Durham College’s MRC Studio receives nearly $2 million in funding to launch immersive research stage

A state-of-the-art immersive research stage will be built at Durham College’s (DC) Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio, thanks to a $1.886 million combined federal and provincial investment. The funding comes equally from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – College Fund and the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) and will help further solidify DC’s position as a regional leader in immersive technologies, virtual production, and motion capture.

The immersive research stage will enable applied research that blends physical and virtual worlds, allowing researchers to observe, test, and measure human behaviour in highly realistic, interactive environments. Using advanced extended reality (XR) technologies, including real-time game engines and head-mounted displays, the specialized stage will support controlled experimentation in areas such as training simulations, interactive audiences and human-centred technology development.

“This funding allows us to expand applied immersive research that directly benefits students and industry,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “By working with industry-standard immersive technologies, students gain skills employers are looking for, while our partners gain a trusted environment to innovate, test, and scale new products and services.”

The new stage will support applied research projects led by faculty and students in collaboration with industry clients. Through partnerships managed by the MRC Studio, it will provide advanced capabilities in virtual production, motion capture, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to develop real-world solutions for digital entertainment, training, emergency response, and other high compliance environments. Located adjacent to DC’s Centre for Innovation and Research, the stage will integrate with the college’s other research centres, including the AI Hub, Cybersecurity Innovation Centre, and Social Impact Hub for interdisciplinary projects. The stage is expected to be operational by Fall 2027.

The expansion builds on the MRC Studio’s strong track record of research projects with dozens of industry partners. Over the next five years, the new facility is expected to support 40 partnerships, develop more than 30 innovative tools and workflows, and create at least 20 new products, generating new jobs, market opportunities and competitive advantages for industry clients. It will also provide hands-on training in immersive technologies to over 150 students, up to 60 industry professionals, and 15 post-secondary researchers, helping address critical skills shortages in the sector.

“This research stage will enable industry partners to explore and adopt immersive technologies through hands-on development of training solutions, interactive entertainment, and next-generation content,” says Jason Hunter, Senior Manager, MRC Studio. “At the same time, it equips students with the in-demand skills needed for careers in this rapidly evolving field.”

“The expansion of Durham College’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio is great news for our region. It gives students, researchers and local businesses access to cutting-edge tools that are transforming the interactive digital media landscape while strengthening our talent pipeline. As a leading film and digital media hub, Durham is well positioned to help more companies innovate and bring new ideas to life,” says John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham.

The project reinforces DC’s commitment to applied research excellence, hands-on student learning, and innovation partnerships that benefit industry and communities across the region.

Learn more about the MRC Studio and Durham College’s applied research initiatives.