TACCAT Network connects business with its 25 Technology Access Centres

The TACCAT Network is having a significant impact on connecting companies with the expertise and state-of-the art infrastructure at its 25 member colleges and Cégeps. Comprised of 14 Technology Access Centres (TAC) and 11 Centre d'accès à la technologie (CAT) affiliated with Quebec's community colleges, the network was launched as a two-year pilot last September to develop a common services model for industry to access TACs and share best practices among the centres.

Three firms engaged with TACs shared their experiences at the RE$EARCH MONEY Conference, including Legend 3D. The company, which converts 2D films to 3D in post-production, relocated from the San Diego area to Toronto to gain access to a large pool of talent emanating from Sheridan College and other institutions. It is leveraging its partnership with the Sheridan TAC — Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) and SIRT Net, cloud infrastructure for use by the industry and for research — to expand its staff from 320 to 500 by year's end.

Ocean Rodeo, Victoria, BC, makes specialized wind surfing gear and outfits and has engaged with the TACCAT Network to help it expand into the military and security markets.

DNA Genotek Inc, develops products for a non-invasive pre-natal testing alternative to amniocentesis. Firm founder and chief scientific officer Chaim Birnboim says DNA Genotek works closely with La Cité Collégiale in Ottawa through its TAC, Centre d'accès à la technologie en bio-innovation.

The company operates an on-site clinic for collecting samples, with assistance from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and FedDev.

TACCATs receive $7.2 million from the College and Community Innovation Program — $350,000 over five years for the 14 non-Quebec TACs and $100,000 for the Quebec-based centres, which also receive $250,000 in provincial funding.

The original cohort of TACS is nearing completion of their inaugural grants and are now preparing for renewal. Criteria is being developed by NSERC, which funds and administers CCIP, and the TACCAT Network, which is co-located with Colleges and Institutes Canada in Ottawa.

"It's a competitive, peer review and merit-based process," says inaugural TACCAT Network executive director Ken Doyle. "They will be assessed on mandatory and optional performance indicators."

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