Fleming College has been awarded a $227,753 College Fund research infrastructure grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to acquire state-of-the-art laser machining technology.
The new equipment, part of a $500,000 investment, will enhance the college’s ability to design and produce complex Printed Circuit Boards.
The funding announcement, made in June by Minister of National Revenue Marie-Claude Bibeau on behalf of Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, marks a significant boost to Fleming’s Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things.
PCBs are critical components in a wide range of electronic devices, from household appliances to healthcare equipment. Until now, CAMIIT often outsourced complex PCB production, resulting in delays, increased costs, and potential intellectual property risks. The new laser machining technology will allow the research team to produce these components in-house, significantly reducing turnaround times and enhancing research security.
“This CFI College Fund grant is a game-changer for Fleming College,” said President Maureen Adamson. “It empowers our researchers and students to engage in cutting-edge projects, filling a crucial gap in our region’s innovation ecosystem.”
CAMIIT, which opened in 2021, has quickly become a hub for industry-focused research and development, particularly in Mechatronics, Wireless Communication, Artificial Intelligence, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) markets. The new technology is expected to foster greater collaboration with industry partners and prepare students for the evolving tech landscape.
