Selkirk College's Major Funding Announcement Signals Tech Boom in Rural BC
Selkirk College in British Columbia has secured a transformative $3.3 million investment to supercharge its Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) in Trail. This funding, announced in early March 2026, marks a pivotal moment for higher education and regional economic development in Canada's West Kootenays and Boundary areas. The combined federal and partner contributions aim to position the centre as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, ion-source research, and artificial intelligence applications, bridging the gap between academia, industry, and community needs.
The investment underscores a growing recognition of colleges' roles in fostering innovation outside major urban centres. By enhancing hands-on learning and research facilities, Selkirk College is not only equipping students with cutting-edge skills but also bolstering local businesses' competitiveness on the world stage. This development aligns with national priorities in sustainable technology and skilled workforce development, promising long-term benefits for graduates seeking careers in high-demand fields like engineering and medical technology.
Understanding the Selkirk Technology Access Centre
The Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC), established in 2020, operates as one of 60 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)-funded Technology Access Centres (TACs) nationwide and one of just three in British Columbia. Housed at Selkirk College's Trail campus, STAC serves as a comprehensive resource for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations seeking to integrate advanced technologies into their operations.
With equipment valued at over $4 million, STAC offers services in advanced manufacturing—such as 3D metal printing and industrial robotics—geospatial analysis using drones, artificial intelligence for process optimization, and geographic information systems (GIS) for natural resource management. For instance, the centre has supported projects like simulating robot workflows with RoboDK software to refine industrial processes, enabling companies to prototype designs, reverse-engineer parts, and leverage machine learning for data insights.
Prior to this funding, STAC had already demonstrated impact through its SMARTS Program, which connects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with applied research expertise. Student internships blend earning opportunities with real-world projects, while micro-credentials in areas like mass timber construction and drone operations address regional skill gaps. This foundation has positioned STAC as a key player in Selkirk Innovates, the college's broader research arm, which boasts $18 million in activities, 575 partnerships, and a $1 million annual budget.
Breaking Down the $3.3 Million Investment Sources
The funding package comprises $1.65 million from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) via its Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program, matched dollar-for-dollar by contributions from D-Pace, TRIUMF, Mitacs, the Columbia Basin Trust, and other regional industry partners. PacifiCan's RIE initiative targets not-for-profits supporting business innovation in priority sectors, nurturing ecosystems that drive growth and inclusivity.
This leveraged approach exemplifies effective public-private collaboration. D-Pace, a Nelson-based leader in particle accelerator components, has a history of support, including a nearly $1 million donation in October 2025 that kickstarted the Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre (SIRC). TRIUMF, Canada's national particle accelerator facility, and Mitacs, which funds research internships, further amplify the impact by linking local efforts to global networks.
Selkirk College President Maggie Matear highlighted the significance: "This tremendous investment reflects our commitment to applied learning, innovation, and regional growth. We're pushing forward on ion-source research, expanding advanced manufacturing, and exploring AI applications to strengthen local industry."
Learn more on Selkirk College's announcement
Advancing Manufacturing and AI at STAC
A core focus of the funding is expanding STAC's advanced manufacturing services. This includes upgrading facilities for 3D printing, metrology, and robotics, allowing businesses to accelerate prototyping and customization. Case studies from STAC illustrate potential: one project developed an interactive map for a mining operation, visualizing current and future site status using geospatial tools.
Integration of AI promises further gains, such as machine learning for object detection in environmental monitoring (e.g., fish populations or forestry inventories) and optimization of supply chains. These enhancements address rural manufacturing challenges, like limited access to specialized equipment, enabling SMEs to compete with urban counterparts.
In the context of British Columbia's tech sector evolution, STAC's growth supports the Kootenay Technology and Innovation Strategy 2023-2025, which emphasizes tech entrepreneurship and skills training amid a resource-based economy transitioning to sustainability.
Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre: Pioneering Particle Accelerator Tech
The SIRC represents the funding's most innovative component, building capacity in particle accelerator research. Ion sources are critical first steps in accelerators, producing charged particles for applications in semiconductors (e.g., electric vehicle batteries), medical isotopes for cancer detection and treatment, and clean-tech power electronics.
Currently, SIRC features a Penning ion-source test stand donated by D-Pace, soon operational at STAC. Planned additions include TRIUMF-licensed volume-cusp, Bernas-type, and Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) stands, equipped with mass spectrometers for isotope separation. This aligns with Canada's Nuclear Science and Medical Isotope Strategy, where accelerators complement reactors for reliable isotope supply.
Dr. Terri MacDonald, Selkirk's Director of Applied Research, noted the D-Pace donation's role: "This game-changing partnership empowers students to engage in cutting-edge scientific research right here in rural BC." Hosting NIBS2026 in Nelson will further elevate SIRC's profile.
Explore SIRC technologies
Economic Ripple Effects in West Kootenays and Boundary
The West Kootenays and Boundary regions, known for mining, forestry, and tourism, face innovation challenges like geographic isolation and talent retention. STAC's expansion counters this by strengthening supply chains and creating high-tech jobs. The Kootenay Association of Science and Technology (KAST) previously leveraged similar support to aid 139 businesses and commercialize 30 inventions.
PacifiCan Minister Gregor Robertson emphasized: "By investing in the people and experts behind these technologies, we're helping businesses deliver sustainable solutions, provide good jobs, and compete globally." Mitacs CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas added that such partnerships advance medical isotopes, semiconductors, and manufacturing while building research capacity.
Selkirk College's recent rankings—29th among Canada's top 50 research colleges in 2024, with 134 partnerships and 101 projects—underscore its trajectory. This funding could amplify regional GDP through tech adoption, mirroring Metal Tech Alley's circular economy successes.
Empowering Students and Building Tomorrow's Workforce
For students, the investment means unprecedented hands-on experience in particle acceleration, AI, and manufacturing—fields with strong job prospects. STAC's internship program already integrates vocational, undergraduate, and graduate interns, fostering skills employers crave.
In a province where tech roles grow amid labour shortages, this prepares graduates for positions at firms like D-Pace or TRIUMF. Micro-credentials and partnerships with programs like the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program enhance employability.
Prospective faculty and researchers can explore opportunities via higher-ed-jobs or BC academic positions, while students benefit from career guidance at higher-ed-career-advice.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Success
Key collaborators include PacifiCan, NSERC, D-Pace, TRIUMF, Mitacs, and Columbia Basin Trust. Selkirk Innovates has secured ongoing support from tri-agencies (over $37,000 in 2025/26 Research Support Fund) and others like Canada Foundation for Innovation.
These ties exemplify the TAC model's success: since 2012, TACs have grown to 67 centres, incubating talent and solving SME challenges. STAC's role in initiatives like Metal Tech Alley highlights community-industry synergy.
NSERC TAC Program: A National Framework for College Innovation
NSERC's TAC grants fund college-based centres providing SMEs access to expertise, equipment, and talent. Competitive selection ensures regional relevance; STAC's approval followed input from over 100 businesses. Nationally, TACs enhance productivity, with impacts in R&D partnerships and inventions.
This funding renewal sustains STAC's mandate, contributing to Canada's innovation agenda amid global competition in clean tech and health sciences.
NSERC TAC overviewFuture Horizons: Innovation Roadmap Ahead
With expansions underway, STAC eyes full SIRC operation, AI integration, and international symposia like NIBS2026. Challenges like rural talent attraction persist, but solutions include expanded internships and micro-credentials.
Optimistic outlooks from stakeholders point to a vibrant high-tech hub, potentially inspiring other rural colleges. Rate professors or find courses at rate-my-professor to engage with Selkirk's community.
Why This Matters for Canadian Higher Education
Selkirk's achievement highlights colleges' pivot to applied research, diversifying beyond traditional teaching. In BC, amid enrollment pressures and funding shifts, such investments affirm polytechnic models' value.
For job seekers, explore university-jobs and faculty roles. AcademicJobs.com connects talent to opportunities—search higher-ed-jobs today.
This funding not only elevates Selkirk College but sets a blueprint for rural innovation, ensuring equitable access to tech advancement across Canada.
