3 Dean’s letter Throughout human history, progress has been marked by our innate ability to find solutions to challenges and working together has always been paramount to achieving significant change. The foundations of agriculture and, later, industry were built upon collective efforts, highlighting the power of teamwork in driving innovation. While individual brilliance has given rise to inventions, innovation is a process requiring the convergence of diverse skillsets. From launching spacecraft to pioneering conversational AI, the path to these remarkable technological successes has been paved by a co-ordinated effort of research, engineering, fundraising, marketing, project management and more. This year’s theme “Collaboration in Action,” captures the essence of successful innovation emphasizing that collaboration is not just a choice but a necessity to push the boundaries of possibility. The past year was one of renewal, growth and success for Seneca Innovation. Our on-campus facility reopened, our Applied Research team boosted opportunities for student research assistants by 20 per cent compared to the previous year, and active HELIX ventures secured an impressive $1.4 million in funding. The Centres for Innovation framework, introduced in 2022, gained further momentum with increased funding for three centers (focused on Life Sciences, AI Technology and Health and Social Innovation). Additionally, construction began on a dedicated 3,000-square-foot applied research lab for the Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences. Health and social innovation continues to be a priority, as seen in the Seneca Social Innovation Research Fund, now in its second year, which supports faculty-led research initiatives in collaboration with industry and community partners. In addition, Seneca secured $1.5 million in funding, primarily earmarked for the Seneca Centre for Health and Social Innovation, through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s new Mobilize grant program. In August 2022, HELIX launched HERizons, a program focused on empowering women through essential support and skill development with funding from Employment and Social Development Canada. More than 4,000 participants have benefited from 28 workshops. With the addition of six new staff last year, the Seneca Innovation team has grown to 18, each bringing their passion and unique strengths to the table, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. This report is a reflection of their contributions and dedication to our ongoing success. Ben Rogers Dean, Seneca Innovation
