When Performing Arts
Entertain Innovation

When Performing Arts
Entertain Innovation

When Performing Arts
Entertain Innovation

Service offer


HUPR supports the community through applied research, knowledge transfer, consulting services and technical support.

Highlights


2024

Since 2024, we have been the Research Centre for Human Potential – HUPR, operating at the crossroads of innovation and the performing arts. After 11 years as CRITAC, we have broadened our scope to better address current challenges.

+ Than 100

We collaborate with an ecosystem of over 100 industrial, institutional, community, and nonprofit partners. These partnerships support our mission and contribute to creating tangible impact in the performing arts sector.

+ Than 10

With expertise and an international reach spanning over 10 countries, we stay at the forefront of innovation while making a significant impact in Canada. Our globally recognized know-how strengthens our global influence.

4

Our work's excellence is reflected in these 4 recognitions : Industrial Research Chair in Circus Arts (2012–2022), CCTT (since 2018), Technology Access Centre (since 2024), Possibility Studies Hub (since 2025).

About us


When Performing Arts Entertain Innovation

Service offer


Applied Research

We take a transdisciplinary approach to fostering human potential development. We conduct applied research in social innovation, digital technologies, human performance, and equipment design, with a focus on tangible impact and advancing knowledge. We facilitate access to funding programs and provide support to help our collaborators successfully bring their projects to life.

Knowledge Transfer

We stand out for our commitment to embedding knowledge transfer in our projects, working closely with our partners. We offer publications, scientific outreach, specialized conferences, and training programs tailored to the needs of various sectors. Our initiatives have allowed us to develop a unique expertise in knowledge transfer through the arts, fostering exchange, creativity, and professional development.

Technical Support

We offer tailored consulting services and technical support to assist in the development of innovative projects. Our services include support in designing and creating performance equipment and environments. Our partners benefit from transdisciplinary expertise, enabling the development of practical, customized solutions to meet their needs. This service enhances project success while fostering skill development among our collaborators.

Spheres of innovation


  • Social Innovation
  • Technologies
  • Human Performance
  • Design
Social Innovation

For us, social innovation is a creative and transformative response to complex societal challenges. Through the lens of performing arts, we harness artistic intelligence to imagine possible futures, explore new perspectives, and create solutions rooted in communities. This transdisciplinary approach generates measurable and systemic impacts, driving innovation and promoting sustainable development through the arts.

News


HUPR is now on LinkedIn!

November 2024

HUPR – Research Centre for Human Potential – invites you to follow our updates on LinkedIn. Discover our projects in the performing arts, our bold collaborations, and our advances in transdisciplinary research. Join our network to explore how the performing arts open new pathways for innovation. See you soon on LinkedIn!


CRITAC Becomes HUPR: Research Centre for Human Potential

November 2024

This new identity reflects an expanded mission dedicated to exploring human potential. Rooted in circus arts, the Centre’s transdisciplinary research extends to all performing arts, fostering increasingly innovative and bold collaborations. Patrice Aubertin, Director of HUPR, shares the vision and collective effort behind this transformation. Discover the journey that led CRITAC to become HUPR.


HUPR Centre Recognized as a Technology Access Centre

August 2024

The HUPR Centre, affiliated with the National Circus School, has recently been recognized as a Technology Access Centre by NSERC. This distinction comes with a grant aimed at supporting the development of digital technologies, further strengthening its capabilities in research, training, and consulting services. This initiative enables the HUPR Centre to provide cutting-edge support for innovation and the evolution of practices in the performing arts sector.