May 30, 2025 – To wrap up Canadian Innovation Week, we’re highlighting 7 applied research achievements that showcase the strength of collaboration, innovation, and impact at IDEAWORKS
1️⃣ Steeves Family Innovation Fund Launches with $250K Gift
Date: April 17, 2025
Glen and Heather Steeves donated $250,000 to establish the Steeves Family Innovation Fund, matched by Mohawk College, to support industry research partnerships. The inaugural project explored using tobacco plants to produce a cancer-fighting protein, earning top honors at the Ideas to Impact 2025 showcase.
2️⃣ Ideas to Impact 2025 Celebrates Applied Research Milestones
Date: March 25, 2025
IDEAWORKS hosted Ideas to Impact 2025, celebrating five years of applied research achievements. The event featured student poster competitions, leadership addresses, and panel discussions on innovation at Mohawk College, highlighting IDEAWORKS’ commitment to fostering innovation and community engagement.
3️⃣ IDEAWORKS Catalyst Fund Supports Emerging Researchers
Date: May 20, 2025
The IDEAWORKS Catalyst Fund provided new funding opportunities for emerging researchers, including collaborations with institutions like St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Holland Bloorview Hospital. The fund aims to accelerate applied research initiatives across various disciplines and is being transitioned to the newly-established Steeves Family Innovation Fund.
4️⃣ IDEAWORKS Collaboration Supports Nuclear Power Innovation
Date: April 3, 2024
IDEAWORKS partnered with the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and Mohawk College’s Energy & Power Innovation Centre (EPIC) to explore how emerging technologies can support Canada’s nuclear sector. The project assessed the use of specialized sensors, robotics, and smart materials in nuclear environments, demonstrating how applied research can drive clean energy innovation and workforce readiness.
5️⃣ MEDIC and Swisscross Collaboration Featured in National Innovation Report
Date: May 8, 2025
Mohawk College’s mHealth & eHealth Development and Innovation Centre (MEDIC) was featured in Innovating Canada’s Research Partnerships 2025 alongside Swisscross, a digital health company led by surgeon and entrepreneur Ian Furst. The article spotlighted their collaborative work on enhancing virtual care technologies and highlighted MEDIC’s role as a trusted applied research partner in Canada’s digital health ecosystem.
6️⃣ Mohawk College Partners on National Sustainable Protein Research Network
Date: March 24, 2025
Mohawk College joined the Canadian Food Innovation Network and Bioenterprise Canada as a research partner on a national project to advance sustainable protein development. Through IDEAWORKS, Mohawk contributes applied research expertise in food processing, shelf stability, and lab-scale prototyping to support Canadian startups developing alternative proteins and plant-based innovations.
This initiative strengthens Canada’s food security goals while creating new learning opportunities for students in food and agri-tech sectors.
7️⃣ Mohawk-McMaster Team Wins Battery Workforce Challenge
Date: May 20, 2025
A collaborative team from Mohawk College and McMaster University secured first place in the international Battery Workforce Challenge. Their innovative battery pack design for a Dodge RAM also earned awards for vocational innovation and hardware-in-the-loop excellence, showcasing the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Congratulations to all students, faculty, and partners who made these achievements possible.