Energy & Power Innovation Centre (EPIC)

Powering Solutions, Empowering Innovations

Welcome to the dynamic hub of innovation in energy and power—where holistic expertise and cutting-edge facilities converge to address operational challenges for Canadian companies, with a distinct emphasis on energy and resource management. EPIC’s unique blend of multi-disciplinary experts gives it the ability to be your one stop shop in energy, efficiency, and the low carbon economy.

Services

Power Systems

At EPIC, we combine a cutting-edge lab environment with deep expertise in system communication, integration, and commissioning. Whether you’re exploring grid-edge technologies, developing innovative energy solutions, investigating faults, or building internal capacity, we’re your partner in powering what’s next.

Operational Efficiency

EPIC leverages expertise in sensors, streaming data, pipelines, and data visualization to help you uncover inefficiencies and improve operational performance and resource efficiency. From optimizing energy usage to tracking machine downtime, we deploy data systems that generate informed decisions.

Low-Carbon Readiness

Our Low Carbon Readiness team is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the low-carbon economy. Our experts help you track and manage your emissions and guide you through carbon markets, regulations, and credit opportunities. With EPIC, you gain the insights and tools needed to drive savings and sustainability.

What Happens at EPIC

At EPIC, we provide more than just support. We offer a collaborative ecosystem where companies can innovate, test, and adopt cutting-edge electrification technologies. Whether it’s helping utilities and major electrical contractors with training and commissioning, assisting large manufacturers in developing innovative efficiency systems, supporting cleantech startups in proving their concepts to attract investment, or enabling businesses to take advantage of the low-carbon economy, our tailored services are designed to enhance your operations.

Founded in 2014, EPIC’s evolution spans from initially supporting electrical grids to now supporting every step of the net-zero carbon transition. As a nationally recognized Technology Access Centre (TAC), EPIC takes a leading role in assisting companies embracing energy technologies that not only slash operating costs but also navigate the intricate landscape of implementing new technologies.

Within our dynamic hub, a cross-functional research team, comprising applied research staff, dedicated co-op students, and Engineering Technology Faculty members, collaborates seamlessly with other IDEAWORKS centres, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Lab, the Centre for Climate Change Management, the Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), the Unmanned and Remote Sensing Innovation Centre, and the mHealth & eHealth Development and Innovation Centre (MEDIC). This collaborative approach amplifies our impact and widens the scope of our solutions.

Our training programs leverage EPIC’s unique lab infrastructure and technical expertise to help companies upskill their workforce in a safe, low-risk environment. Custom-built sandboxes simulate real-world conditions—such as substation commissioning and sensor integration—enabling teams to troubleshoot and refine processes before deployment. These programs help organizations de-risk operations, enhance performance, and build internal capacity. EPIC also offers specialized workshops tailored to industry needs, with a focus on energy systems, electrical safety, and Protection and Control. Our lab environment enables hands-on training and live-wire experimentation for utility companies and energy innovators.

Confidentiality is paramount at EPIC. Companies retain ownership of their intellectual property, and our team operates as an extension of the client’s team, exploring and testing solutions with a commitment to finding the best fit. See our Commercialization of Intellectual Property Policy Statement.

Beyond cutting-edge facilities, EPIC is committed to helping businesses secure funding to test and improve their ideas. We understand the intricacies of grant applications and offer support in grant writing. EPIC is by your side throughout the entire journey, from ideation to successful implementation.

Our facilities bring together expert knowledge and cutting-edge equipment to deliver comprehensive energy and innovation services for your organization. Explore our lab through the digital tour below or schedule an in-person visit.

Researchers working with 3D printers in a Mohawk College lab

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Meet the Team

Our multi-disciplinary applied research team brings a diverse skillset to every project. Meet the team or browse our full team index.
Full Directory
Mohawk Ideaworks

Shefaza Esmail

Project Manager, SME Solutions
Mohawk Ideaworks

Erica Daly

Business and Project Manager, EPIC
Mohawk Ideaworks

Gordon Bond

Solutions Architect
Mohawk Ideaworks

Mariano Arriaga

General Manager, Energy and Power Innovation Centre
Mohawk Ideaworks

Patrick McInnis

Electrical Systems Specialist
Mohawk Ideaworks

Rutul Bhavsar

Industrial Communications Programmer

Case Studies

See What Our Passionate Team of Problem Solvers Can Do

Experience the magic of IDEAWORKS: developing key insights for our partners and providing solutions that address challenges head-on.

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Advanced Manufacturing
Process Improved text on EPIC lab background - EPIC Case Study

Motor of the Story: Validating an Industrial Motor Design

Energy and Power
Product Improved text on EPIC lab background - EPIC Case Study

Artificial Intelligence Controllers for Industrial Applications

Energy and Power
Product Improved text on EPIC lab background - EPIC Case Study

Trial by Sensor: Validating Automation Equipment with IIoT

Our Partners

Logo, Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Logo, Ontario Centre of Innovation.
Logo, National Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada.
Logo, Independent Electricity System Operator
Logo, Xiera.
Logo, Black & McDonald.
Logo, Daifuku.
Logo, ENA Electronics Laboratories.
Logo, Enertics Inc.
Logo, iHAT Technologies Inc.
Logo, NeuVativ Inc. dba Tsaro.
Logo, Ontario Power Generation.
WHITEPAPER

Beyond the Prototype: Opportunities for Additive Manufacturing in Low-Volume Production

Uncover the game-changing use cases that will reshape your approach to production.

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Go from, 'How are we going to do this?'
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Lets build the future together

Book a meeting with the Energy & Power Innovation Centre (EPIC) and talk to our experts about your organization or project.

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Shefaza Esmail

Shefaza Esmail

Project Manager, SME Solutions

Shefaza is the Program Manager for EPIC’s Low Carbon Readiness Program, which provides applied research and technical expertise to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition to the low carbon economy. Shefaza brings a strong background in climate change and systems thinking, with technical expertise in energy & carbon emissions accounting, product carbon footprint and lifecycle analyses. Through the program, her team engages SMEs across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, energy and carbon management, information technology, manufacturing, transportation, and waste management. Shefaza and her team provide actionable carbon solutions across these diverse sectors.   

Shefaza has a PhD in Social and Ecological Sustainability (University of Waterloo), an M.A.SC. in Chemical Engineering (Royal Military College of Canada), and a B.Eng. in Bioresource Engineering (McGill University) with over 15 years’ experience conducting research in various environmental disciplines within academia and industry. Shefaza also has extensive teaching experience that lends to strong communication skills for navigating the complexities of the low carbon economy.   

  

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Headshot of Erica Daly, the Business and Project Manager at EPIC.

Erica Daly

Business and Project Manager, EPIC

As Business and Project Manager, Erica oversees projects from proposal to final reporting for each of EPIC’s service areas. With expertise in translating complex industry challenges into practical project scopes, she ensures EPIC’s projects meet partner and industry needs. An advocate for strong stakeholder engagement, Erica helps EPIC connect with a diverse range of partners from startups and major utility companies to remote Indigenous communities.   

Erica holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Integrated Business and Humanities with a double minor in Innovation and Sustainability (McMaster University), and a Masters of Environment and Sustainability (Western University).   

In addition to her work with EPIC, Erica is a Teaching Assistant at McMaster University for a fourth-year community engagement and social entrepreneurship capstone course and sat on the Halton Hills Public Library Board of Directors as Chair of the Advocacy Committee.  

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A Professional Headshot of Gordon Bond.

Gordon Bond

Solutions Architect

Gord Bond is a Solutions Architect at the Energy and Power Innovation Centre. He works closely with industry partners to design innovative cloud-based solutions that transform complex data challenges into actionable insights. Gord specializes in building custom data pipelines, leveraging Open Source and AWS technologies to collect, store, process, and visualize data from diverse sources, including IoT sensors, APIs, and user-generated content. With extensive experience in software development, Gord has successfully delivered projects across various sectors, including manufacturing, renewable energy, elevator maintenance, and Indigenous community initiatives.   

He holds an Advanced Diploma in Software Development from Mohawk College, a Master of Fine Arts from York University, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University.  

Outside of EPIC, Gord is a professional visual artist whose work is in collections around the world including the United States, the UK, Mexico and Australia.  

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Headshot image of Mariano Arriaga, the General Manager of the Energy and Power Innovation Center (EPIC).

Mariano Arriaga

General Manager, Energy and Power Innovation Centre

Dr. Mariano Arriaga has served as General Manager of EPIC since 2018. Under his leadership, the Centre has established expertise in three synergistic areas: power systems, data systems integration, and low-carbon readiness. His direction has enabled EPIC to complete more than 200 projects in these service areas, cultivating long-term partnerships with industry leaders across a wide range of sectors.  

Mariano holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo, with a focus on microgrids and power systems. He also earned a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Regina and another in Hybrid Energy Systems from Kassel University. This diverse academic background allows Mariano to bring a unique depth and breadth of knowledge to each of EPIC’s projects. His expertise in power systems, operational efficiency, and renewable energy ensure EPIC’s research stays industry relevant.   

Prior to leading EPIC, Mariano worked in the automotive manufacturing and renewable energy sectors as an engineer, researcher, and project manager. When not leading EPIC projects, Mariano enjoys helping his wife with their family dairy farm and mountain biking with his kids.   

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Headshot of Patrick McInnis, an Electrical Systems Specialist with EPIC.

Patrick McInnis

Electrical Systems Specialist

Patrick is the technical lead for EPIC’s power systems projects. With specialized expertise in electrical protection and control (P&C) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, he works closely with industry partners to develop testing, demonstration, commissioning and validation plans.  

Before joining EPIC, Patrick worked in the field on electrical substation system integration and commissioning across Ontario. Now within EPIC, he draws on this hands-on experience to design field-relevant training programs that prepare students and early-career staff to troubleshoot real-world challenges.  

Patrick is a graduate of Mohawk College’s Electrical Engineering Technologist and Electrical Engineering Technician programs. Outside of EPIC, he is an avid guitar player.  

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Professional Headshot of Rutul Bhavasr.

Rutul Bhavsar

Industrial Communications Programmer

As an Industrial Communications Programmer at EPIC, Rutul leads the development of custom data acquisition systems that support remote monitoring, control, and analytics for industry partners. He works hands-on with embedded systems, designing and deploying solutions that collect and transmit sensor data from the field to cloud platforms.  

With deep expertise in microcontrollers, single-board computers, and IoT platforms, Rutul builds systems that integrate energy, environmental, and flowmeter sensors—bridging industrial protocols and enabling secure edge-to-cloud data pipelines. He leverages cloud platforms and open-source tools such as AWS, Arduino, Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW to support system simulation, data acquisition and preliminary data processing and analysis. His work has successfully supported projects in remote Indigenous communities, low-income housing, elevator systems, and the manufacturing industry.   

Rutul holds an Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Mohawk College and a Bachelor of Technology in Biomedical & Instrumentation Engineering from Ganpat University, India.  

Outside of EPIC, Rutul enjoys tinkering with electronics and mechanical systems, teaching introductory belay lessons at a local indoor climbing gym and practices amateur photography.  

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