More than 100 people met yesterday in the industrial courtyard at the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering to learn more about how local businesses can connect with university researchers to help make them more competitive.

“I’m really impressed with the depth of knowledge and the opportunity for potential partnerships,” said Kevin O’Connor, a software development manager at Vista Print, one of 34 local companies registered for the event.

Sponsored by the Ontario Centres for Excellence, the Windsor Connector Event was a chance for business representatives to learn about potential collaborative research opportunities as well as various funding opportunities to boost their R&D initiatives.

“These kinds of events have been very successful in the past,” said Heather Pratt, the university’s director of research and development.

OCE’s Steve Colbert routinely attends such events and has often seen produce real commercial opportunities for the businesses that forge relationships with university researchers.

“We see that happen all the time,” he said.