Humber, Canada's Polytechnic, has once again proven its national leadership in applied research and industry collaboration by earning three top distinctions in Research Infosource's annual ranking of Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges.
Humber was recognized in the top position in Canada in the category of "Industry Research Income", placed second for "Research Partnerships", and is the top research institution in the GTA. "Industry Research Income" is measured by grants, contracts or contributions received from companies, government and other organizations.
Humber's approach to learning integrates academic knowledge, breadth of programs including Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Master of Computer Science - Cybersecurity Operations and Management, hands-on experience, and industry problem solving. This partnership-powered model ensures learners graduate job-ready while giving companies access to innovation, talent, and applied research strength.
Humber's leadership in industry research income and partnerships reflects a clear path forward: deeper collaboration between post-secondary institutions and the private sector to unlock innovation, drive growth, and prepare a future-ready workforce -- critical to solving Canada's productivity crisis.
Humber's ranking is supported by a diverse portfolio of applied research projects, backed by nearly $11 million in funding, including:
- Robot Navigation and Safety Optimization for Automated Parking: This collaboration with Mississauga-based LocoMobi World Inc. aims to transform Mobi, an operational parking robot, into a fully autonomous solution for smart city parking. Supported by Humber's NSERC Mobilize grant, the project integrates 3D LiDAR mapping and advanced navigation technologies to deliver a Minimum Viable Product featuring autonomous driving, remote control, license plate recognition, and safety signaling.
- Caring for the Thunderbird's Nest - Advanced Assessment Tools for Industrial Pollution: Humber's partnership with Fort William First Nation and the University of Toronto addresses a health crisis involving a leukemia cluster among young children linked to industrial pollution. Using geophysical and machine learning tools, the project will assess contaminated sites, provide culturally relevant data for community decision-making, and build Indigenous-led research capacity.
Across sectors -- from technology and healthcare to the creative industries -- Humber's industry partners report that working with Canada's Polytechnic boosts their research and development capacity, strengthens competitiveness, and improves productivity. Students benefit equally, gaining workforce-ready skills through hands-on learning with businesses, non-profits, and community organizations.
For more information about Humber Polytechnic's research capabilities and partnership opportunities, please visit humber.ca/research.
QUOTES:
"Applied research is one of Canada's strongest engines for innovation and productivity, and Humber's ranking reflects the tangible impact this work is delivering for our province and our country. When industry partners turn to Humber, they gain access to the talent, expertise, and real-world testing environments that accelerate commercialization and strengthen competitiveness. These investments are directly supporting economic growth, helping companies solve productivity challenges, and preparing the highly skilled workforce our economy depends on. By continuing to support this work, we can unlock a new wave of partnerships, accelerate innovation capacity, and generate outcomes that will strengthen communities and industries across the country for decades to come."
- Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic
"Ontario is home to a world-class sector of researchers whose ground-breaking discoveries protect Ontario," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Our government is proud of Humber College's national recognition as a leader in applied research that advances our critical industries and builds a more prosperous province."
- Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
"Partnering with Humber's research team gives us access to technical expertise that accelerates our innovation. Their applied research approach and advanced facilities are critical to helping us develop technologies that will improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in urban environments and transforming Mobi into a fully autonomous parking solution."
- Grant Furlane, CEO of LocoMobi World
