Seneca officially celebrated the opening of its new Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE) – a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship at the Newnham Campus

CITE brings applied research and commercialization, specialized training, and student and business-led entrepreneurial activities under one roof. 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.

The 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.

“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. “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.”

Construction on the $100-million project, designed by Perkins and Will, began in 2016 and it was financially supported by the federal and provincial governments.

Seneca 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.