Camosun Innovates Opens Doors to Transformative Research in B.C.

A new chapter in applied research has begun at Camosun College’s Interurban Campus in Saanich, British Columbia. On September 25, 2023, the Camosun Innovates research centre opened its doors to the public, highlighting its role as a catalyst for innovation and creativity. This facility is one of only three applied research centres in the province, providing vital support to companies, not-for-profit organizations, and government entities looking to develop products and solutions for manufacturing.

According to Richard Gale, the director of Camosun Innovates, the facility offers access to resources and technology that many organizations cannot afford. “We provide research services for things that they want to create and put into the manufacturing pipeline, but don’t have the resources or facilities to do so,” he explained. The centre engages with up to 150 clients each year, working on diverse projects ranging from creating specialized clamps for motorcycle seats to utilizing 3D scanning and printing for constructing a replica Bowhead whale skeleton.

Innovative Solutions for Diverse Challenges

Over the past 15 years, Camosun Innovates has collaborated with various sectors, including aquaculture, forestry, health, and education. One notable project involved the BC Centre for Disease Control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gale recounted a request for assistance when the Pfizer vaccines arrived, which needed to be stored at a precise temperature of -30°C. “We created a system by which they could move those Pfizer vaccines,” he stated, emphasizing the centre’s ability to respond rapidly to urgent needs.

In another project, applied research technologist Jesse Dardengo partnered with Indigenous artist Carey Newman. Newman sought help in carving totems from second-growth timber. Dardengo and his team developed a novel system that allowed Newman to easily shape and carve the timber. “It’s essentially a large rotisserie that he can put all the pieces into place, lay out the carving lines, and then it gives him the ability to raise it up and down, rotate it so that it’s much more ergonomic than traditional carving methods,” Dardengo explained.

A Unique Approach to Problem Solving

What distinguishes Camosun Innovates from other research facilities is its flexibility and interdisciplinary approach. Gale highlighted that the centre is “material and process agnostic,” meaning they are not limited to traditional manufacturing solutions. “If you go to a machine shop with a problem, they’re going to create something in metal that’ll solve that problem. We might suggest metal, we might suggest 3D printing, or cutting something out of composites,” he said.

The open house event served not only as a display of their capabilities but also as an opportunity to engage with the broader community. Gale expressed a desire to increase awareness of the centre’s offerings, stating, “I still go to events here in town, and when I talk about what we do, half the room doesn’t know who we are.” He stressed the importance of showcasing their automation systems, robotics, and scanning technologies, which can significantly enhance productivity and streamline manufacturing processes.

Camosun Innovates continues to seek partnerships and opportunities to assist organizations in transforming their ideas into reality. For those interested in learning more about the centre’s services and capabilities, further information can be found at camosun.ca/innovates.