Innovation Hub Opens at BCIT to Help Modernize Industry with Digital Tech

As Canada modernizes energy systems and strengthens infrastructure, systems are becoming more complex.

Organizations must develop and adopt new technologies while at the same time maintaining reliability and uninterrupted services.

But power grids can’t be shut down, airports can’t disrupt operations, and operators can’t expose critical systems to potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

One emerging solution to this rising challenge is known as “digital twin” technology.

Believing in the potential of this solution, BCIT has launched a Digital Twin Innovation Hub.

The new applied research facility, developed and operated by BCIT’s Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team, can simulate electrical grids, renewable energy systems, EV charging infrastructure, and other complex operational environments using real-world data.

This technology allows industry partners to work with researchers and students to evaluate, test, and validate emerging grid technologies before they are deployed in the real world and, crucially, without affecting live systems.

“What makes this facility unique is the ability to bring power systems, communications networks, operational technologies, and cybersecurity together in a single testing environment,” explains Dr. Moein Manbachi, Acting Director of SMART and Research Lead for the DTI-Hub.

“Our vision is to create a trusted innovation sandbox where organizations can strengthen resilience, accelerate technology adoption, and prepare critical infrastructure systems to meet the challenges of an increasingly connected and rapidly changing world,” Manbachi stated.

The new Digital Twin Innovation Hub “helps organizations make more informed decisions about adopting new technologies while giving students experience solving real industry challenges,” according to Dr. Justin Williams, who functions as the Associate Vice President of Academic at BCIT since his appointment to the position in 2024.

“That combination strengthens both our economy and the skilled workforce needed to support the province’s energy systems and critical infrastructure,” he says.

The Hub can “help industry accelerate innovation by giving partners the ability to model real-world scenarios, optimize performance, validate solutions, and build workforce capacity in a practical applied research environment,” suggests Bryan Taylor, who serves as chief executive officer of Fuse Power, a BCIT partner.

BCIT was established in Burnaby in 1964.