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A concept image of the Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship on the University of Toronto St. George Campus.

Fabrication labs transform a student’s idea into an innovation. A meeting of engineers from different fields sparks a new solution to an intricate problem. And a 500-seat lecture hall ushers in 21st century learning as it swiftly converts into interactive, small-group spaces.

The Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CEIE), a dynamic new hub for the Faculty’s research and education, has received approval from all levels of U of T governance. This includes the topmost University of Toronto Governing Council (GC).

“I am thrilled to have received such remarkable encouragement for this innovative centre,” said Cristina Amon, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. “The CEIE is an exciting next step for U of T Engineering, the University and the City of Toronto” she continued. “It will help prepare the next generation of engineers to be global leaders and creative innovators, and provide essential space and opportunity for researchers in many of our growing interdisciplinary centres and institutes.”

Moving beyond traditional design

Designed by Toronto-based Montgomery Sisam Architects and the UK-based firm Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the Centre moves beyond traditional design concepts towards areas that are flexible and collaborative. Along with the adaptable 468-seat Lee & Margaret Lau Auditorium, classrooms are wired with the latest technology to engage students with interactive, hands-on learning.

New design labs and workspaces, including one that stretches two storeys, will promote cross-disciplinary research. Operating around ‘nerve centres’, these will connect facilities and personnel from across the Faculty in a physical space.

Student club space has also been designed into the CEIE, supported by a generous $1 million commitment from the Engineering Society, and will be used for club activities, including events and constructing group projects.

“The building will be a vibrant hub for many of the emerging cross-disciplinary research and education initiatives within the Faculty and with our industrial partners,” said Professor Emeritus Ron Venter (MIE), who leads the building’s planning committee.

“It will offer new opportunities for creative invention and interdisciplinary collaboration in sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, data simulation and visualization, infrastructure and water, as well as in global engineering and leadership. It will be a home where alumni, entrepreneurs and friends of the Faculty can meet and inspire the finest engineering graduates of tomorrow.”

A recent $2.5 million donation from alumnus Gerald Heffernan (MMS 4T3) empowers student entrepreneurs to commercialize new ideas in the new Heffernan Hatchery. Two storeys below, light fabrication facilities, rapid-prototyping tools and workspace will be available to help them make their very first prototypes. Heffernan also made a recent gift of $2.5M to expand the Heffernan Commercialization program, which provides financial support to graduate student entrepreneurs.

Alumni as far as Asia-Pacific have also been showing their enthusiastic commitment to the Centre’s vision. This past fall, alumni groups in Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan pledged to sponsor spaces that will be recognized with their region’s names.

The new building is the centerpiece of U of T Engineering’s $200-million component of Boundless: The Campaign for the University of Toronto. Read more about the donors who have also supported the CEIE’s future impact.

The next pivotal milestone for the CEIE is soliciting approval from the City of Toronto for the addition of the innovative centre to the City’s urban landscape. In conjunction with this activity, the Faculty will resume with completing the detailed design and pricing options, all while continuing to fundraise through the Boundless initiative.

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416.978.4498