Fanshawe makes the grade as one of Canada’s top research innovators

College named among top 50 research colleges, recognizing leadership in applied research and industry collaboration 

Fanshawe College has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges for 2025, according to the annual rankings published by Re$earch Infosource Inc.

The achievement follows several years of expanding research operations, driven by increased support including grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Ontario Research Fund (ORF) that supported the launch of the Packaging Advancement Centre, as well as funding from the NSERC Mobilize program, SONAMI and Natural Resources Canada. These investments have enabled Fanshawe to increase its number of research projects and partnerships, while also creating more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience participating in applied research. Fanshawe’s Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI) works closely with industry to solve real-world challenges, helping businesses innovate while providing students with experiential learning that supports strong employment outcomes. 

"Inclusion on this list is a testament to the dedication of our research team and the strength of our partnerships," says Alison Ewart, dean of Research and Innovation at Fanshawe College. "We have spent the last few years investing in our specialized research infrastructure and expertise within our research centres, which enables us to increase the number of research projects we’ve completed, the number of companies we’ve helped, and the number of students involved in applied research activities. Those metrics all contribute to our standing on this list." 

Recent projects showcase the diversity and impact of Fanshawe’s applied research: 

• Biofect: A Toronto-based biotechnology startup partnered with Fanshawe to improve the purification process for brazzein, a plant-based sweetener that is 2,000 times sweeter than sugar. CRI optimized the process to achieve over 90% purity and eliminate off-flavours, advancing Biofect’s commercialization goals.
• Cedar Valley Selections: As the company prepared to move into a larger facility, Fanshawe designed a production layout to maximize efficiency, accommodate a future second production line and align manufacturing with order fulfilment to reduce warehousing needs.
• Granny P’s: This natural health product company sought to improve the shelf-life of its sea moss gel and gummies. Fanshawe developed new formulations and production processes, resulting in a product that won the Flourish Award for Best New Product at the 2025 Southwest Food Innovation Summit.
• North Star Windows and Doors: With UVC sterilization becoming common in institutional settings, North Star worked with Fanshawe to test long-term exposure effects on windows and frames. Simulating more than 10 years of exposure in four months, CRI confirmed structural integrity while recommending protective coatings to maintain colour and gloss.
• Honey-Do Honey: To address the challenge of lifting heavy bee boxes, Fanshawe designed and built a prototype crane that attaches to a flatbed truck, improving efficiency and safety for apiary operations. The project originated from a student capstone and evolved into a practical solution for the local business. 

"Inclusion on this list is a testament to the dedication of our research team and the strength of our partnerships."
- Alison Ewart, Dean, Research and Innovation

Fanshawe has a strong history of excellence in research and innovation projects. This year’s recognition underscores the College’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with industry partners. 

"Congratulations on your achievements," said Re$earch Infosource in an email announcement to Fanshawe. "Sincere thanks to your research community for its dedication and invaluable contributions." 

The full list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges is available at researchinfosource.com. 

Learn more about Fanshawe's applied research and innovation