A major investment from federal and provincial partners will help expand advanced technology research in Durham Region as Durham College prepares to build a new mixed reality research stage at its Oshawa campus.
The Durham College mixed reality research stage project is receiving $1.886 million in combined funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation – College Fund and the Ontario Research Fund. The funding will support the creation of a state-of-the-art immersive research environment at the college’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio.
Once completed, the new research stage will allow students, faculty and industry partners to explore technologies that combine the physical and digital worlds. The immersive environment will support experiments and projects that study how people interact with virtual spaces and digital tools.
Researchers will use extended reality technologies, including real-time game engines, motion capture systems and head-mounted displays, to create highly realistic digital environments. These technologies allow researchers to test training simulations, interactive experiences and other applications where human behaviour can be observed and measured in controlled settings.
Durham College officials say the project will strengthen the institution’s role as a leader in virtual production, motion capture and immersive technology research.
Debbie McKee Demczyk, the college’s Associate Vice President of Innovation and Research, said the investment will provide valuable opportunities for students and industry partners alike.
“This funding allows us to expand applied immersive research that directly benefits students and industry,” Demczyk said. “Students gain experience with industry-standard technologies, while companies can use our facilities to develop and test new products and services.”
The research stage will support collaborative projects between Durham College and industry partners, helping businesses experiment with new digital tools and creative solutions.
The facility will be used to develop technologies for industries such as digital entertainment, training simulations, emergency response planning and other high-compliance environments where realistic simulations can improve decision-making and safety.
College officials expect the new stage to generate significant economic and research activity in the coming years.
Over the next five years, Durham College estimates the facility will support around 40 industry partnerships, produce more than 30 new digital tools or workflows, and help develop at least 20 new products.
The project will also help address workforce skills shortages in the rapidly growing immersive technology sector. The facility is expected to provide hands-on training for more than 150 students and up to 60 industry professionals.
Jason Hunter, Senior Manager of the Mixed Reality Capture Studio, said the research stage will help companies explore emerging technologies while preparing students for future careers.
“This research stage will enable industry partners to explore immersive technologies through hands-on development,” Hunter said. “At the same time, it equips students with the in-demand skills needed for careers in this rapidly evolving field.”
The new research stage will be located near Durham College’s Centre for Innovation and Research, allowing collaboration with other research hubs on campus, including the AI Hub, Cybersecurity Innovation Centre and Social Impact Hub.
Durham Region Chair John Henry welcomed the funding announcement, saying the project will strengthen the region’s growing digital media and technology sector.
“This investment gives students, researchers and local businesses access to cutting-edge tools transforming the digital media landscape,” Henry said. “Durham is well positioned to support innovation and help companies bring new ideas to life.”
The Durham College mixed reality research stage is expected to be fully operational by fall 2027.
