Since its launch in 2023, the Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI) has made significant progress in advancing applied research and digital innovation across Manitoba, with a strong focus on supporting organizations on their path toward sustainability. Funded by a Mobilize grant of just over $3.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), the DTTI is a cross-institutional program that lowers risk for partners by helping to off-set project costs for specialized equipment and professional and student researchers’ time.

Over the past three years, the initiative has supported 28 applied research projects in digital transformation, collaborating with industry partners such as Price Electronics, Noble Northern, Terrawave, Gardon, Tabaq and Dimatec, as well as RRC Polytech’s Applied Research Centres, including the Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC), ACE Project Space, Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM), and Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT).

These projects have provided valuable experiential learning opportunities for 37 students from programs such as Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), and Applied Computer Education (ACE), while engaging 48 RPI staff members who contributed their expertise.

Through DTTI, industry and research partners have explored a wide range of emerging technologies, including augmented reality; automation; intelligent systems; machine learning; the Internet of Things (IoT); 3D concrete printing; and additive manufacturing. These efforts contribute to RRC Polytech’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while helping Manitoba organizations build resilience, competitiveness, and capacity for innovation.

DTTI has proven to be a catalyst for collaboration, skills development, and technology adoption, positioning both the Polytech and its industry partners at the forefront of Manitoba’s digital transformation journey.

The opportunity is far from over. With funding still available and the current grant cycle continuing through the end of 2028, there is still time for Manitoba companies to explore how digital technologies can help solve business challenges, improve productivity, reduce environmental impacts, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

If your organization is interested in digital innovation, automation, AI, advanced manufacturing, data analytics, or other emerging technologies, we invite you to connect with Priyanka Tuteja, Industry Liaison Manager, DTTI, to explore how RRC Polytech’s applied research expertise and facilities can support your digital transformation goals.

The future is digital and there’s still time to be part of it.

We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.