Spring 2026 - May 14 - Flipbook - Page 12
are reshaping design and procurement. Skilled labour shortages
continue to pressure schedules and margins. Economic uncertainty
demands sharper, data-driven decision-making.
Waiting for vendors to present 昀椀nished solutions is no longer
enough. The industry needs proactive innovation shaped by contractor-de昀椀ned problems.
GLIP is built to meet that moment.
Rather than solely assessing products after they reach the market, GLIP moves upstream. It creates a structured, province-wide
accelerator where students collaborate directly with industry mentors from OGCA member 昀椀rms to build solutions grounded in real
jobsite challenges.
In short, it transforms innovation from evaluation to cultivation.
Building GLIP: Vision and Industry Collaboration
The vision for GLIP emerged from a broader recognition within
the OGCA Innovation Committee, in collaboration with American
Global, that construction must play a more active role in shaping its
own innovation pipeline.
Through collaboration between industry leaders, OGCA, and
supporting partners, that vision was re昀椀ned and brought to life
across Ontario’s post-secondary ecosystem. The program was
introduced to students and faculty across engineering, construction
management, computer science, and business disciplines, positioning construction not just as a career path, but as a platform for
innovation.
The response was immediate. Students were eager to work on
real industry challenges, not just theoretical exercises.
Today, GLIP operates through a coordinated structure that brings
together OGCA member partners, participating institutions, and industry stakeholders, including American Global. Day-to-day execu-
tion is led through a combination of industry support and dedicated
program coordination, ensuring alignment between student teams
and contractor-driven problem statements.
What GLIP Looks Like in Practice
GLIP connects post-secondary students with real-world challenge
statements sourced directly from OGCA Innovation Committee
member 昀椀rms.
The model is a guided build.
Students are paired with mentors from these member 昀椀rms such
as PCL, Alberici, Bird Construction, Eastern Construction, TESC
Contracting, Maple Reinders, GEN-PRO, Pomerleau, and others
within the OGCA network. These mentors provide operational
context, site insight, and practical constraints. Ideas are shaped and
pressure-tested against the realities of cost, schedule, safety, and
constructability.
Focus areas align with industry priorities:
Safety innovation
Productivity optimization
Sustainability solutions
Technology ef昀椀ciency
The goal is not academic theory. The goal is feasible, implementable solutions with direct industry relevance.
The Three Pillars Driving GLIP
At its core, GLIP is built on three foundational principles:
INNOVATION IN THE INDUSTRY: GLIP creates a structured environment
where real construction challenges are addressed with fresh
perspective. By connecting students directly to contractor-de昀椀ned
problems through the OGCA network, the program introduces new
thinking into areas where the industry must continue to evolve.
AJG.com/ca | The Gallagher Way. Since 1927.
Face tomorrow with confidence.
For nearly a century, we’ve been a trusted
insurance, risk management, and consulting
partner for businesses, communities, and people
around the globe. Customizing programs and
solutions tailored to your needs.
800.265.5956
• Cyber Liability Insurance
© 2025 Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. | Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Limited
12 the generals • SPRING 2026
OGCA.CA
