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CARTI: Tackling challenges through innovation

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When North Island College launched the Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) in 2012, the founding concept was simple but powerful. The idea was to connect students and faculty with local businesses and organizations to solve real-world challenges through research and innovation. More than a decade later, CARTI has evolved into one of the college’s most dynamic forward-looking initiatives and community innovators.

“Industry-based, real-time learning that enriches the natural abundance of northern Vancouver Island takes a big leap forward with several CARTI projects,” says Lisa Domae, NIC President.  

Since its founding, CARTI has partnered with more than 85 businesses, organizations and Indigenous communities  across the region, leading applied research projects that reflect both local needs and global trends. From seaweed as a sustainable industry to virtual reality in healthcare education, every project is rooted in place, people and possibility. 
For students, CARTI offers hands-on, meaningful learning experiences that build skills and open career pathways. Abby Walker, a second-year NIC student from Campbell River, is pursuing an Associate of Science degree. As a research assistant, she has been “wearing a lot of hats” with CARTI, particularly with her work on various kelp projects.  

“I get to do all sorts of amazing, fun projects around the ocean,” she said. “I have always wanted to work at something in the ocean … It really feels like I’m making a difference.”

CARTI provides research-driven solutions to real issues, whether that’s testing ocean sensor technologies, advancing Indigenous language revitalization or restoring coastal kelp forests. With a growing team of researchers and staff, CARTI continues to shape what’s next for the region through collaboration and a deep commitment to community.

As NIC celebrates 50 years of learning, CARTI is a bold example of the college’s evolution from classroom learning to impactful innovation. "Over the past twelve years, the Centre has served the region and our students in ways that we could not have imagined at the start, said Naomi Tabata, NIC’s Director of Envision North Island.