Energy & Power Innovation Centre (EPIC)

Powering Solutions, Empowering Innovations

Welcome to the dynamic hub of innovation in energy and power—where expertise and cutting-edge facilities converge to address operational challenges for Canadian companies, with a distinct emphasis on energy and resource management. EPIC’s Energy and Power Utilities Lab offers a unique space for testing and demonstrating emerging technologies in Protection and Control (P&C) systems, featuring real-time simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) capabilities.

Services

Energy and Resource Challenges

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can pinpoint energy and other resource-saving opportunities. With dedication to affordable resource monitoring and advanced data analysis, we deliver value-added solutions through integrated system visualization for our partners.

Empower Greater Efficiency

Demonstration and Validation

When you partner with EPIC, you’ll receive expert advice, testing, and implementation throughout your product development journey. Using our state-of-the-art lab, we offer proof-of-concept bench lab setups, scaled-down pilot setups, and so much more at both Mohawk College and our partner facilities.

Power Up Your Partnerships

Technology Adoption

EPIC facilitates the adoption of industrial technology by uniting Technology and Service Developers with Energy Consumers to develop solutions that cut costs, downtime, emissions, and losses. We conduct thorough testing and demonstrations for new hardware and software tools in both lab and real-world scenarios before they hit the field.

Embrace Future Technologies

What Happens at EPIC

At EPIC, we go beyond providing support; we offer a collaborative ecosystem for companies grappling with operational challenges. Our focus extends to utilities and electrical companies, where we not only assist in addressing current challenges but also foster the development of novel solutions. Our mission is to de-risk the journey, ensuring a seamless transition to more efficient and sustainable practices.

Paving the Way for Innovation Adoption

Founded in 2014, EPIC’s evolution spans from initially supporting electrical grids to now simulating Big Data power networks, stations, and grids while rigorously testing equipment and theories. 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.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

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.

Training

Our training programs encompass safe and effective ways for staff to work with electricity, providing a valuable resource for de-risking processes and optimizing operations. EPIC organizes specialized workshops tailored to industry needs, focusing on its expertise in energy and electrical systems, particularly in Protection and Control. Our unique Energy and Power Utilities Lab features a newly developed scaled-down distribution protection system, providing a distinctive space for demonstrations and advanced training to benefit utility companies.

Unleashing the Power of Simulations

Our state-of-the-art simulators offer organizations a risk-free environment to test new ideas without deploying them on a live grid. EPIC serves as the testing ground for innovation, allowing for experimentation and refinement before implementation.

Guiding Your Innovation Journey

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.

Confidential Collaboration

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.