Impact | Conestoga Applied Research

Enhancing energy system control and interoperability for Vortex’s iBMS

Conestoga’s SMART Centre partnered with Vortex to upgrade its intelligent battery management system with new automation features and improved compatibility for real-world deployment.

Advancing greywater reuse for sustainable water management in Ontario

This project explores how greywater recycling systems can be adapted for use in commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings across Ontario.

Two seniors sitting in front of a mountain

Exploring the life-affirming impact of wish-granting for older adults

Conestoga’s Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation partnered with Chartwell Wish of a Lifetime to lead a research study on the impact of a wish-granting program for older adults.

Exploring sustainable fruit processing for Oat & Mill’s dairy-free ice cream

Oat & Mill partnered with the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL) to explore alternative fruit processing methods that align with the company’s commitment to sustainability and product quality.

Supporting product development and commercialization for Terra Bioindustries

Terra Bioindustries, an Elmira-based food upcycling company, partnered with the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab to support the development of technical specifications and prototype formulations for one of their flagship ingredients, Recyclose.

Building an AI-powered matchmaking platform for enhanced business partner matches

This project focused on developing a prototype web application to help companies connect with one another during international trade events and missions. The goal was to create a tool that uses AI to recommend connections between companies with shared interests, helping them stay engaged beyond the event itself.

Embedding strengths-based learning in career development for trades students

By integrating the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment into course delivery, the project examined how this framework might enhance academic confidence, career clarity, and student engagement, especially in hands-on programs where reflective and interpersonal skills are often overlooked.

Examining the link between inflation and mental health in the KWC region

This study investigated the relationship between economic inflation and mental health outcomes in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region from 2015 to 2022. Drawing on data from government sources, healthcare organizations, and housing authorities, the research analyzed how financial stressors such as inflation, housing affordability, and food insecurity contribute to rising mental health challenges in the region.

A pop up banner about the food stories project

Exploring food, belonging, and community through narrative with international students

This mixed-methods research project explored the connections between food, storytelling, and community-building among international students at Conestoga. In partnership with the Kuwait Aid Network, the team conducted a student survey, hosted community consultations, and gathered qualitative data through four writing pop-up events that invited students to share stories and reflections related to food, identity, and belonging.

Using a credit card to purchase something on a laptop

Advancing sustainable procurement through supplier evaluation at Conestoga

This project explored how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria could be applied to supplier evaluation to support more sustainable procurement practices at the college. A campus-wide questionnaire was distributed to Conestoga’s supplier base to establish a sustainability baseline, identify gaps and strengths, and strengthen the college’s alignment with responsible procurement goals.