BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BCIT launches Digital Twin Innovation Hub

As Canada modernizes energy systems and strengthens critical infrastructure such as power grids, transportation networks and water systems, these systems are becoming more integrated and complex. To keep pace, organizations must develop and adopt new technologies and strengthen cybersecurity while at the same time, maintaining reliability and uninterrupted services. But evaluating new technologies before they are deployed is difficult and, in some cases, impossible. Power grids can't be partially shut down to evaluate new control systems, airports can't risk disrupting operations to test infrastructure changes, and operators can't expose critical systems to potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities just to understand how they might respond.

To help address this challenge, BCIT has launched the Digital Twin Innovation Hub (DTI-Hub), a new applied research facility developed and operated by the BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART). The DTI-Hub can simulate electrical grids, renewable energy systems, EV charging infrastructure, and other complex operational environments using real-world data. This allows industry partners to work with researchers and students to evaluate, test, and validate emerging grid technologies before they are deployed in the real world and, crucially, without affecting live systems.

"What makes this facility unique is the ability to bring power systems, communications networks, operational technologies, and cybersecurity together in a single testing environment," says Dr. Moein Manbachi, Acting Director, SMART and DTI-Hub Research Lead. "Our vision is to create a trusted innovation sandbox where organizations can strengthen resilience, accelerate technology adoption, and prepare critical infrastructure systems to meet the challenges of an increasingly connected and rapidly changing world."

Industry impact

For organizations managing complex infrastructure, the value of the DTI-Hub lies in the ability to reduce uncertainty before deployment.

"Vehicle-grid integration represents an important opportunity to make Canada's electricity system cleaner, more flexible, more affordable, and more resilient while creating new value for EV owners, utilities, fleets, and communities," says Bryan Taylor, CEO, Fuse Power. "As EVs, charging infrastructure, distributed energy resources, and utility systems become increasingly connected, the BCIT Digital Twin Innovation Hub can help industry accelerate innovation by giving partners the ability to model real-world scenarios, optimize performance, validate solutions, and build workforce capacity in a practical applied research environment. Fuse Power Management is proud to be partnering with BCIT to help advance safe, secure, and scalable vehicle-grid integration solutions for Canadians."

By testing technologies in a digital environment first, organizations can reduce risk, identify potential issues earlier, evaluate cybersecurity considerations, and make more informed decisions before investing in or deploying new solutions.

Supporting industry through applied research

BCIT supports industry through applied research by connecting organizations with research expertise, specialized facilities, and student talent. The DTI-Hub builds on that capacity by providing a collaborative environment where organizations can explore solutions to complex infrastructure challenges before they are deployed in the field.

"Applied research is one of the ways BCIT delivers value to BC," says Dr. Justin Williams, Associate Vice President, Academic. "The Digital Twin Innovation Hub helps organizations make more informed decisions about adopting new technologies while giving students experience solving real industry challenges. That combination strengthens both our economy and the skilled workforce needed to support the province's energy systems and critical infrastructure."

Through the Digital Twin Innovation Hub, BCIT is creating new opportunities for industry, researchers, and students to work together to address complex challenges, evaluate emerging technologies, and support innovation across British Columbia.