Prime Highlights:
Centennial College ranked as one of the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada by Research Infosource for 2025.
The college ranked 1 in Canada for providing paid student internships in applied research, with 599 student researchers involved through Centennial Innovates.
Centennial College placed 20th overall for research revenue.
Key Background:
Centennial College has been named one of the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada by Research Infosource for another year, with a notable achievement as the top institution for providing paid student internships in applied research. This recognition underscores the college’s ongoing commitment to student development and innovation.
Ranked 20th overall for research revenue, Centennial College’s Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship department, Centennial Innovates, was pivotal in this accomplishment. This department facilitated the involvement of 599 student researchers, marking a significant milestone in paid student internships within applied research. This achievement has placed Centennial in the number one position for four consecutive years.
Jonathan Hack, Dean of Centennial Innovates, praised the team’s dedication, saying, “These results are an accomplishment of a stellar performance by a very capable team. Over the past few years, we’ve expanded our research activities to include data analytics, sustainable energy systems, low-carbon transportation, and smart mobility, while continuing to build on our established strengths in digital healthcare technologies, social innovation research, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.”
Through Centennial Innovates, students work alongside industry partners on real-world business challenges, gaining technical and professional skills. The paid internships provide students with the opportunity to focus on their development without the added financial stress, equipping them with a competitive edge in the job market. Notably, the college’s largest applied research center, the Wearable, Interactive and Mobile Technology Access Centre in Health (WIMTACH), boasts a 100% graduate employment rate.
Hack emphasized that student engagement and empowerment remain top priorities, adding, “One of our main goals within our research activity is to train students and give them the opportunity to work directly with industry partners to develop the skills, innovation mindset, and networks to succeed in their careers.”
Centennial’s research initiatives align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that innovation is both impactful and sustainable, preparing students for
success in future careers. The college looks forward to continuing to drive high-quality innovation in collaboration with industry and community partners.
