As Canada modernizes energy systems and strengthens critical infrastructure such as power grids, transportation networks and water systems, these systems are becoming more integrated and complex. To keep pace, organizations must develop and adopt new technologies and strengthen cybersecurity while at the same time, maintaining reliability and uninterrupted services. But evaluating new technologies before they are deployed is difficult and, in some cases, impossible. Power grids can’t be partially shut down to evaluate new control systems, airports can’t risk disrupting operations to test infrastructure changes, and operators can’t expose critical systems to potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities just to understand how they might respond.
Innovation sandbox
To help address this challenge, BCIT has launched the Digital Twin Innovation Hub (DTI-Hub), a new applied research facility developed and operated by the BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART). The DTI-Hub can simulate electrical grids, renewable energy systems, EV charging infrastructure, and other complex operational environments using real-world data. This 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,” says Dr. Moein Manbachi, Acting Director, SMART and DTI-Hub Research Lead. “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.”
Industry impact
For organizations managing complex infrastructure, the value of the DTI-Hub lies in the ability to reduce uncertainty before deployment.
“Vehicle-grid integration represents an important opportunity to make Canada’s electricity system cleaner, more flexible, more affordable, and more resilient while creating new value for EV owners, utilities, fleets, and communities,” says Bryan Taylor, CEO, Fuse Power. “As EVs, charging infrastructure, distributed energy resources, and utility systems become increasingly connected, the BCIT Digital Twin Innovation 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. Fuse Power Management is proud to be partnering with BCIT to help advance safe, secure, and scalable vehicle-grid integration solutions for Canadians.”
By testing technologies in a digital environment first, organizations can reduce risk, identify potential issues earlier, evaluate cybersecurity considerations, and make more informed decisions before investing in or deploying new solutions.
Supporting industry through applied research
BCIT supports industry through applied research by connecting organizations with research expertise, specialized facilities, and student talent. The DTI-Hub builds on that capacity by providing a collaborative environment where organizations can explore solutions to complex infrastructure challenges before they are deployed in the field.
“Applied research is one of the ways BCIT delivers value to BC,” says Dr. Justin Williams, Associate Vice President, Academic. “The Digital Twin Innovation Hub helps organizations make more informed decisions about adopting new technologies while giving students experience solving real industry challenges. That combination strengthens both our economy and the skilled workforce needed to support the province’s energy systems and critical infrastructure.”
Launch event
The DTI-Hub officially opened on June 3 with more than 60 industry, government, and community partners in attendance. Industry representatives from across the sector, including Siemens Canada, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Blue Force Energy were joined by provincial representative MLA for Burnaby North Janet Routledge and Burnaby City Councillor Richard Lee for tours and demonstrations.
The event highlighted growing interest in digital twin technologies and opportunities for future collaboration between industry and applied research.
Through the Digital Twin Innovation Hub, BCIT is creating new opportunities for industry, researchers, and students to work together to address complex challenges, evaluate emerging technologies, and support innovation across British Columbia.
Our partners
The DTI-Hub was made possible through the generous support of funding agencies, including Future Skills Centre (FSC) and the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC), as well as the invaluable contributions of current and past partners across industry and academia including: BC Hydro, Siemens, Hydron Energy, EdgeTunePower, FortisBC, Powerinex AI, Awesense, Evectrix and Thompson Rivers University.
Interested in collaborating?
Connect with Dr. Moein Manbachi or visit the Digital Twin Innovation Hub for more information.
About SMART
The BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART) converges expertise in information technology, communications engineering, and energy management to develop advanced prototypes and solutions for complex applied research programs. At the forefront of its initiatives, SMART is advancing Digital Twin technologies for critical energy infrastructure, enabling real-time analysis, resilience testing, and intelligent decision-making. In parallel, the team leads R&D in OT cybersecurity, energy storage systems, and virtual power plant integration, addressing the evolving challenges of modern energy networks. Through strong collaborations with academia, industry, utilities, and government, SMART continues to strengthen BC’s innovation ecosystem and contribute to Canada’s energy transition.