Canada has an extensive range of research centres, food incubators, accelerators and labs supporting food and beverage innovation through the research they do and/or the services they offer. This week, we’re featuring INNOV, an applied research division of the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), which has been at the forefront of innovation for Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Mission: To be a top partner for companies and organizations in their innovation and applied research projects.
Focus: INNOV supports the private sector through applied research and technology integration. The organization’s key areas of expertise include agrifood, bioprocessing, beverages, robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and advanced materials. It aims to provide businesses with solutions to key innovation challenges and pathways to economic growth.
Services: INNOV operates three specialized divisions: Advanced Manufacturing in Bathurst, focused on robotics and automation; Bioeconomy in Grand Falls, supporting agri-food processing and bioproducts; and Advanced Materials in Caraquet, specializing in composite materials for the marine and industrial sectors. Each division offers diverse services for private sector innovators, including:
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Diagnosis and Support: Comprehensive evaluations of processes, operations, and technologies, followed by tailored recommendations to improve productivity and quality.
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Applied Research and Experimental Development: Assisting businesses in designing, prototyping, and testing new products and technologies, including market research and data analysis.
Notable News: In 2023, INNOV embraced a new brand identity after 17 years. This included changing the centre’s name from "CCNB-INNOV" to "INNOV" to better reflect its evolving mandate of applied research and innovation support for the private sector.