Fleming College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a College Fund research infrastructure grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
This significant investment of $227,753 from CFI, combined with other secured grants, will cover the costs for Fleming to purchase a state-of-the-art laser machining technology. At a price tag of approximately half a million dollars, the sought-after technology will be used to design and produce complex Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
The funding was part of an announcement made in late June by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
PCBs are essential components in nearly all electronic products, including household appliances, automotive systems, healthcare devices, and more.
The research team at Fleming College's Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things (CAMIIT) boasts an extensive track record in designing and creating PCBs and has the capability to prototype a wide range of PCBs in-house.
However, like many others in Fleming College's region, CAMIIT has often had to outsource the production of complex PCBs to foreign manufacturers. This process could take several weeks, and lead to increased research costs and a heightened risk of intellectual property infringement.
Thanks to this new funding from CFI, Fleming's CAMIIT researchers can now produce complex PCBs in the lab in Peterborough, significantly enhancing their research capabilities, efficiency, and security. Using a high precision laser cutter, this will enable CAMIIT to create PCBs for a variety of industries in as little as two days.
"This CFI College Fund grant is a game-changer for Fleming College," said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. "CAMIIT's new laser machining technology will fill a significant gap in our region's innovation ecosystem, empowering our researchers and students to engage in cutting-edge research and development projects. It's a transformative step for our institution and the broader community."
After its doors opened in 2021, Fleming College's CAMIIT quickly became a hub in Eastern and Central Ontario for conducting applied research projects that lead to the design, development, prototyping, and improvement of products and technologies for use in the Mechatronics, Wireless Communication, Artificial Intelligence, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) markets. CAMIIT's impressive laboratory and research space at Fleming's campus in Peterborough has been designed to meet the needs of industry-focused projects.
"The acquisition of this technology opens up new avenues for collaboration with industry partners from our region and beyond," continued Adamson. "This will undoubtedly enhance our applied research program and help foster a new generation of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the evolving tech landscape."
