Industry‑driven, applied research – a foundational pillar at RRC Polytech – supports local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthens communities, and enhances student learning. 

Through its Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise, RRC Polytech helps Manitoba companies adopt new technologies, test emerging solutions, and bring innovative products to market, while training the workforce of tomorrow. Spanning diverse fields from advanced manufacturing, sustainable construction, and transportation to culinary and digital technology adoption, every applied research project at the Polytech shares a common purpose: advancing Manitoba’s socioeconomic priorities through practical, real‑world innovation.

Transforming great ideas into tangible solutions requires a significant and ongoing investment into leading-edge resources, facilities, and expertise. Since 1997, Canadians have directly experienced the impact of public investments into research infrastructure through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The CFI’s success is based on a simple premise – give Canadian researchers the tools they need to think big and conduct world-class research.

As a result of 4.6 million dollars in CFI funding, excluding IOF (Infrastructure Operating Funding) over the last decade, these tools are in daily use across RRC Polytech’s eight campuses. Resources such as:

• VTEC (Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre)’s MotiveLab Vehicle Climatic Chamber Test Facility supporting Manitoba’s $2B heavy vehicle manufacturing sector with emissions, fuel efficiency, and extreme climate testing
• TACAM (Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing)’s X-Ray Computed Tomography (XCT) in the Smart Factory providing advanced non‑destructive testing previously unavailable in the region, enabling safer, more reliable, and data‑driven decision‑making
• BETAC (Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre)’s Centre for Applied Research in Sustainable Infrastructure (CARSI) enhancing component and assembly performance in relation to intended use, service life, and climate conditions
• PRK (The Prairie Research Kitchen) an advanced culinary research laboratory specializing in food product innovation, clinical trial support, and agri-food applied research

Members of CFI’s leadership teams recently toured the Notre Dame Campus to meet some of the researchers and industry partners that they support and learn more about their successful projects being powered by these specialized facilities and equipment.   

“We were delighted to host the CFI Innovation Board and management and highlight the strength of applied research and innovation happening across Canada’s colleges enabled through strategic infrastructure investments,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech.

“Colleges and Polytechnics like RRC Polytech play a critical role in the innovation ecosystem by connecting research with industry and end users. That connection is what enables new technologies to be demonstrated, developed, and translated into real-world products and services that can be adopted at scale to deliver meaningful impact for Canadians.”

Canada’s economic security and competitiveness depend on a research ecosystem that delivers real‑world results and the opportunity ahead is even greater. Despite a strong track record of commercialization and SME support, colleges currently receive less than two percent of total CFI funding, with over 90 percent concentrated in a single, highly competitive program. Strengthening college access to CFI funding would accelerate lab‑to‑market outcomes, expand regional innovation, and improve the return on public investment.

“We’re ready to do more. Initiatives like Labs4, a national network of 40 colleges and universities supporting research‑based ventures demonstrate what’s possible when colleges like RRC Polytech are empowered to take a lead role in the innovation ecosystem,” said Galaugher.

“With expanded funding access, stronger operating support, and deeper collaboration across institutions, we can help Canada innovate faster, scale further, and ensure that every region benefits from the discoveries of tomorrow.”