The Co. Innovation Centre: A Hub for Collaboration in Newfoundland & Labrador
The Co. Innovation Centre, an exciting multi-sectoral space located in the heart of Newfoundland and Labrador, serves as a vibrant convergence zone for established and emerging companies. Designed to facilitate collaboration and co-creation, this unique facility is geared towards making a significant impact in maritime, offshore energy, and subsea sectors. Leading the charge at the Centre is Meagan Kay-Fowlow, who is passionate about fostering meaningful partnerships between organizations and technologists both locally and globally.
Meagan Kay-Fowlow: A Return to Roots
A proud native of St. John’s and an alumna of Memorial University, Meagan Kay-Fowlow’s professional journey took her far beyond the shores of her home province. Building a formidable career in innovation with a focus on governance mechanisms at a global level, Kay-Fowlow felt the undeniable pull of her roots and the ocean that surrounds Newfoundland & Labrador. The allure of leading the Co. Innovation Centre was a compelling reason for her return, as she recognized the potential to dissolve existing industry silos and nurture collaborative efforts.
The Centre was born out of a recognition of the challenges faced in the region, such as missed partnerships, lack of adequate infrastructure for larger projects, and the low visibility of innovative local technologies. Kay-Fowlow observed an exceptional desire among local companies to collaborate, stating, “Businesses here want to work together and they didn’t have a place to do that.”
Collaborative Foundations
A series of strategic partnerships have been instrumental in propelling the Co. Innovation Centre to its current stage. Key collaborators include techNL, Energy NL, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Energy Research and Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (ERINL), and Econext. These organizations serve as a foundation that amplifies the Centre’s capacity to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in diverse sectors.
By the Numbers: Investment and Infrastructure
The Co. Innovation Centre stands out not just for its mission, but also for its substantial backing and robust infrastructure. With approximately $9.6 million in funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Centre boasts around 54,000 square feet of specialized space. This includes 20,000 square feet dedicated to office and collaboration environments, along with another 20,000 square feet designated for light-industrial purposes.
One of the key highlights within the facility is the additive manufacturing center, which features cutting-edge technology such as a unique 3D printer operated by the Atlantic XL team. “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,” Kay-Fowlow explains. The facility also includes a café, public spaces, and meeting rooms, creating an inviting environment for collaboration.
Addressing Ecosystem Gaps
The Co. Innovation Centre was conceptualized to address significant gaps in the local ecosystem, particularly in the realm of remote operations, which encompasses a broad range of challenges and opportunities. As Kay-Fowlow notes, understanding these challenges is a priority for the Centre. “We’re working hard to have conversations…on where are the challenges? Where are the opportunities? Where are the gaps related to remote operations?”
Newfoundland and Labrador benefits from its existing mature players in the maritime and offshore sectors, which only amplifies Kay-Fowlow’s vision for the Co. Innovation Centre. “We have a lot of businesses that are already doing work in those areas, so it’s about identifying them and supporting their efforts,” she states. The Centre acts as a bridge, strengthening connections within the ecosystem and showcasing the impressive work being done by local enterprises.
A Global Approach to Local Challenges
As the Co. Innovation Centre evolves, Kay-Fowlow envisions it becoming a complementary asset within the regional landscape. Drawing upon the cumulative technical talent and unique geographical advantages that Newfoundland and Labrador offers, the Centre aims to create opportunities for local and international collaboration.
Living in a setting characterized by harsh environmental conditions and resource constraints has ingrained a remarkable problem-solving ethos among local businesses and communities. Kay-Fowlow emphasizes that this innate capability is a tremendous asset: “Problem solving on demand is in the bones of the people and the businesses they’re building in Newfoundland & Labrador.”
A Welcoming Space for Innovation
Ultimately, the Co. Innovation Centre aspires to be a beacon for companies looking to engage in collaborative innovation, not just from Newfoundland and Labrador, but from around the globe. Kay-Fowlow’s vision is clear: “We want to partner, we want to collaborate, we are not in this to do it alone.” This ethos extends beyond geographical boundaries, as the Centre seeks potential partnerships that can lead to groundbreaking tech solutions and innovative business practices.
“My mantra is to connect, collaborate, and co-create, and that’s not isolated to Newfoundland and Labrador; this is a global approach,” she affirms, underlining the Centre’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic community that thrives on collective innovation.