Lambton College Celebrates its Technology Access Centres and Strengthens Innovation in the Community
SARNIA, April 2, 2025 –Lambton College has secured funding for three Technology Access Centres (TACs), further reinforcing their position as a national leader in applied research and innovation.
With the recent renewal of the Bioindustrial Process Research Centre (BPRC), the establishment of the new Digital Technology Lab (DTL), and last year’s renewal of the Lambton Manufacturing Innovation Centre (LMIC), Lambton College has become one of the only colleges in Canada to operate three TACs. This milestone significantly enhances the College’s capacity to support industry partners, drive technological advancements, and foster economic growth within the region.
Receiving funding for three Technology Access Centres is a testament to the strength of Lambton College’s research capabilities and our commitment to supporting businesses through applied research, said Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College. “These centres serve as a hub for innovation, enabling companies – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – to access expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and customized technical solutions.
Technology Access Centres: Catalysts for Industry Advancement
Funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), TACs are specialized research and development centres affiliated with colleges, providing Canadian businesses with critical support in developing new products, improving processes, and enhancing competitiveness. Tech-Access Canada, a non-profit organization overseeing a pan-Canadian network of 60 active TACs, plays a key role in fostering collaboration between post-secondary institutions and industry partners.
Driving Innovation Through TACs
Lambton Manufacturing Innovation Centre (LMIC)
As Lambton’s first TAC, established in 2013, LMIC provides SMEs with specialized support in Automation & Process Optimization, Additive and Advanced Manufacturing, Circular Economy Manufacturing, Product Development and Validation, Product Simulation, Material Development and Testing, and Digital Technology Adoption for Manufacturing Applications. LMIC continues to be a leader in the manufacturing landscape, successfully completing 128 projects, engaging 56 student researchers, and securing $657K in partner cash contributions in 2024-2025. These statistics reinforce its role in modernizing and strengthening the manufacturing sector.
Bio-Industrial Process Research Centre (BPRC)
Receiving its second five-year renewal, BPRC has been supporting the development and optimization of Industrial Fermentation and Distillation, Biopharmaceutical and Natural Health Products, Biofuels and Bioproducts (including Biomaterials and Biochemicals), and Agricultural and Food and Beverage Technology to partners since 2019. In 2024-2025, BPRC has completed 135 projects, involved 88 student researchers, and secured $920K in partner cash contributions, solidifying its impact on Canada’s bioeconomy and its contributions to sustainable solutions.
Digital Technology Lab (DTL)
Established in 2024, DTL is Lambton College’s newest TAC, dedicated to assisting SMEs in adopting cutting-edge digital technologies. The lab provides expertise in Software Design & Development, Application Architecture & Design, Big Data, and Data Science. DTL has had an incredibly successful first year undertaking 69 projects, hiring 73 student researchers, and securing $515K in partner cash contributions. This success has allowed DTL to equip businesses with the tools needed to remain competitive in the digital economy.
A Commitment to Regional Economic Growth
In addition to advancing research and innovation through its three TACs, Lambton College is also creating opportunities for local businesses, fostering economic development, and providing hands-on training for students. These Centres serve as a bridge between academia and industry, reinforcing the College’s role as a key player in Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
For more information about Lambton College’s research and innovation initiatives, please visit lambtonresearch.ca.