Technology Access Centres’ Interactive Visits Program

Canada’s 60 Technology Access Centres (TACs) are specialized applied research & development centres affiliated with publicly funded colleges or cégeps. Each TAC serves a specific geographic area, focusing on strengthening the industrial sector of significance to that region. Uniquely Canadian, and a source of pride in their communities, TACs help Canadian businesses – especially small businesses – advance their products, processes, and services by: conducting applied research and development projects focused on company problems; offering specialized technical services and objective advice; and providing training related to new types of equipment and processes. This presentation will provide an overview of Tech-Access Canada’s Interactive Visits program which provides eligible SMEs with 20-hour R&D collaborations at any of the 60 TACs.

Since 2016, Ken Doyle has served as the Executive Director of Tech-Access Canada, the national network of Canada’s Technology Access Centres (TACs). Ken’s knowledge and experience combined with his management skills and positive attitude make him a strong leader for the TAC network. Ken is responsible for ensuring the network achieves its mandate of facilitating the sharing of best practices between member TACs, and promoting the adoption of comparable service excellence standards. Ken actively promotes the Technology Access Centre model to external audiences including industry associations, federal and provincial governments, and any other innovators and entrepreneurs he’s able to connect with.