The Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) is home to BCIT’s 3 dedicated research groups: MAKE+, NRG and SMART, the Centre for Internet of Things, and ARLO, the research office providing support to researchers across BCIT.
CARI has 3,400 m² of lab space, 14 research labs, over $34m in lab equipment, and 50 researchers with expertise in a wide variety of areas and disciplines. For over 30 years, CARI has used these resources to perform applied research for industry, helping companies produce new, commercially relevant technology products and applications. In addition to our work with industry, we are proud of our work with students and faculty across BCIT and beyond.
Take a virtual tour of the CARI Lab
MAKE+ Product Development
Who we are
MAKE+ is a group of multidisciplinary research staff focused on product and process development, evaluation, applied research projects, and education. The MAKE+ sub group PART (Product and Process Applied Research Team), is the only academic product development group in Canada registered to ISO 13485 (Medical Devices) Quality Management Systems.
What we do
At MAKE+ we can take your ideas to the next level. We are highly skilled in the areas of evaluation, ergonomic assessments, health, consumer, and industrial technology development, automation and electronics.
How we can help you
Students can gain an enhanced learning experience by working on multidisciplinary industry sponsored projects as well as their own entrepreneurial projects with support from MAKE+ researchers.
MAKE+ supports the applied research goals of the BCIT community by utilizing our connections with industry to facilitate and develop applied research opportunities for faculty. We also provide access to prototype development knowledge, facilities and expertise in order to assist faculty to continue professional development activities and maintain BCIT’s position as a leader in high technology education.
More information on our work with students, faculty and industry can be found on our website here.
Would you rather talk to a person? Contact Us
Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG)
Who we are
BCIT’s Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG) addresses issues of product quality, process improvement and human health using basic and applied science along with state of the art technology. Our goal is to ensure that all Canadians can achieve the potential health and economic benefits offered by medicinal plants, natural health products and the food industry.
What we do
With an emphasis on product sources and quality standards, our projects focus on health policy, regulatory affairs, product formulation, botanical authentication, analytical method development and validation, chemometrics, and therapeutic monitoring for pre-clinical and clinical studies.
How we can help you
Applied Research serves a vital function of linking BCIT’s diploma and degree programs with applied training opportunities. We have forged strong partnerships with university collaborators and continue to encourage training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. BCIT’s Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG) has provided training for 100s of undergraduate students, including cooperative education students, students conducting industry projects, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. The group has also mentored multiple high school students.
Because specialized training in the chemistry and analysis of natural health products is not currently available from any academic institution in Canada, the instruction and mentorship that NRG provides to students is paramount to their on-going success in this field.
More information on our work with students, faculty and industry can be found on our website.
Would you rather talk to a person? Contact Us
Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART)
Who we are
SMART, the Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team, converges Information Technology, Communication Engineering and Computing fields to develop prototypes and solutions for complex applied research problems. Our group conducts applied R&D in emerging and next generation technologies and helps stimulate BC’s IT industry through joint, collaborative industry, academic, and government research.
What we do
We have established a reputation for our unique expertise in the strategic research area of the Smart Microgrid. The Smart Microgrid Program at BCIT advances the state of the electric power Smart Grid at an international level, working to identify cost-effective technologies and solutions for Canada’s evolving Smart Electricity Grid.
How we can help you
BCIT students have access to the next generation technologies and infrastructure of BCIT’s Smart Microgrid. This “living laboratory” is an essential resource to students learning and preparing to work on Canada’s future electric grid including issues around grid cybersecurity. Hundreds of students have benefited from the vast infrastructure and expertise provided by SMART.
More information on our work can be found on our website.
Would you rather talk to a person? Contact Us
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the Internet, all collecting and sharing data. Connecting all these different objects and adding sensors to them adds a level of digital intelligence to devices, enabling them to communicate real- time data without involving a human being. The IoT is making the fabric of the world around us smarter and more responsive, bridging the physical and digital worlds.
More information can be found on the Centre for Internet of Things website.
Would you rather talk to a person? Contact Us
Applied Research Liaison Office (ARLO)
Who we are
The Applied Research Liaison Office (ARLO) provides a wide range of support services and guidance to BCIT faculty, researchers, students, and industry partners.
What we do
ARLO helps facilitate solutions to industry challenges, creates beneficial partnerships and practical learning opportunities for students, assists BCIT faculty and researchers with their research programs, and supports commercially relevant new technology products and applications.
How we can help you
ARLO acts as a bridge between BCIT and external agencies and partners, identifies research funding opportunities and helps develop research proposals. Our office assists the BCIT community with commercializing new products and services with expertise in intellectual property, assessing technologies and markets, and strategy.
In partnership with the BCIT Student Association Entrepreneurial Services, ARLO supports and encourages entrepreneurial students, and for over 10 years has managed BCIT’s Student Innovation Challenge, supporting students with bright ideas.
More information can be found on our website.
Would you rather talk to a person? Contact Us