Applied Futures 101
Together, we're introducing applied research to Canadian high schools.
Canada faces an innovation challenge, and a crucial part of STEM education is helping high school students understand how to bridge the gap between research and real-world application in their future careers.
Applied research plays a key role in closing this gap by using scientific methodology to translate discoveries into practical solutions—improving processes, developing new products or systems, and driving innovations with clear, real-world objectives.
Launching in 2026, Applied Futures 101 is a turnkey curriculum for high school teachers across Canada, designed to spark curiosity, build applied research skills, and prepare students for careers in corporate R&D and technology commercialization.
An extension of our capacity-building programs—Applied Research 101, Applied Research 101 (College Student Edition), and Applied Research for Academic Managers—Applied Futures 101 is the only program of its kind dedicated to launching the next generation of innovators and leaders in science commercialization, equipping participants with the skills and experience to turn cutting-edge research into tangible, real-world impact.
Our Focus
Developing Applied Research Skills in STEM
Learning the core principles of applied research benefits students across a wide range of STEM career paths. Applied Futures 101 will introduce a high school–focused version of our popular Applied Research 101 program- interactive and on-demand for all learners.
Growing Canadian Commercialization
Our youth need to see the link between technology, innovation, and commercialization—the practical purpose of STEM. With a focus on teaching the Technology Readiness Level Framework used by ISED, Applied Futures 101 inspires students to move research out of the lab and into practice.
Bringing Together Industry and Educatiors
Developed in collaboration with industry who are invested in developing the R&D workforce of tomorrow, Applied Futures 101 equips teachers to bridge the gap between education and real-world innovation. We empower teachers to extend this knowledge widely, maximizing reach and long-term impact.
Program Offerings
Applied Research 101
Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) is an on-demand virtual program that can be integrated into curriculum as an assignment and used to support learning objectives in innovation and technology. The program features interactive modules, video content, and self-reflection activities.
Custom Case Studies
Using the power of AI, we are reimagining what case studies can be. Co-created with industry, participation in Applied Futures 101 includes access to an Applied Research Case Development Tool that will allow you to create case studies for use by your students- customized to meet their interests.
Free Educators Toolkit
The Applied Futures Toolkit, featuring ready-to-use lesson plans, follow-up activities to support Applied Research 101, and sample case study templates. Designed with industry input, the toolkit supports you in bringing applied research and commercialization concepts into the classroom.
Get Involved
High School STEM is missing applied research. Applied Futures 101 fills the gap.
Basic and scholarly research are essential, but no current high school program introduces students to applied research—a practical discipline that showcases the full range of opportunities for innovation, technology, and real-world impact.
We invite you to get involved in Applied Futures 101 and bring your expertise to delivering this program free of charge from coast to coast to coast.
High School Educators
We have the following opportunities to get involved:
- Applied Futures Advisory Board: We have positions for educators on our advisory board
- Applied Futures Curriculum Working Group: Help guide the development of the toolkit
- Integrate Applied Futures into your curriculum with the beta launch of Applied Research 101 for High School Students in Fall 2026.
Are you a new or emerging applied researcher? Take advantage of our on-demand training modules and learn at your own pace!
Over the four modules of Applied Research 101 you’ll learn the basic principles of applied research and develop an understanding of what it takes to complete an applied research project. You’ll also learn more about what it takes to be an applied researcher and make an educated and informed decision as to whether this is the right path for you.
Information about how to register for free as a Mohawk employee is available on MyMohawk under the VP Academic Section.
Industry Supporters
We have the following opportunities to get involved:
- Applied Futures Advisory Board: We have positions for educators on our advisory board
- Applied Futures Curriculum Working Group: Help guide the development of the toolkit from a workforce development perspective.
Current Partners
Applied Futures Curriculum Working Group
TBC, Elsie MacGill Secondary School
TBC, Aldershot High School)
Applied Futures Advisory Council
TBC- Michael Jones, OCI
TBC- Someone from IRAP/ISED
TBC- someone from a high school board
Donate to Applied Futures 101
Do you want to support our mission of providing free curriculum focused on technology, innovation, and applied research to support Canadian commercialization? Connect with the Mohawk College Foundation to learn how you can support this program.
Let's take the next step - together!
Book a meeting with the Andrea Johnson at CERI to share your interest in applied research and Applied Futures 101.
Meet the Team
Team Member Name
Case Studies
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