What Durham College does

Durham College is a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Ontario, Canada, with campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and 501-1,000 employees. It delivers 145+ full-time programs spanning certificates, diplomas, and degrees across applied disciplines, producing 7,205 graduates at its Spring 2026 Convocation. The college serves a diverse student body that includes 60% mature learners and distributes more than C$5 million annually in scholarships and bursaries.

The college operates five applied-research centres — the AI Hub, Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation, and Social Impact Hub — that function as fee-for-service and grant-funded R&D units serving external companies. Durham College launched Ontario's first Honours Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence degree and is ranked #24 overall and #1 among medium-sized Canadian colleges for AI research. Industry partnerships are a core revenue and capability channel: the Johnson Controls partnership, established in 2021, has enrolled ~5,000 students, produced 1,000+ graduates, and is committed to up to $15 million by 2026, while the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation has served 40+ organizations since 2020.

Revenue is derived primarily from provincial government operating grants (tied to enrolment-weighted funding formulas), tuition, targeted federal and provincial research grants (NSERC, CCSIF, ~$350K/year for the Craft Beverage Centre, ~$2M for the MRC Studio), and industry-sponsored applied-research contracts. The institution has scaled its AI Hub to deliver research services to companies across 8 provinces, demonstrating geographic broadening of its commercial research channel beyond Ontario. Leadership is provided by President Dr. Elaine Popp.

Name

Durham College

Legal name

Durham College

Website

https://durhamcollege.ca

Company type

Public

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Durham College is a publicly funded Ontario college operating campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, delivering 145+ full-time programs and operating five applied-research centres (including AI, cybersecurity, and mixed-reality capture) that serve industry partners across Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Post-Secondary Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Junior Colleges (6112), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Community Colleges (EDAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE), Transfer/University-Parallel Community Colleges (EDAHADAF), Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB)

Keywords

• Post-secondary education
• Applied research services
• Corporate training programs
• Online learning programs
• Academic upgrading programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Oshawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Domestic Tuition: Tuition fees charged to Canadian citizens and permanent residents for full-time and part-time programs. Fees vary by program length and credential level.
2. International Student Tuition: Higher tuition rates charged to international students studying in Canada. Example: $15,489 CAD for first year of General Arts and Science program.
3. Government Funding: Operational funding from provincial government (Ministry of Colleges and Universities) based on enrollment and performance metrics.
4. Research Grants: Funding from federal agencies including Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and College and Community Innovation program for applied research activities.
5. Donations and Alumni Giving: Charitable donations from alumni and community supporters through the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.
6. Corporate Training Services: Customized training programs for businesses and organizations through Corporate Training Services division.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Durham College is a public post-secondary institution offering more than 145 full-time programs (certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and degrees) at its Oshawa and Whitby campuses and through online, hybrid, and part-time delivery modes. The college sells tuition-based educational credentials to domestic and international students, customized corporate training to businesses, and applied research/commercialization services through five specialized research centres (AI Hub, MRC Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation, and Social Impact Hub).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full-time Post-Secondary Programs (Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Graduate Certificates, Degrees) More than 145 full-time programs delivered at Durham College's Oshawa and Whitby campuses covering disciplines from skilled trades and health sciences to business, IT, and Ontario's first Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence. Designed for domestic and international students seeking credentialed education leading to employment or further university study.
• New Programs Launch (Law Clerk, Professional Selling and Business Development, Clinical Bioinformatics, Public Relations) Four new credentialed programs launched in 2025, including Law Clerk diploma and graduate certificates in Professional Selling and Business Development, Clinical Bioinformatics, and Public Relations. Targeted at students seeking emerging credentials aligned to workforce demand.
• Online Learning Programs (DC Connect) Fully online programs and courses delivered through the DC Connect learning management system, available to students globally. Enables remote completion of Durham College credentials.
• Professional and Part-time Learning Part-time programs, continuing education courses, and corporate training services delivered through the Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning. Targeted at adult learners and working professionals seeking flexible credentials.
• Corporate Training Services Customized training programs sold to businesses and organizations through Durham College's Corporate Training Services division. Designed to upskill or reskill employees against organization-specific competency needs.
• Academic Upgrading and ACE Certificate Free Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate program and Academic Upgrading courses covering Grade 12 equivalents in English, Math, Biology, and Chemistry for eligible students aged 18+. Targeted at adults returning to education to qualify for post-secondary study or employment.
• AI Hub Applied Research Services Canada's only Technology Access Centre exclusively focused on artificial intelligence, providing applied AI research, training, and advisory services to industry partners. Services span deep learning (e.g., skin analysis for Adoreyes), generative AI (custom GPT development), and AI for industrial environments (e.g., Forged Operations in nuclear environments).
• MRC Studio Mixed Reality Capture Services Applied research and content production services from Durham College's Mixed Reality Capture Studio, including 3D interactive models (e.g., Boeing turbine engine model for Ayrshire College) and virtual production/motion capture capabilities. A new immersive research stage is being built with nearly $2M in government funding.
• Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation Services Applied cybersecurity research, training, and assessment services delivered to 40+ partner organizations since 2020. Services include security assessments for municipalities (e.g., Town of Ajax) and partnership with Cyber Security Canada for certification standards.
• Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation Services Applied research and product development services for craft breweries and artisanal beverage makers, including a pilot brew line, lab equipment, micro-analytical services (e.g., Anton Paar Animo 3100 Mobile modular beer analysis system funded via $118,000 NSERC grant), and recipe/formulation experimentation.
• Social Impact Hub Research Services Community-based applied research in mental health, social equity, and community wellness. Active projects include a $360,000 CCSIF-funded study on mental health care for Black communities (with Ontario Shores, Black Health Alliance, Health Research Council for People of African Descent) and a three-year exercise-and-mental-health study with Ontario Shores and Abilities Centre.
• AI Guide Program (Executive Development) Six-week executive development program for non-technical business and innovation leaders, delivered in partnership with the Council of Canadian Innovators. Covers generative AI adoption, governance, responsible AI ethics, and business data use cases. Sold to individual executives and corporate cohorts.
• DC Mobile App (Student Engagement Platform) Official Durham College mobile app available on Apple App Store and Google Play, supporting student access to campus services, news, calendars, and engagement tools.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,205 graduates in Convocation 2026, demonstrating scale of career-ready talent pipeline
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ayrshire CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International partnership with Ayrshire College in Scotland centered on a 3D mixed reality model of a Boeing turbine engine developed by Durham College's Mixed Reality Capture Studio. The interactive technology allows students to virtually explore and disassemble engine components. The model was developed after Ayrshire College secured funding in 2025 to enhance programming through advanced learning technologies.
• Cyber Security CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024Memorandum of understanding between the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Cyber Security Canada, a non-profit certification body dedicated to helping organizations become more secure online. Partnership aims to leverage the Centre's strengths to assist Canadian organizations in improving security measures and meeting national standards.
• Johnson ControlscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program supports students in HVAC, fire, security and digital disciplines through grants, mentorship and equipment support. Program launched in 2021 with goal to donate up to $15 million by end of 2026. To date, has enrolled nearly 5,000 students, produced over 1,000 graduates, and awards hundreds of scholarships annually.
• PARA Marine Search and RescuecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExperiential learning partnership where Durham College students apply their skills through partnership activities with PARA Marine Search and Rescue, a local organization dedicated to saving lives.
• Government of CanadacoreOthersFederal government funding through Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and other agencies supporting applied research at Durham College's research centres including AI Hub, MRC Studio, and others.
• Government of OntariocoreOthersProvincial government funding supporting the MRC Studio's new immersive research stage along with federal sources. Operational funding from Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
• Bird InfrastructureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Durham College's Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference, staffing an interactive booth at the event.
• Elexicon EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner delivering sessions on energy-sector careers at the Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference hosted by Durham College.
• Ontario Power GenerationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner delivering sessions on energy-sector careers at the Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference hosted by Durham College.
• Ontario Tech UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ontario Tech University for General Arts and Science transfer programs and collaborative initiatives including research and development representation at international tradeshows like HANNOVER MESSE.
• Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership through Social Impact Hub to examine barriers to exercise for forensic patients and how community-based exercise could impact physical and mental health. Also partnered on project to study mental health care for Black communities.
• Abilities CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Abilities Centre in Whitby for community-based exercise research project with Ontario Shores and DC's Social Impact Hub, providing inclusive space for exercise programs.
• Health Research Council for People of African DescentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in project to study and improve mental health care for Black communities through the Social Impact Hub, funded by $360,000 federal grant.
• Black Health AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner in Social Impact Hub research project on mental health care for Black communities, working on culturally responsive mental health care resources.
• Regional Municipality of DurhamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Social Impact Hub project to study mental health care for Black communities, representing the local government perspective in community health research.
• Council of Canadian InnovatorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with AI Hub to launch the AI Guide Program, a six-week executive development program for non-technical professionals in Canada's business and innovation sectors.
• Spark CentreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional innovation partner collaborating with DC at HANNOVER MESSE international tradeshow to showcase research and development expertise.
• Invest DurhamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional economic development partner collaborating with DC at HANNOVER MESSE international tradeshow for technology and expertise showcase.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Humber Polytechnic (formerly Humber College): Another large Ontario public polytechnic with multiple campuses, broad applied programs, and applied research focus, competing for the same domestic and international student pool in the GTA-adjacent region.
• Seneca Polytechnic: Major GTA-area Ontario public college offering a similar mix of diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and bachelor degrees, directly competing with Durham College for applicants in the Greater Toronto and Durham Region corridor.
• Sheridan College: Ontario public college with strong technology, digital media, and applied research focus; comparable program portfolio and similar applied research centre model to Durham College.
• George Brown College: Toronto-based public college offering comparable diploma, degree, and continuing education programs, with overlapping employer partnerships and applied research, competing for GTA and international students.
• Centennial College: Toronto-area public college with strong applied programs in engineering technology, business, and health, plus applied research; a comparable scale competitor in the Ontario college system.
• Mohawk College: Hamilton-area Ontario public college with an established applied research portfolio (mohawk research) frequently cited alongside Durham College in Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges ranking.
• Niagara College: Ontario public college also running multiple applied research centres (including food/beverage and horticulture innovation) and recognized in the same Top 50 Research Colleges ranking as Durham College.
• Fanshawe College: Large Ontario public college with comparable program breadth and applied research activity, competing directly with Durham College for southwestern Ontario and international students.
• Algonquin College: Major Ottawa-based Ontario public college with extensive program offerings, applied research, and significant international student recruitment; directly comparable in scale and business model.
• St. Lawrence College: Ontario public college operating multiple campuses with a comparable mix of diploma, degree, and applied programs; competes with Durham College for mature learners and pathway students.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/durhamcollege
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/DurhamCollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/durhamcollege
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/durham-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/durhamcollege
• TikToktiktok.com/@durhamcollege

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Durham College