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Innovative Materials

Materials for a Sustainable Future

UBC is at the cutting edge of innovative materials research, with a focus on advancing composite technologies, nanomaterials, bioproducts, and polymer circularity. 

Researchers are pioneering new manufacturing processes, leveraging data science and AI to digitally transform industries like aerospace and automotive.

UBC is developing novel carbon fiber composites using robotics and ultrasonic welding, as well as simulating material systems with quantum computing. UBC is also creating lightweight aerogels, conductive polymers, and enhanced recycled plastics for diverse applications, along with advancing bio-based materials for use in sustainable construction, packaging, and waste conversion, contributing to the growth of a circular bioeconomy.

Through interdisciplinary research and strong industry collaborations, UBC is shaping the future of material technologies that meet both environmental and industrial needs.

Spinoff Ventures

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Fibernx Technologies

Transforming oil sands bitumen into sustainable, cost-effective carbon fibers and nanofibers, reducing emissions by 68% compared to traditional methods.

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Bioform Technologies

Producing climate-positive, algae and wood pulp-based hydrogels as high-performance alternatives to single-use plastics.

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Dream Photonics

Enabling high-performance photonic integration with advanced manufacturing technologies, enhancing scalability and efficiency for industrial and automation applications.

Centres of Research Excellence

Composites Research Network

By merging data science, AI, and engineering, CRN is transforming composites manufacturing, through innovative processes like robotics, machine learning simulations, and quantum computing, driving the digital industrial transformation.

Bio Products Institute

Driving bio-based innovation to create sustainable solutions for transportation, buildings, and healthcare sectors, BPI focuses on developing advanced materials from biomass, such as sustainable construction materials, biodegradable plastics, and value-added products from agricultural waste.

Nanomaterials and Polymer Nanocomposites Laboratory

Pioneering innovations at the intersection of nanotechnology and polymer science, NPNL research focuses on plastic recycling, electromagnetic shields, water harvesting, and improving recycled plastics through advanced nanocomposites and aerogels.

Industry Partners

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Explore Other Areas

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Industrial Decarbonization

UBC is a global leader in industrial decarbonization, driving research and innovation in clean energy, battery storage, hydrogen and fuel cells, and carbon capture technologies.

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Smart Manufacturing

UBC is at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing, driving innovation in additive manufacturing, advanced materials processing, automation, and robotics.

Partner with UBC Applied Science

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Why Partner With Us?

Take advantage of our expertise, infrastructure and talent to gain a competitive edge, make a difference in your industry and contribute to a better world.

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Partnerships in Action

Our case studies show how we collaborate with our entrepreneurial partners to advance ideas into reality. Read about our industry partnerships.

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Research Centres + Institutes

Our multidisciplinary expertise is creating innovations that make the world a better place. Partner with us and gain access to our world-class infrastructure and expertise.

Let's work together

Join us. Bring research and innovation insight to your biggest challenges. We work with industry, non-profit and government partners to accelerate solutions for the future.

Contact Us

UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next.

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