From brainstorming an idea to producing a prototype with a 3D printer to testing out consumer reaction in a virtual reality lab, the Brock LINC presents a world of opportunities for entrepreneurs and researchers alike.
Whether those ideas come from the minds of students, researchers or community members, the doors are now open both literally and figuratively to a transformational new innovation space at Brock University.
Brock students, faculty and staff joined officials from all levels of government on Friday, Feb. 21 to officially open the Brock LINC, which stands for Learn, Innovate, Network and Collaborate.
"Today, we celebrate the dawn of a new era of possibility for the Niagara region," Brock University President Gervan Fearon said during the ceremony. "Our key priorities involve fostering a culture of inclusivity and accessibility, offering a transformational university experience, building Brock's research capacity, and enhancing the vitality of communities in Niagara and beyond. The Brock LINC is a catalyst to help us achieve all of those goals and we have many of you here today to thank for that."
The $19-million Brock LINC project, first announced in 2016, moved forward with funding from both the federal and provincial governments, as well as from the University itself and the generous donations of community partners such as Tom Rankin, for whom the Rankin Family Pavilion in which the Brock LINC is housed, is named.
"Modern learning spaces play a critical part in supporting skills development to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "This important investment at Brock University will help students advance the next generation of leading-edge research and innovation in Canada."
The construction project involved converting the former open-air pedestrian mall in front of Schmon Tower into a 41,000-square-foot research, innovation and commercialization centre. The two-storey building includes: open spaces for networking and collaboration; a new makerspace to design, build and prototype; cutting-edge labs for digital scholarship and virtual reality research; entrepreneurial space for early-stage business ideas and start-ups; and multi-purpose rooms and meeting spaces for learning and sharing.
To create those spaces, contractors faced the extremely complex challenge of marrying a modern glass and steel structure to the 52-year-old concrete tower and surrounding buildings.
It took some time, but it was worth the wait.
"Investing in the success of our students is an investment into all of our futures," said Hon. Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "Projects like Brock LINC will ensure that students in Niagara have access to learning environments that will encourage collaboration, resourcefulness, and gives the skills and training they need to meet the labour market needs in the Niagara region."
The new facilities will provide the Brock community with space to experience and experiment with entrepreneurship and will add a strategic asset within Niagara's innovation ecosystem that supports a greater number of research and development partnerships between Brock and Niagara's businesses and social organizations. Brock is known for its leadership in experiential and co-op education, and the Brock LINC will advance entrepreneurial teaching and learning at the University.
