Technological research and innovation at KPU occur across multiple disciplines and faculties. It brings together researchers in the School of Business, the Faculty of Trades and Technology, and the Faculty of Science and Horticulture, among other parts of the university. It includes research and innovation in digital, biological, and clean technologies. Areas of research and innovation undertaken by researchers at KPU include: digital humanities, computer science, sensor development, cybersecurity, genomics, advanced manufacturing, augmented and virtual reality, and clean technologies.
KPU is building genomics and metabolomics research capacity through the new Applied Genomics Centre at the Surrey campus with significant institutional, federal, and provincial funding. Another laboratory on augmented and virtual reality has opened at the Richmond campus. KPU is also engaged with other BC teaching universities through the BC Association of Institutes and Universities.
An Academic Plan 2023 priority is to develop research across all trades and technology disciplines. The Faculty of Trades and Technology at the KPU Tech campus is self-transforming to train a well-prepared workforce with enhanced technical skills to match an equally dynamic industry innovation agenda.