TORONTO — The Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE), a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, has officially opened its doors at Seneca’s Newnham Campus in Toronto.
The $100-million project was designed by Perkins and Will. Construction began in 2016 and the project was financially supported by the federal and provincial governments. Seneca also received support from several groups and organizations, including the Seneca Student Federation and Aboriginal Education Council, along with the City of Toronto, Beckhoff Automation, Festo, Iris Power/ Qualitrol, Husky Injection Molding Systems, Siemens Canada, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Umbra and ventureLab.
CITE brings applied research and commercialization, specialized training and student and business-led entrepreneurial activities under one roof, indicates a release issued by Seneca. The building incorporates the latest technology to reduce its carbon footprint by limiting greenhouse gas emissions, is home to Seneca’s on-campus incubator HELIX, which is open to the public, and has state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the learning experience for students, adds the release.
High tech labs housed in the building include a robotics lab developed in partnership with KUKA Robotics, an industry leader in advanced manufacturing and intelligent automation; Ontario’s first mechatronics simulation and demonstration centre, developed in partnership with Siemens Canada; and a motors and process control lab.
CITE also incorporates several Indigenous elements which are part of Seneca’s commitment to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call for postsecondary institutions to reflect Indigenous culture and history. The building features a large terrazzo medallion called the “Circle of Indigenous Knowledge” in the foyer, which was recently named project of the year by an industry association. An installation simulating the northern lights in the student lounge is visible from outside the building.
“This multifaceted, technologically advanced facility is now the welcoming point into Seneca for our students and partners,” said Ranjan Bhattacharya, Dean of Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Technology, in a statement. “CITE offers all the tools for educators, creators and researchers to utilize and develop their skills and make a positive contribution. I’m excited for all the ideas and partnerships that will develop here and ultimately benefit our students and community.”
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