quickly, and even landing jobs before the program ends. With Nova Scotia’s growing need for skilled construction workers, programs like this are essential.”
– Beth McCormick, Workforce Development Manager
SEATAC, oceans R&D
In 2024, the College expanded its capabilities with a new custom-built 9-metre research vessel. Shared between SEATAC and the Oceans Technology program, the vessel helps companies test and validate their products at sea and provides more hands-on learning experiences for students.
“It doesn’t make sense for us to own a boat or employ full-time staff with on-water expertise, so access to SEATAC’s team and research vessel have been invaluable to our success.”
– Ulaş Güntürkün, CEO and Founder, Marecomms Inc.
Forestry innovation
NSCC supported 77 forestry partners in 2024–25 through 2 programs: the Forest Innovation Voucher and the Ecological Forest Equipment Program. These initiatives provided funding to help companies invest in modern, ecological equipment and technologies.
“Upgrading now instead of waiting was a big deal for our business. This equipment lets us work more efficiently while protecting the environment – it’s a win all around.”
- Luke McGrath, EFEP funding recipient
Funding for student research
Introduced the new SPRINT Fund, providing microgrants to support student- and faculty-led applied research with industry and community partners. With $30,000 available for 2024-25, the fund fosters hands-on innovation, skill building and real-world problem solving.
“Designing something for industry is a humbling experience, it’s a lot harder than a hobby project. Having NSCC instructors to guide me through the design phase made everything a lot smoother.”
– Ian Booth, Electronic Engineering Technology student
