Research and Innovation

Impactful solutions driven by innovation

Ontario Tech University stands proudly as one of Canada’s youngest research-intensive institutions. In our short history, we’ve created a vibrant, engaged research community, built world-class facilities, established extensive networks of partners and have continued to provide unmatched research opportunities for our students.

From the beginning, we’ve championed excellence in teaching and a commitment to redefining the research landscape. We advocate for responsible innovation, emphasizing a comprehensive evaluation of social impacts and ensuring research aligns with community needs and core values.

We don’t merely push out new research and information for the sake of doing so. We take a unique, market-driven approach, embracing a ‘pull strategy’ where research is guided by the needs of industry and community. We work closely with industry, communities, government bodies and fellow academics to deliver solutions that address real-world challenges. We accelerate economic growth, technological advancement, regional development, healthy communities and social advancement.

Central to this purpose-driven approach is our belief that technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), should serve as a force for good, addressing critical issues like climate change and community well-being while enhancing individual lives and essential systems such as energy, manufacturing and health care. Yet, we know that these technologies often carry inherent risks.

Our distinctive pull approach to research and innovation enables our students and faculty to strike this balance. For example, Dr. Kanika Samuels-Wortley, Canada Research Chair in Systemic Racism, Technology and Criminal Justice and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH), investigates the use of predictive AI technologies in criminal justice processes and their role in exacerbating racial inequities in Canada. Dr. Khalid Elgazzar, Canada Research Chair in the Internet of Things and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS), explores the seamless interaction of ‘smart’ services in health care, transportation, industrial automation, emergency response and law enforcement.

Entrepreneurship and the pursuit of game-changing public-private sector partner solutions are deeply ingrained in our ecosystem. We integrate opportunities for students in all programs to explore business ideas, engage with mentors and industry experts and propel their groundbreaking concepts into tangible solutions.

Our campus stands as a testament to this philosophy—a living, breathing demonstration site for learning, innovation and research. As we look to the future, our commitment to collaboration and human-first solutions remains unwavering. Supporting Ontario Tech means endorsing a vision of technology that serves society’s best interests, guided by a conscience that is attuned to potential consequences.

Join us on this transformative journey as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

EXPLORE THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CASE FOR SUPPORT