Provincial investment of over $500K supports Sheridan’s capacity to advance manufacturing innovation

Sheridan’s Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing (CIM) has been awarded over $500,000 through the provincial Ontario Research Fund’s (ORF) College Fund Program, a major boost to support new equipment and infrastructure that will power applied research and strengthen industry and community partnerships.

Combined with contributions from industry partners, the ORF funding will enable the Centre to invest in over $1 million in equipment. The investment will enhance the Centre’s state-of-the-art lab and equipment, facilitating cutting-edge innovation that helps Canadian companies adopt intelligent manufacturing solutions that reduce costs, improve efficiency and shorten product development cycles in an increasingly competitive landscape.

This funding comes at a pivotal time. While the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies is on the rise, many manufacturers still struggle with technology development, digital integration and commercialization. The funding directly addresses these challenges, aligning with both partner needs and broader industry trends.

“This investment empowers Sheridan to remain at the forefront of applied research working to develop smarter and more sustainable solutions that support Canada’s rapidly evolving manufacturing sector,” said Dr. Carolyn Moorlag, Director of Research and Innovation at Sheridan. “It also reinforces our commitment to strengthening industry partnerships that connect innovation, expertise and cutting-edge facilities that help Canadian manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.”

Adding to CIM’s already impressive facilities, the funding will support the purchase of a powerful five-axis universal machining centre, high-performance polymeric printers and an industrial-class inverted robot. These additions to the lab will enhance the Centre’s capacity to deliver high-quality prototyping, testing and product development for manufacturing partners seeking to accelerate innovation.

The Centre will leverage these enhancements to advance applied research in three key areas: automated processes for smart manufacturing, digital and biocompatible medical technologies, and clean tech that support sustainable energy production. Building on a track record of innovative, industry-driven projects that demonstrate real-world impact, the new equipment will bolster the centre's ability to collaborate with partners in developing forward-looking solutions that shape the future of advanced manufacturing.

About The Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing (CIM)

The Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing (CIM) merges technology and innovation to drive forward manufacturing expertise, technology and real-world solutions with immediate impact. CIM links companies of all sizes to Sheridan’s leading-edge expertise, infrastructure and interdisciplinary talent to develop new solutions and address manufacturing challenges. An integral part of Generator at Sheridan, CIM is where people with diverse perspectives work together across disciplines and sectors to spark ideas and advance solutions that really matter. Learn more at sheridancollege.ca/intelligent-manufacturing.

About Generator at Sheridan

Generator at Sheridan is where purpose and passion unite the extraordinary research, innovation and entrepreneurship undertaken by Sheridan’s faculty, staff and students, working across disciplines and sectors, to drive meaningful impact for an ever-changing world. In addition to our exceptional faculty-led research, Sheridan also boasts five renowned research and entrepreneurship centres that provide innovation supports to community, industry and government partners. Learn more at sheridancollege.ca/generator.