Think Tank Training Centre
Think Tank Training Centre is a privately held Canadian career college (founded 2005, North Vancouver) that delivers 16-64 week diploma and certificate programs in 3D animation, visual effects, and game art through online, campus, and hybrid modalities, serving aspiring and intermediate CG artists targeting film, TV, and games studios.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersNorth Vancouver, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Think Tank Training Centre does
Think Tank Training Centre is a private career college founded in 2005 and headquartered in North Vancouver, British Columbia. It specializes in intensive computer graphics (CG), 3D animation, visual effects, and game art education, serving aspiring and intermediate CG artists targeting careers in film, TV, and games. The institution runs three intake periods per year (February, June, October) and serves a primarily individual/B2C student base across both domestic and international markets.
The core product is a portfolio of diploma and certificate programs delivered through three modalities: fully online (16 to 64 weeks), on-campus in North Vancouver (16 to 64 weeks), and hybrid (online plus 16 weeks on campus). All programs are delivered through a proprietary interactive platform called Portal, which combines prerecorded tutorials, live sessions, collaborative workspaces, student galleries, and one-on-one mentorship. The school is a Houdini Certified School (SideFX) and teaches industry-standard software including Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, Substance, Unreal Engine, and Nuke. Class sizes are capped at 8-12 students with instructors drawn from active practitioners at studios such as Disney, ILM, Weta Digital, Framestore, DNEG, EA, and Blizzard.
Think Tank operates as Think Tank Training Centre Ltd., is independently and privately held with no disclosed external investors, and generates revenue almost entirely from tuition, supplemented by a non-refundable $200 CAD application fee, a mandatory $5 CAD/month GuardMe student support subscription, and a $15 CAD PTIRU archiving fee. Domestic tuition ranges from $4,950 to $50,750 CAD and international tuition from $5,500 to $67,750 CAD, with interest-free payment plans available. All programs carry PTIRU approval and the institution holds EQA designation from the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education.
Think Tank Training Centre firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Think Tank Training Centre
- Legal name
- Think Tank Training Centre Ltd.
- Website
- https://tttc.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Think Tank Training Centre is a privately held Canadian career college (founded 2005, North Vancouver) that delivers 16-64 week diploma and certificate programs in 3D animation, visual effects, and game art through online, campus, and hybrid modalities, serving aspiring and intermediate CG artists targeting film, TV, and games studios.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Think Tank Training Centre industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vocational Arts Education (CG/3D Animation Training)
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Information Technology & Software (EDAAAPAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Advanced Project-Based Learning & Portfolio Mentoring (STEM/arts portfolios, maker projects) (EDANAKAI)
Keywords
Where Think Tank Training Centre is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- North Vancouver
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Think Tank Training Centre business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Tuition Revenue: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees for diploma and certificate programs. Programs range from 16 to 64 weeks with varying tuition costs. Both domestic and international student pricing is available.
- Application Fees: Non-refundable application fee of $200 CAD required to submit an application for any program.
- Student Support Services: Mandatory GuardMe Student Support Program subscription at $5.00 CAD/month providing 24/7 mental health and wellness support.
- Administrative Fees: One-time $15.00 CAD fee for permanent archiving of academic records with PTIRU.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CG Fundamentals (Online) - 16 weeks, Certificate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CG Asset Creation for Film or Games (Online) - 64 weeks, Diploma |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CG Asset Portfolio Pre-Production & Production (Online) - 48 weeks, Diploma |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CG Asset Portfolio Production (Online) - 16 weeks, Certificate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Houdini for Film or Games (Online) - 64 weeks, Diploma |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 3D Animation, Visual Effects & Game Art (Campus) - 64 weeks, Diploma |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 3D Portfolio Pre-Production & Production (Campus) - 32 weeks, Certificate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 3D Portfolio Production (Campus) - 16 weeks, Certificate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CG + 3D Asset Creation for Film or Games (Hybrid) - 48 weeks online + 16 weeks on campus, Diploma |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CG + 3D Portfolio Pre-Production & Production (Hybrid) - 32 weeks online + 16 weeks on campus, Diploma |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Houdini + 3D for Film or Games (Hybrid) - 48 weeks online + 16 weeks on campus, Diploma |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Think Tank Training Centre product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Think Tank Training Centre is a private career college that delivers tuition-based diploma and certificate programs in computer graphics, 3D animation, visual effects, and game art for careers in the film, TV, and gaming industries. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and in hybrid formats, with classes delivered through a proprietary interactive Portal learning platform and taught by working industry professionals. Courses range from 16-week certificates to 64-week diplomas, with specialized Houdini certification and structured portfolio development pathways.
Product overview
Think Tank Training Centre offers a comprehensive portfolio of CG (Computer Graphics) and 3D animation education programs delivered through three modalities: Online (remote learning via the Portal platform), Campus (in-person at their North Vancouver facility), and Hybrid (combining online learning with on-campus portfolio production). Programs range from 16-week certificates to 64-week diplomas, covering CG fundamentals, asset creation, portfolio development, and specialized Houdini training for film, TV, and games industries. The institution is ranked #1 in game design & development in North America, #1 creative institution in Canada, and #1 school in visual effects in Canada.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CG Asset Creation for Film or Games (Online) 64-week online diploma program that teaches aspiring film and game artists the essential technical skills, real-world software, and production workflows for CG asset creation, delivered through the Portal platform. No prior experience required. Tuition: $19,750 CAD domestic / $21,750 CAD international.
- CG Fundamentals (Online) 16-week online certificate program providing a foundation in CG art, helping newer artists identify which industry specialization to pursue. No experience required. Tuition: $4,950 CAD domestic / $5,500 CAD international.
- CG Asset Portfolio Pre-Production & Production (Online) 48-week online diploma program for artists with foundational CG skills to elevate their abilities, identify specialization areas, and build an industry-ready portfolio. Tuition: $17,750 CAD domestic / $19,750 CAD international.
- CG Asset Portfolio Production (Online) 16-week online certificate program for very advanced CG artists to develop industry-ready portfolios through interactive production-driven learning and mentorship. Tuition: $9,750 CAD domestic / $11,750 CAD international.
- Houdini for Film or Games (Online) 64-week online diploma program teaching students with no prior CG experience how to develop complex VFX sequences using Houdini, one of the most in-demand tools in the industry. Tuition: $22,750 CAD domestic / $24,750 CAD international.
- 3D Animation, Visual Effects & Game Art (Campus) Flagship 64-week on-campus diploma program offering comprehensive training in 3D animation, VFX, and game art, with small classes, hands-on workshops, and one-on-one mentorship. Tuition: $50,750 CAD domestic / $67,750 CAD international.
- 3D Portfolio Pre-Production & Production (Campus) 32-week on-campus certificate program for advanced CG artists to elevate skills, specialize in their area of interest, and develop a stand-out portfolio for film, TV, or games. Tuition: $26,750 CAD domestic / $34,750 CAD international.
- 3D Portfolio Production (Campus) Intensive 16-week on-campus certificate program for very advanced CG artists focused on developing and perfecting industry-ready portfolios with mentorship and portfolio workshops. Tuition: $14,750 CAD domestic / $18,750 CAD international.
- CG + 3D Asset Creation for Film or Games (Hybrid) Signature hybrid program combining 48 weeks of online learning through the Portal platform with 16 weeks of on-campus portfolio production. Teaches fundamentals and advanced techniques of CG asset creation for film, TV, or games with specializations in Characters & Creatures or Props & Environments. Tuition: $30,750 CAD domestic / $32,750 CAD international.
- CG + 3D Portfolio Pre-Production & Production (Hybrid) Hybrid program with 32 weeks of online learning plus 16 weeks on campus, designed for students with foundational CG skills to elevate their abilities and build an industry-ready portfolio. Tuition: $26,750 CAD domestic / $28,750 CAD international.
- Houdini + 3D for Film or Games (Hybrid) Innovative hybrid program focusing on Houdini software with 48 weeks of online instruction and 16 weeks of on-campus portfolio development, teaching advanced procedural workflows for VFX sequences and 3D assets. Tuition: $32,750 CAD domestic / $35,750 CAD international.
- Portal Platform Think Tank's proprietary interactive learning platform used for online and hybrid program delivery, combining prerecorded tutorials, live sessions, collaborative workshops, and one-on-one mentorship. Students connect with supervisors, access live sessions, and explore a student gallery through this platform.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100+ graduates hired since January 2025 into 60+ studios worldwide
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Think Tank Training Centre
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Think Tank Training Centre technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Think Tank Training Centre partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators11 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Think Tank Training Centre competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Media Design School: Media Design School is a New Zealand-based private tertiary institution offering diplomas and degrees in 3D animation, VFX, and game art. It is a regional peer offering comparable programs in a different geography.
Emerging players
- iAnimate: iAnimate is an online training platform offering workshops and mentorship in character animation taught by senior studio animators. It overlaps with Think Tank's animation offerings and serves as a more focused, lower-cost alternative for animation specialization.
- Lost Boys Studios (School of Interactive Arts): Lost Boys Studios operates a school in Vancouver alongside its VFX studio, providing training in animation and CG. It overlaps with Think Tank's programs and shares the Vancouver talent ecosystem.
Direct peers
- CGMA (Computer Graphics Master Academy): CGMA is an online school offering structured courses in 3D modeling, animation, VFX, and game art taught by industry professionals. It competes with Think Tank's online programs at a lower price point for self-directed learners globally.
- Vancouver Film School: Vancouver Film School is a private career college based in Vancouver, BC, offering intensive programs in animation, VFX, and game design. It is a near-direct competitor given overlapping geography and program offerings targeting the same student segments.
- DigiPen Institute of Technology: DigiPen is a specialized institute offering degree programs in game design, animation, and computer science. It overlaps with Think Tank's game art and game design programs in targeting similar student profiles.
- Full Sail University: Full Sail is a US-based entertainment and media arts college offering degree programs in animation, game design, and computer graphics. It competes with Think Tank for students seeking intensive, career-focused CG training with strong industry placement claims.
- Gnomon School of Visual Effects: Gnomon is a leading US-based school specializing in visual effects, animation, and digital arts education, offering diploma and certificate programs. It directly competes with Think Tank for aspiring CG artists targeting the same film and game studio employers.
- Ringling College of Art and Design: Ringling is a US-based accredited college with top-ranked programs in computer animation and game art. It competes for the same aspiring CG artist cohort targeting major studio placements.
Broad incumbents
- Academy of Art University: Academy of Art University is a large accredited institution offering degrees in animation, VFX, and game design. It is a broader incumbent in the same education category, competing for similar students but with a much wider portfolio.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Think Tank Training Centre social profiles
Digital presenceThink Tank Training Centre compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Think Tank Training Centre financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Think Tank Training Centre leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Think Tank Training Centre funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Think Tank Training Centre M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Think Tank Training Centre
What does Think Tank Training Centre do?
Think Tank Training Centre is a private career college that delivers tuition-based diploma and certificate programs in computer graphics, 3D animation, visual effects, and game art for careers in the film, TV, and gaming industries. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and in hybrid formats, with classes delivered through a proprietary interactive Portal learning platform and taught by working industry professionals. Courses range from 16-week certificates to 64-week diplomas, with specialized Houdini certification and structured portfolio development pathways.
Is Think Tank Training Centre a public or private company?
Think Tank Training Centre is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Think Tank Training Centre founded?
Think Tank Training Centre was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Think Tank Training Centre based?
Think Tank Training Centre is headquartered in North Vancouver, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Think Tank Training Centre make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition Revenue is the primary driver. The others are application Fees, student Support Services and administrative Fees.
Who are Think Tank Training Centre's main competitors?
Media Design School is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are iAnimate and Lost Boys Studios (School of Interactive Arts). Direct peers are CGMA (Computer Graphics Master Academy), Vancouver Film School, DigiPen Institute of Technology, Full Sail University, Gnomon School of Visual Effects and Ringling College of Art and Design. Academy of Art University is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Think Tank Training Centre have an API?
No public API is recorded for Think Tank Training Centre.
What industry is Think Tank Training Centre in?
Think Tank Training Centre's product category is Vocational Arts Education (CG/3D Animation Training). Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAPAB, Information Technology & Software, with a secondary code of EDANAKAI, Advanced Project-Based Learning & Portfolio Mentoring (STEM/arts portfolios, maker projects). Its NAICS code is 6115 and its SIC code is 8200.