The Co. Innovation Centre: A Hub for Collaboration and Co-Creation in Newfoundland & Labrador
In the heart of Newfoundland & Labrador, a transformative initiative is taking shape: The Co. Innovation Centre. This multi-sectoral space is designed to foster collaboration among established and emerging companies, particularly in the maritime, offshore energy, and subsea sectors. Under the leadership of Meagan Kay-Fowlow, the Centre aims to break down silos, encourage partnerships, and create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation.
A Visionary Leader Returns Home
Meagan Kay-Fowlow, a native of St. John’s and a graduate of Memorial University, has returned to her roots after a successful career focused on global governance mechanisms related to innovation. The allure of her home province, combined with the Centre’s investment in technology, drew her back to lead this groundbreaking facility. Kay-Fowlow recognized a pressing need for a collaborative space where businesses could come together to share ideas and resources. “Businesses here want to work together, and they didn’t have a place to do that,” she noted, emphasizing the unique desire for collaboration among local companies.
Building a Collaborative Ecosystem
The Co. Innovation Centre was established to address several critical gaps in the local business landscape. These include the fragmentation of industries, missed partnership opportunities, and a lack of infrastructure for larger projects. A coalition of core partners, including techNL, Energy NL, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Energy Research and Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (ERINL), and Econext, has been instrumental in bringing the Centre to fruition.
Kay-Fowlow’s mantra—“connect, collaborate, and co-create”—reflects a commitment not only to local businesses but also to a global approach. The Centre aims to engage with organizations and technologists from outside Newfoundland & Labrador, creating a network that transcends geographical boundaries.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The Co. Innovation Centre is a substantial investment in the future of innovation in the region, receiving approximately $9.6 million in funding—$7.1 million from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and $2.5 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Spanning about 54,000 square feet, the facility is divided into various sections, including 20,000 square feet dedicated to office and collaboration space, and another 20,000 square feet for light-industrial use.
One of the standout features of the Centre is its additive manufacturing facility, which is already operational with a unique 3D printer among other advanced equipment. Kay-Fowlow emphasizes the importance of tailoring the facility to meet the specific needs of local businesses, stating, “We’re trying to make sure we have a really unique combination based on the conversations we’ve been having around needs and removing the barriers to access for these businesses.”
A Space for Innovation and Demonstration
In addition to office and industrial spaces, the Co. Innovation Centre includes a café, public areas, and meeting rooms. Kay-Fowlow is particularly excited about plans for a large-scale demonstration showcase space within the light industrial area. This space will allow businesses to rotate through and set up unique exhibits, showcasing upcoming installations or new projects. “People love to say you’re going to collaborate, but that’s something that you actually have to curate and work actively to create the conditions for success,” she explained.
Addressing Industry Gaps
The Co. Innovation Centre is strategically positioned to address gaps in the maritime, offshore, and subsea sectors. Kay-Fowlow notes that the province already has established players and facilities, which provides a solid foundation for innovation. The Centre’s role is to identify and fill gaps, whether by connecting businesses, showcasing their work, or facilitating introductions to potential partners.
“We’re not going to duplicate anything,” she asserts. “St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador have great maritime and offshore energy facilities. But if anything, we want to make sure we can help support them and get businesses access to those spaces.”
Welcoming Global Collaboration
As the Co. Innovation Centre continues to evolve, Kay-Fowlow envisions it as a complementary asset to other regional facilities. The Centre will leverage the unique skills and technical talent that have developed in Newfoundland & Labrador over the years. “When you live in a harsh environment, you have limited resources, you’re isolated, you have to be really good at coming up with solutions,” she explains. This problem-solving mindset is deeply ingrained in the local culture and is a driving force behind the Centre’s mission.
The Co. Innovation Centre is not just a local initiative; it aims to attract companies from across Canada and around the world. “We want to partner, we want to collaborate, we are not in this to do it alone,” Kay-Fowlow emphasizes. The potential for partnerships and collaborations is vast, and the Centre is poised to become a hub for innovation that benefits not only Newfoundland & Labrador but also the global community.
Conclusion
The Co. Innovation Centre stands as a beacon of collaboration and innovation in Newfoundland & Labrador. With Meagan Kay-Fowlow at the helm, the Centre is set to break down barriers, foster partnerships, and create a dynamic ecosystem that supports the growth of businesses in the maritime, offshore energy, and subsea sectors. As it develops, the Centre promises to be a vital resource for companies seeking to connect, collaborate, and co-create in an increasingly interconnected world.