Two Innovative Projects Funded at Collège de Maisonneuve

Researchers at Collège de Maisonneuve have secured significant financial support for innovation projects focused on technological and scientific advancement. The projects, led by Jihene Rezgui and Mathieu Sarrazin, received funding through the Programme d’aide à la recherche et au transfert – Innovation technologique (PART-IT) from the ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur.

These grants are part of a broader institutional effort to drive research that contributes to innovative technological and societal solutions. Eligible projects at the college cover diverse areas including sustainable energy, digital media, social issues, and packaging technology.

Specialized Research Centers and Environmental Health

The Collège de Maisonneuve hosts specialized research centers known as college centres for technology transfer (CCTTs). These establishments are affiliated with the Quebec college network and are mandated to conduct applied research, provide technical assistance, and share information within specific scientific fields.

Two such centers, the Institut de technologie des emballages et du génie alimentaire (ITEGA) and the Centre d’études des procédés chimiques du Québec (CÉPROCQ), focus on the intersection of industrial innovation and environmental health. Their work aims to help businesses implement social and technological innovations that reduce environmental footprints.

CÉPROCQ has specifically focused on the replacement of toxic solvents to improve environmental and safety standards. Since 1996, the center has worked to convert innovative ideas into economically viable solutions that respect the environment.

For 20 years, CÉPROCQ has promoted the use of green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, and the implementation of green extraction technologies to replace hazardous chemical alternatives.

Innovation in Food Processing and Packaging

The ITEGA center, established in 2007, focuses on the development and sharing of innovative food processing and packaging practices. This research is driven by evolving consumer demands regarding food safety and the environmental impact of food products.

The center works with industrial partners to leverage innovation in a sector that faces increasing pressure to modernize its processes while maintaining safety standards and reducing waste.

To support these mandates, the Government of Canada provided funding in February 2020 to help these centers acquire new technological equipment. This investment was designed to ensure that the centers could meet market demands for greener, safer industrial processes.

Academic Pathways in Science and Technology

The Collège de Maisonneuve integrates these research initiatives with its educational offerings. The institution provides several technical programs in sciences that prepare students for careers in innovative fields and provide a pathway to university-level science programs.

By combining applied research through CCTTs with technical education, the college facilitates the transition of scientific discovery into practical, real-world applications that address both industrial needs and public health concerns related to environmental toxicity and food safety.