RRC Polytech’s Technology Access Center for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) has been recognized by its peers for its applied research support of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in or entering the defence ecosystem.   

Winnipeg recently welcomed leaders, researchers, industry partners, and innovators from across Canada to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and explore the future of applied research and innovation at Tech-Access Canada’s 2-day TAC Innovate 2026 conference. TACAM received the Innovation in Defence and Security Award which was presented at the event’s Awards Soirée.

The award category recognizes TAC projects that support innovation within Canada’s defence and security sectors, including dual-use technologies with both civilian and military applications. It celebrates contributions that enhance Canada’s resilience, readiness, and industrial capacity.

Nominated projects had to demonstrate how its work has strengthened capabilities across the defence supply chain, including improving productivity, enabling technology adoption, and advancing new products and systems.

A recent partnership with Magellan Aerospace on a composite manufacturing project exceeded the criteria and showcased TACAM’s leading edge technology, facilities, and expertise, resulting in national recognition.

With experts on both teams regularly working across each other’s facilities and collaborating toward a shared goal, the 3-year project successfully integrated automated lay-up and novel forming technologies for aircraft components. Automating a manual process created time and workforce efficiency, and improved precision that allows real-time inspections for quality control, while establishing RRC Polytech as a hub for access to these technologies and related training, through its Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise.

The award, accepted by TACAM Director, Dr. Janfizza Bukhari, was presented by Richard J. Louttet, Head of Sector Transformation, eCampusOntario.

Tech-Access Canada also announced winners across seven other categories including: Innovation in Housing; Best Inter-Institutional Collaboration; Social Innovation; Excellence in Partnership; Excellence in Public Sector R&D Collaboration; Excellence in Training and Skills Development; and for the Most Impactful Interactive Visit/Strategic Interaction where RRC Polytech’s team from the Prairie Research Kitchen was a finalist for their work with Okanagan College’s BC Beverage Technology Access Centre.

RRC Polytech’s capacity to support national priorities continues to expand with the recent Prairies Economic Development Canada investment in the Manitoba Dual-Use Innovation Bridge – which combines the resources of RPI, CME Manitoba, and Manitoba Aerospace & Defence to help local businesses become defence-ready and strengthen Canada’s domestic supply chains.

 About:

Tech-Access Canada is the national, not-for-profit organization that represents and supports Canada’s network of Technology Access Centres (TACs). Simply, it is the national network and collective voice of college-based applied research centres across Canada (70 TACs in total).

Tech-Access Canada’s Tech Innovate Awards provide national recognition of a TAC’s research team for their excellence and leadership in fostering college applied research and industry collaboration by developing new and improved products, processes, and services.

The TAC Innovate Awards were presented during the Awards Soirée at the TAC Innovate Forum on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Winnipeg.

All TAC Innovate 2026 attendees were invited to tour RRC Polytech’s facilities to learn more about RPI’s projects and capabilities, infrastructure, and the impact of applied research across all sectors.