Humber Polytechnic is known for driving innovative applied research that’s powered by strong partnerships and close collaboration with industry.
In recognition of this leadership, Humber was named the top ranked institution among Large Tier organizations by Research Infosource in both Industry Research Income and Industry Research Income as a Percentage of Total College Research Income. Last year, Humber was ranked second and fourth, respectively, in those categories.
As well, Humber was ranked second in Research Partnerships and Paid Student Researchers as well as fourth in Artificial Intelligence Completed Research Projects.
Humber also was ranked sixth among Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges and was the top ranked research institution in the GTA.
“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,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber Polytechnic. “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.”
As part of its vision Building Brilliance, Humber works closely with industry partners to deliver student experiences that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
Humber’s ranking is bolstered by a portfolio of research projects, supported by nearly $11 million in funding.
These include:
• 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.
Humber’s applied research projects address the needs of industry, particularly small and mid-sized organizations, by providing access to technical expertise, facilities and resources. Humber continues to expand its research capacity, offering industry partners access to funding opportunities and the expertise of faculty and students.
"Partnering with Humber’s research team gives us access to technical expertise that accelerates our innovation,” said Grant Furlane, CEO of LocoMobi World. “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.”
According to The Economic Impact of Applied Research at Canada’s Polytechnics report, which was released last year by Polytechnics Canada, institutions such as Humber play a critical role in driving innovation.
The report found that every dollar invested in the applied research carried out by polytechnics generates a combined private and social return ranging from a low estimate of $8.09 to a high estimate of $18.49. As well, 51 per cent of research collaborators reported increased research and development capacity, 48 per cent achieved improved competitiveness and 12 per cent created new jobs.
For more information about Humber Polytechnic’s research capabilities, leadership and partnership opportunities, please visit Humber’s Research & Innovation website.