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Read All Latest NewsRoyal Roads University and City of Langford Partner to “REV” up Relationships, Entrepreneurship, and Ventures
For immediate release
April 17, 2026
Langford, BC – Royal Roads University and the City of Langford have launched a community-centred innovation space located at the new RRU Langford, John Horgan Campus: REV (Relationships • Entrepreneurship • Ventures). This community-based innovation and start-up hub is designed to support entrepreneurship, venture creation, and innovation in the West Shore. The City of Langford has committed funding of $1.5 million over 10 years to support the creation, operation, and engagement at REV. PacifiCan is also contributing to REV as part of a West Shore economic development initiative.
REV is grounded in the principle that innovation should be accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or stage of life and career. REV will bring together students, faculty, businesses, and residents to help bridge the gap between ideas and action. It will provide access to networks, learning opportunities, infrastructure to support venture creation and scaling and collaborative environment for experimentation and growth.
Royal Roads University President Philip Steenkamp says REV reflects the institution’s long-standing commitment to applied learning and community partnerships.
“At Royal Roads, we see education as something that should extend beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community,” says Steenkamp. “This hub creates new pathways for collaboration, giving students the chance to learn through real-world engagement while contributing their energy and ideas to this vibrant, growing city and beyond.”
For the City of Langford, the collaboration extends its long-term vision for a vibrant knowledge economy and innovation ecosystem in one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.
“Langford was built by people with big ideas and the courage to act on them,” says Mayor Scott Goodmanson. “Our long-term commitment to REV ensures that the next generation of entrepreneurs has the space, partners, and government support they need to build their future, right here at home.”
For Royal Roads, the creation of REV underscores the role universities play as community partners, supporting new ventures, helping established organizations scale, innovate, and adapt, and strengthening local economies in a time of rapid change.
The innovation space is located on the third floor of the RRU Langford, John Horgan Campus. REV will offer its first engagement opportunities later this spring through community conversations and workshops, aimed at bringing people together to collaborate on local priorities and help entrepreneurs explore and build resilient, innovative ventures.
If you are interested in learning more or supporting REV, please contact REV Associate Director Daniela Fischer.
Media contact, RRU:
Jennifer Rathwell
Manager, Communications
250-880-0285
Media contact, City of Langford:
Donna Petrie
Senior Manager, Communications and Economic Development
City of Langford
250-391-3403
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As Canada’s university for changemakers, Royal Roads delivers a transformative experience to students across the country and around the world. Our graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs uniquely position Royal Roads alumni to lead us through the world’s most complex challenges – climate emergencies, political unrest, rapidly advancing technologies. Through learned resiliency, adaptability and leadership, our alumni take lessons from the classroom and apply them to the real world, transforming industries, economies, and communities.