Creative Innovation Studio launches at Ryerson

Guests at the launch of the Creative Innovation Studio at Ryerson University had the chance to listen to a selection of award-winning audio productions in a “podcast den”, browse a gallery of augmented reality paintings and hold a burning flame in their hands. The exhibits were part of an evening of interactive demonstrations by start-ups and researchers that are based at the new business incubator, which is part of the Faculty of Communication and Design (FCAD).

The Creative Innovation Studio comprises four zones — the Transmedia Zone, the Design Fabrication Zone, the Fashion Zone and the Music Den — which bring together external companies, scholars and students in fields such as storytelling, audio production, fashion and design. The four zones were previously housed elsewhere in Ryerson, but FCAD has brought them together into one building, along with the equipment, space and mentoring their occupants need to succeed.

Professor Ramona Pringle, of the RTA School of Media, is director of the new centre and introduced the event on Monday, November 11 by stressing the importance of the creative industries, novel uses of technology, and innovative entrepreneurship in addressing the global and societal challenges of today and into the future.

“It is a privilege to have a space in the heart of this giant city that is devoted to creative innovation, but I also believe that it is urgent right now,” she said. “We talk about creative problem solving and the big problems that we’re faced with — not just in this city and on this campus, but globally — and really the way that we solve those problems is through design, is through creativity, through creative problem solving, those 21st century skills.”

Professor Pringle added that innovation is about more than technology and gadgets, and said the Creative Innovation Studio would help to empower underrepresented communities and creators. "We believe innovation is all about seeing things in a new way, through a lens that is empathic, creative, and inclusive," she said. "Sometimes that includes new technologies, but sometimes it is all about human connection and ingenuity."

Exhibitors included entertainment company Science Everywhere, jewelry brand Finley, Caribbean carnival clothing business SugaCayne Designs, brain-training software developer xSensa Labs, and Ryerson Helium, a team of more than 30 students who are building a flying car for the final of a major international competition called GoFly in February 2020.

“Adding the Creative Innovation Studio to Ryerson’s infrastructure is a wonderful development for our university,” said Ryerson president Mohamed Lachemi at the launch of the facility. “It’s a place where sparks can happen, where great ideas collide. Working with partners, crossing disciplines, the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, this is truly where Ryerson belongs.”

Ryerson speakers at the event included director of research development and professor of digital media Richard Lachman, professor of interior design Jonathon Anderson, Canada Research Chair in Creativity and professor David Gauntlett, and doctoral fellow Emilia Zboralska.