Beinvenue. Pjila’si. Welcome.
Welcome to the Centre for Research and Innovation in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.
About the CRI
The Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI) is Corner Brook’s hub of creativity and entrepreneurship, applied research, community engagement, and learning, where energy, ideas and technology collide. Our goal is to reinvigorate our region by fostering a culture of innovation. We are home to Corner Brook’s Makerspace, Navigate’s Incubator program, and accessible co-working spaces.
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A makerspace is a collaborative, community-based workspace stocked with tools and materials for people to experiment and create new products.
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An incubator is a physical location that provides a defined set of services to new entrepreneurs or small businesses.
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Co-working spaces house a collection of people who work independently, but who share values for shared working arrangements and collaboration and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working together.
Come and explore our space and let your ideas, questions, and projects come to life.
The CRI is designed to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive culture. It serves as a critical space for fostering partnerships and innovation that support the academic and creative pursuits of its users.
The CRI is made up of three aspects: an innovation centre, a research program, and training.
Designed for you.
Our Funders
The Centre of Research and Innovation Project is a collaborative effort between Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland (GC), the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited (CBPPL).
We are funded by ACOA, IET, The City of Corner Brook, and Memorial University. Our training and micro-credentials are funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s LAMPSS program.
Our Team
Todd Hennessey
Director
Todd is an Associate Professor with the Theatre Program (School of Fine Arts, Grenfell Campus). A theatre director for over 30 years, Todd has recently focused on immersive storytelling, which includes research into Virtual and Augmented Reality as well as performativity in Tabletop Role Playing Games. Todd’s spare time is spent in the shop at the CRI, trying to learn how to make stuff. You can reach Todd at todd.hennessey@cricornerbrook.ca
Mery Perez
Project Manager
Mery is CRI’s project manager, and her role focuses on developing our educational offerings through workshops, courses, micro credentials, and certificates. Her academic background includes psychology, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Rural Community Development. Mery is a musician and enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs. You can reach Mery at mery.perez@cricornerbrook.ca
Mauricio Rodriguez
Marketing and Administration
Mauricio focuses on promoting all resources and activities at the CRI, connecting with the community and ensuring that building operations and events run smoothly. With a bachelor’s in Marketing and a master’s in Applied Literary Arts, Mauricio brings extensive experience in event planning, arts management, and multimedia. He’s passionate about music and spending time outdoors with his family.
You can connect with him at mauricio@cricornerbrook.ca.
Neil ensures our Makerspace is a welcoming place where the community can imagine, create, and prototype products using both traditional techniques and new digital technologies. You can reach Neil at neil.nordeje@cricornerbrook.ca
Neil Nordeje
Makerspace Coordinator
Carla May
Manager | Navigate Events & Marketing
A MUN alumna and former business owner, Carla is an experienced business advisor with over 9 years of experience in women’s entrepreneurship and is a strong supporter of entrepreneurship in Western Newfoundland. Outside of the office, Carla likes to walk her dog, do yoga and make quilts.
You can reach her at carla.may@mun.ca
Something for Everyone
Our Makerspace takes up two floors and has everything you need to get making!
Need a quiet place to work or a space to meet and chat? Check out what the CRI has to offer!
What’s on the go? There’s plenty to do at the CRI! Consider joining one of our many events.