Labs4 has launched its new Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) program, giving student innovators the support they need to advance their research toward commercialization. This fall’s inaugural cohort brings together emerging researchers from colleges and universities across Canada to help them tackle one of the most persistent challenges in innovation: turning promising research into prototypes and products that meet real market needs.

The four-month program kicked off on September 10 with a virtual session attended by more than 60 participants, along with hub managers and Labs4 staff. The event provided participants with an early look at how they’ll work with mentors, industry partners, and applied research experts as they advance the commercialization potential of their projects.

Throughout the program, participants will benefit from a $10,000 stipend, weekly development sprints, applied research placements, and customized business training — all designed to strengthen their ideas before they reach the market.

Lucas Monter, an undergraduate student at McMaster University and founder of NeuroSpritz, shared how he hopes the program will help him advance his venture.

“I decided to join the TRL program to spearhead NeuroSpritz’s MVP (minimum viable product) development, contribute meaningfully to the intellectual property landscape of Canada, and immerse myself in a community of motivated students and mentors.”

NeuroSpritz, incubated at McMaster’s The Forge, is developing a spray-on scalp electrode combined with AI-driven analytics to make EEG measurement faster, more comfortable and easier to scale. It aims to help reduce barriers in neuroscience and mental health diagnostics by providing a more accessible and user-friendly technology.

“I am most looking forward to leveraging TRL as a launchpad to build NeuroSpritz’s MVP, gather preliminary data from both hardware and software components, and iterate strategically to land pilot opportunities,” said Monter.

The TRL curriculum features workshops on business models, commercialization strategies and customer evaluation methods that equip participants with the tools to align their research with market demand and prepare for future investment opportunities.

At Western University, graduate student Dandan Zhao highlighted how the program’s personalized support will help her bridge the gap between research and entrepreneurship.

“The program managers not only help connect me with academic mentors but also offer customized business training based on my needs,” she said. “This support is very beneficial not only for my future career development but also for transforming my research into practical applications.”

“This launch is the result of an unprecedented national collaboration across 38 post-secondary institutions,” said Nasil Nam, National Director, Labs4. “Together, we’re creating commercialization pathways for diverse innovators and building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.”

Labs4 is a Canada-wide initiative that connects 38 colleges, polytechnics and universities through 11 regional and Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs. Using a hub-and-spoke model, it blends national standards with regionally tailored delivery. Alongside TRL, Labs4 also offers Market to Lab and Indigenous Entrepreneurship programs, each designed to support researcher-entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey.

By combining technical expertise with business strategy, TRL has the potential to prepare a new generation of Canadian innovators to bring their ideas into the world. The next cohort runs from January to May 2026.

Please follow us on LinkedIn to stay engaged.

RRC Polytech and the Vehicle Technology Centre Inc. are hosting the fourth biennial Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Technology Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 7-8, 2025 at the Victoria Inn.

This 2-day event brings together the heavy equipment and vehicle manufacturing industry in Manitoba and beyond to highlight R&D work along the path to zero emissions, network with potential partners and foster collaboration. Join us to discuss how smart, connected and autonomous technologies are changing the products we build and how digital technologies are transforming low volume custom manufacturing.

The conference is oriented to engineers, practitioners, researchers, entrepreneurs and operations professionals at all stages involved with advances in vehicle technologies and practical applications. Presentations, information booths and panel discussions will feature technical information and informed conversations about:

• alternative propulsion technologies
• heavy-duty and specialized vehicle applications
• simulation and testing
• smart vehicle technologies
• advances in heavy vehicle and manufacturing technology
• addressing barriers for new technologies

Listen to and engage with local and international speakers presenting on a wide variety of topics including their challenges and success stories developing and adopting innovative technology. Learn about RRC’s Polytech’s vast network of applied research and practical learning facilities and expertise.

Connect with peers, partners and problem solvers to drive our industry into a greener and more prosperous tomorrow!

Early Bird Tickets Sales have been extended until Noon on September 23rd!

Click to Register TODAY

Topics and Presenting Companies for 2025:

Reducing Emissions

• Cummins – The Future of Propulsion Technology on a Turbulent Horizon
• ABB – The Near Future of Charging Infrastructure
• NRC – Energy Modeling and Simulation for Off Road Truck Electrification
• Cando Rail – Design and Prototyping of a Battery Electric Railway Locomotive
• University of Manitoba – The Future of Wireless Vehicle Charging
• Versatile – Diesel Electric Parallel Drive Technology for More Power in Agriculture
• MacDon – Path to Electrifying Agricultural Equipment
• New Flyer – Dealing with Dissimilar Vehicle Battery Strings
• Fort Garry Fire Trucks – Battery APU for Standby Power to Reduce Fire Truck Idling

Embracing Advanced Manufacturing

• Mode 40 – Artificial Intelligence – Where is the Big Pay Off in Heavy Vehicle Manufacturing?
• MacDon – The Power of Digital Twins When Undertaking Complex Assembly Automation
• Innovair – Weld Location and Sequence Program Generation, right from your CAD Drawing
• Sika – Full Bonded Complex Assembly Technology

Other Topics

• Mojow Technologies – Integrating Autonomy on Existing Product
• Panel Discussion – Understanding Our Hesitancy – Roadblocks to Adopting Industry 4.0
• Interested in Defense Manufacturing? – Understanding the Process to Qualify

Click to access our full 2025 agenda

For more information about conference sponsorship opportunities, exhibit booths, advertising or any other questions, please email Ron Vanderwees at the VTC

RRC Polytech is using federal funding announced this week to enhance the research capacity and innovation potential at its Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC). The funding awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) enables BETAC to become the first in Canada to acquire advanced equipment that improves the accuracy and efficiency of retrofit planning.

“The new equipment will help to reduce risks, improve cost-efficiency in design, and accelerate innovation by providing detailed, reliable data on building conditions so that we can better support our industry and community partners,” said Dr. Alireza Kaboorani, Director at RRC Polytech’s Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre. “It will also enable BETAC to test and validate novel retrofit solutions in both laboratory and real-world environments.”

Leading-edge tools like the Sorama CAM for detecting building inefficiencies; the Nexys LiDAR system for precise building assessments; and the TRSYS20 system for accurate thermal resistance measurements will directly support BETAC’s ongoing projects such as the Gordon Bell High School retrofit and other heritage building upgrades across the province.

The investment also aligns with sustainable housing goals by enhancing retrofit precision, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, and researchers.

“By supporting research that fuels technological progress and economic growth, this investment ensures impactful collaboration between partners, benefiting industries, communities, and Canadians alike,” said Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, NSERC, in the government release.

The announcement included a total investment of $29.82 million through the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program, as part of a national strategy to strengthen the ability of colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics to drive cutting-edge advancements, promote meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact, and ultimately bolster the Canadian economy.

BETAC was awarded a $200,000 Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) grant which provides funding for Canadian colleges to acquire essential research equipment, strengthen partnerships with industry, public, and health organizations while offering hands-on training opportunities for students.

“Manitoba’s rich history has endowed us with incredible infrastructure and stunning architecture, but it requires a significant commitment from all stakeholders to preserve and protect,” said Kaboorani. “Retrofits not only extend the life of heritage structures but can transform them into modern, energy-efficient and sustainable works of art. The new technology acquired with this funding combined with BETAC’s expertise will save time and money which are critical to the success of our partners across the sector.”

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech and its post-secondary partners across the country are proud to launch the website www.labs4.ca to officially introduce and establish Labs4 – a national applied research commercialization engine designed to support entrepreneurs and accelerate Canada’s innovation economy.

Labs4 brings together 38 polytechnics, colleges and universities across Canada in an aligned effort to collaborate with businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to transform more research into real-world solutions.

Initially known as the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 will develop and deliver hands-on entrepreneurship training, product development support, and mentorship through eight Regional Hubs and three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs that stretch from coast to coast.

“Labs4 is built for impact. This is innovation with purpose, delivered across every region and rooted in community,” says Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech and Chair of the Labs4 Executive Committee.

“We operate at the intersection of academia and industry to translate applied research into practical solutions. By teaching researchers and businesses how to work with each other, building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, and scaling innovation with intentional speed and purpose, we’ll equip entrepreneurs to quickly move from insight to action to benefit all Canadians.”

Funded by NSERC, Mitacs, and its institutional partners, Labs4 is a $55 million initiative created to close Canada’s persistent gap between research and commercialization across all sectors, while reducing barriers faced by equity-seeking groups and strengthening Indigenous and regional innovation. Leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities and subject-matter expertise available at network institutions will expedite entrepreneurs and creators’ ability to take new products and processes to the market and therefore make both economic and social impacts sooner.

Three signature pillars differentiate Labs4:

• Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs: Incubators in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario provide culturally grounded programming, mentorship, and wraparound supports tailored to First Nations, Métis and Inuit researcher-entrepreneurs. Programming is led by Indigenous institutions and rooted in self-determined goals, ceremony, and community priorities.
• Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) program: A four-month placement in polytechnic/college -based applied research facilities where researcher-entrepreneurs receive $10,000 stipends to develop, test, and validate prototypes with expert mentorship.
• Market to Lab (MtL) program: A two-month simulation in which researcher-entrepreneurs lead student teams to solve real-world commercialization barriers. With mentorship from business and innovation experts, participants gain leadership experience and build go-to-market strategies.

The TRL program is already underway: applications are now open for the upcoming Fall 2025 cohort.

“We are dedicated to creating pathways for innovation and amplifying the impact of Canadian research on the global stage,” says Nasil Nam, National Director, Labs4. “Whether it’s a prototype in a lab or a venture ready to launch, we meet researcher-entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence. Our work is practical, fast-paced, and focused on impact.”

Labs4 is poised to drive measurable national impact and support hundreds of researcher-entrepreneurs to explore the launch of new research-based ventures. The initiative supports not only new ventures and commercial products but also economic development, job creation, and inclusive growth across all sectors and regions.

To learn more about Labs4, its programs, or upcoming events, visit www.labs4.ca.

About Labs4
Labs4 is Canada’s applied research commercialization engine. Delivered through eight Regional and three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs, it provides researcher-entrepreneurs with the tools, training, mentorship, and applied facilities to move innovations from lab to market. Funded by NSERC, Mitacs and over three dozen post-secondary partners, Labs4 is designed to deliver rapid, equitable, and outcome-driven commercialization across Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Lancement de Labs4 : l’initiative canadienne de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée pour appuyer l’écosystème de l’innovation

Winnipeg, MB sur le territoire du Traité no 1 et la patrie nationale des Métis de la Rivière-Rouge : Aujourd’hui, RRC Polytech et ses partenaires postsecondaires à travers le pays sont fiers de lancer le site web www.labs4.ca qui marque le lancement et l’établissement officiel de Labs4, une initiative nationale de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée conçue pour appuyer les entrepreneurs et accélérer l’économie d’innovation du Canada.

Labs4 rassemble 38 polytechniques, collèges et universités à travers le Canada dans le but de collaborer avec les entreprises, les entrepreneurs et les collectivités pour transformer davantage de recherche en solutions concrètes. Originalement le College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 élaborera et mettra en œuvre des formations pratiques d’entrepreneuriat, un appui au développement de produits et du mentorat dans ses huit carrefours régionaux et trois carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones, situés partout à travers le Canada.

« Labs4 a été conçue pour avoir un impact et concrétiser l’innovation à travers toutes les régions, tout en étant solidement enracinée dans les communautés », a expliqué Jolen Galaugher, Ph.D., directrice administrative des partenariats de recherche et de l’innovation de RRC Polytech et présidente du comité de direction de Labs4. « Nous évoluons à l’intersection du milieu universitaire et de l’industrie dans le but de traduire la recherche appliquée en solutions pratiques. En enseignant aux chercheurs et aux entreprises à travailler ensemble, en bâtissant des liens plus solides avec les communautés autochtones et en augmentant la rapidité et les objectifs de l’innovation, nous outillons les entrepreneurs à passer rapidement de l’abstrait  à l’action, au profit de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes. »    

Financée par le CRSNG, Mitacs et ses partenaires institutionnels, Labs4 est une initiative de 55 millions $ créée pour réduire l’écart persistant entre la recherche et la commercialisation à travers tous les secteurs du Canada, tout en réduisant les obstacles auxquels font face les groupes en quête d’équité et en consolidant l’innovation autochtone et régionale. La mise à profit des installations à la fine pointe et de l’expertise en la matière qui existe au sein des établissements du réseau accélérera la capacité des entrepreneurs et des créateurs à commercialiser de nouveaux produits et processus et ainsi, d’avoir un impact économique et social plus rapide.

Les trois piliers qui distinguent Labs4 :

• Carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones : Des incubateurs d’entreprises au Saskatchewan, au Manitoba et en Ontario fournissent une programmation fondée sur la culture, du mentorat et des services de soutien adaptés aux chercheurs-entrepreneurs des Premières Nations, Métis et Inuit. La programmation est dirigée par des établissements autochtones et est ancrée dans l’auto-détermination, la cérémonie et les priorités communautaires. 
• Programme de niveau de préparation technologique (Technology Readiness Level-Up ou TRL) : Un stage de quatre mois dans une installation polytechnique ou collégiale de recherche appliquée où des chercheurs-entrepreneurs reçoivent une allocation de 10 000 $ pour développer, tester et valider des prototypes, tout en étant accompagnés par  des experts.  
• Programme du marché au labo (Market to Lab ou MtL) : Une simulation de deux mois au cours de laquelle des chercheurs-entrepreneurs dirigent des équipes d’étudiants dans le but de surmonter des obstacles à la commercialisation. Grâce au mentorat d’experts du monde des affaires et de l’innovation, les participants acquièrent une expérience de leadership et élaborent des stratégies de mise en marché.

Le programme TRL est déjà en cours ; les candidatures sont maintenant acceptées pour la prochaine cohorte de l’automne 2025.

« Nous nous engageons à créer des voies d’accès à l’innovation et à amplifier l’impact de la recherche canadienne à l’échelle mondiale », a déclaré Nasil Nam, directrice nationale, Labs4. « Qu’il s’agisse d’un prototype en laboratoire ou d’un projet prêt au lancement, nous allons à la rencontre des chercheurs-entrepreneurs et nous sommes là pour les aider à aller de l’avant en toute confiance. Notre travail est pratique, dynamique et axé sur les résultats. »

Labs4 est positionnée pour produire des retombées quantifiables à l’échelle nationale et appuyer des centaines de chercheurs-entrepreneurs dans l’exploration du lancement de nouvelles entreprises de recherche. L’initiative appuie non seulement les nouvelles entreprises et nouveaux produits commerciaux, mais aussi le développement économique, la création d’emplois et la croissance inclusive à travers tous les secteurs et régions.

Pour en apprendre davantage au sujet de Labs4, ses programmes, ou ses événements à venir, visitez www.labs4.ca.

À propos de 4Labs
Labs4 est l’initiative de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée du Canada. Par l’entremise de huit carrefours régionaux et de trois carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones, Labs4 procure aux chercheurs-entrepreneurs les outils, la formation, le mentorat et les installations appliquées permettant le passage des innovations du laboratoire au marché. Financée par le CRSNG, Mitacs et plus de trois douzaine de partenaires postsecondaires, Labs4 est conçue pour permettre une commercialisation rapide, équitable et axée sur les résultats à travers l’écosystème canadien de l’innovation.

Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) is pleased to welcome Dr. Kristen Kindrachuk as the new Director of the Office of Applied Research Services (OARS). Named the successful candidate through a competitive process, Kristen will lead the administration and support the operation of applied research (AR) at RRC Polytech through OARS – which provides expertise, enables opportunities for researchers and partners, and drives AR excellence across our campuses.

Kristen is a strategic leader with extensive expertise in research administration, funding management, and cross-sector collaboration. Her experience spans pre- and post-award research management, large-scale proposal development, contract negotiation, and project oversight.

Kristen received her BSc and MSc from the University of Manitoba and her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia. She trained as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland and was employed as an Adjunct Professor teaching graduate studies in Pathogenic Microbiology at Hood College. Her experience at Ripple Effect Inc. consulting on projects for the NIH Office of Behavioural and Social Sciences Research and the NIH Office of Extramural Research sparked her interest in pursuing a career in research administration.

Upon returning to Winnipeg in 2016, she joined the University of Manitoba as a Research Facilitator and Business Development Officer to gain experience in funding administration. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed response efforts at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan where she served as Project Manager and Intellectual Property (IP) Manager.

Since 2022, Kristen has pursued her passion for funding administration at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Infection and Immunity (CIHR-III) where she served as the scientific and strategic lead to the CIHR HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBI) Research Initiative – a federal research priority that delivers $21M annually in research funding. To continue to hone her leadership skills, Kristen is currently pursuing a part-time MBA with a concentration in Leadership and Organizations at the University of Manitoba.

Her leadership, vision, and passion for research excellence will be invaluable to our community.

The College-University Lab to Market Network, led by RRC Polytech, is pleased to introduce Nasil Nam as its inaugural National Director. The accomplished innovation-driven leader stepped in immediately after being named the successful candidate through a competitive process, to begin mobilizing the network’s collaborative partners who have aligned to accelerate research commercialization and support entrepreneurship across Canada.

Nam will lead the national implementation of programs that support researcher-entrepreneurs across the 38-member network of colleges, polytechnics, and universities. She’ll guide the execution of the network’s vision to deepen partnerships and enhance commercialization outcomes for research-based ventures in health, STEM, social innovation, and the social sciences. 

“Nasil is exactly the kind of leader this initiative needs. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team as we work to bring industry into greater connection with Canadian research,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech and Chair of network’s Executive Committee. “Her leadership will be instrumental in leveraging the expertise, capacity, and diversity of Canada’s universities, colleges and polytechnics to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and drive research-based ventures and social innovations that benefit all Canadians.”

With more than a decade of experience in program development, commercialization, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building, Nam brings a unique blend of hands-on entrepreneurial insight and national innovation leadership. She began her journey as a founder of her own ventures before moving into institutional leadership roles, including her most recent position as Associate Director of Start-ups & Commercialization at Dalhousie University. There, she played a key role in the national expansion of the Lab2Market program while developing a regional innovation program called Collide. 

In addition to her work in postsecondary innovation, Nam has championed inclusive entrepreneurship, serving as Project Lead for the Propelling Women Tech Founders program at the Centre for Women in Business, where she helped support the growth of emerging female entrepreneurs through mentorship and strategic planning. Holding a Master of Education in Psychology and Leadership Studies from the University of Victoria, her approach is grounded in collaboration, strategic execution, and a deep commitment to building sustainable innovation ecosystems that drive both economic and social impact.

“I am passionate about innovation, leadership, and community-building,” said Nam. “The College-University Lab to Market Network’s mission is to transform research into real-world solutions for a stronger, more inclusive innovation economy. Whether it’s leading national-scale initiatives or mentoring early-stage founders, I am dedicated to creating pathways for innovation and amplifying the impact of Canadian research on the global stage.”

Network Institutions:
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BC Hub Lead), Cégep de Sherbrooke, Cégep de Thetford (QC Hub Lead), Cégep de Trois-Rivières, College of the North Atlantic, Concordia University, Dalhousie University, Humber Polytechnic (ON Hub Lead), Lethbridge College, Loyalist College, MacEwan University, Mohawk College, Mount Saint Vincent University, New Brunswick Community College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NA Hub Lead), NorQuest College, Northwestern Polytechnic, Nova Scotia Community College (ATL Hub Lead), Olds College, Red Deer Polytechnic, RRC Polytech (MB Hub Lead), Saint Mary’s University, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Saskatchewan Polytechnic (SK Hub Lead), Selkirk College, Sheridan College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SA Hub Lead), United College – University of Waterloo, University College of the North, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Guelph, University of Lethbridge, University of Manitoba, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, University of Yukon, Western University

Red River College Polytechnic’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace & Manufacturing (TACAM) invites you to join our IRC 5 Programming I Course — a high-impact training designed to equip industry professionals with hands-on skills in ABB robotics.

As an ABB-certified training institution, RRC Polytech offers in-person instruction led by an ABB Robotics Certified Trainer, ensuring top-tier, industry-relevant learning that you can apply immediately on the job.

TACAM focuses on empowering today’s workforce with real-world, cutting-edge skills. This course dives deep into robot operation and programming using both the teach pendant and RobotStudio Online, ABB’s powerful simulation and offline programming software.

This course is ideal for industry professionals responsible for:

· Starting and operating ABB industrial robots

· Creating and editing robot programs

· Managing robotic systems in real-world manufacturing settings

Participants will gain hands-on experience in:

· Robot system safety practices

· Manual and automatic robot operation

· Event message interpretation

· Program management (load, create, save, delete, check, edit)

· Robot synchronization and calibration

· Tool center point (TCP) creation using the 4-point method

· Input/output instruction management

· Creating and using routines effectively

Upcoming course dates:

· July 14–18, 2025

· September 15–19, 2025

· October 20–24, 2025

Contact Gaganpreet Singh at gsingh199@rrc.ca to secure your spot.

The RRC Polytech-led College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization has launched its first program – Technology Readiness Level Up (TRL^)!

The new TRL^ Program offers training in commercialization and innovation, helping students and researchers take their work to market. The goal of the program is to provide a new understanding and mindset shift regarding the ‘how-to’ of product development, scale up, and advancing technology readiness level toward commercialization.

The program is built for students, recent graduates and postdocs at Canadian institutions (Colleges and Universities) who have a research-based venture or an idea for a research-based venture and/or are interested in advancing the technology readiness of their invention, technology, product or service in any field. This program will help them better assess and navigate product development and the path towards commercialization.

It provides experiential placement in College and Polytechnic applied research environments, including Technology Access Centres (TACs) and les centres collégiaux de transfert detechnologies (CCTTs).

The TRL^ Program is now accepting Expressions of Interest from qualified applicants who want to participate in its Fall 2025 cohort.

Successful applicants will be awarded a $10,000 stipend over the Fall semester funded in part through applications to the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship program. The TRL^ program will help applicants to navigate this process at every step of the way.

Click here for more information and to access the EOI

The first round of EOIs for this first cohort will be accepted up until May 9, 2025. For questions about this program or to request more information, please contact TRL@rrc.ca

Join our team and play a vital role in shaping the future of innovation!

RRC Polytech is seeking a dynamic Program Manager to lead the Manitoba regional hub of its collaborative College-University Lab to Market initiative.

This strategic and leadership position is an exciting opportunity to work closely with other post-secondary institutions and a national network of peers and local innovators to support entrepreneurship training and research commercialization across Canada. The $24.1 million federally funded initiative is led by RRC Polytech’s Research Partnerships & Innovation enterprise and comprised of eight regional and three Indigenous hubs.

Key responsibilities include:

• administrative leadership
• program development
• financial and metrics reporting
• engaging the entrepreneurial community
• contributing to national strategies while ensuring program excellence locally
• collaborating with eight regional hubs and three Indigenous entrepreneurship hubs to drive impactful results

Similar positions at regional hubs across the country are being posted to the links below. Postings at the Indigenous hubs will be announced soon, as the network continues to take shape.

If you’re passionate about innovation, leadership, and community-building, this role is your chance to contribute meaningfully to Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Apply today:

BC Hub – BCIT

AB Hub North – NAIT

AB Hub South – SAIT

SK Hub – Saskatchewan Polytechnic

MB Hub – RRC Polytech

ON Hub – Humber Polytechnic

QC Hub – Cégep de Thetford

ATL Hub – NSCC 

A new polytechnic network created last month to provide industry partners with better access to applied research expertise and facilities is already digging into how it can support the mining and minerals sector across the prairies.

Designed to drive economic growth and diversification through collaboration, the Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems or P2INACLE launched its first pilot initiative in Saskatoon in mid-March.

A team from RRC Polytech joined peers from across Western Canada at P2INACLE’S lead institution, Saskatchewan Polytechnic to meet with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) for some great discussion about the challenges that mining firms are facing and idea generation for ways to address them.

In May, P2INACLE researchers will join a larger group of mining and minerals industry professionals at IMII’s IDEATE 2025 event to connect and explore specific applied research projects that can solve problems for partners in the mining industry.

“This initiative will address key industry challenges and harness the collective expertise of polytechnics and industry partners across the Prairies, driving both economic growth and technological advancements,” said Al Shpyth, Executive Director of IMII, in last month’s PrairiesCan funding announcement. “We look forward to the impactful solutions that will arise from this collaborative effort.”

Although mining is the focus of its first initiative, P2INACLE aims to be a catalyst for wide-spread regional prosperity by providing streamlined access to resources for all industries, including small and medium-sized enterprises as well as larger businesses. By leveraging the expertise and facilities of each polytechnic, P2INACLE offers tailored solutions for commercialization and diversification, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Areas of expertise also include clean technologies, digital technologies, value-added agriculture and natural resources.

Manitoba-based partners and businesses are invited to reach out to RRC Polytech’s Research, Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) department to learn more about P2INACLE and how they can connect with the College’s expertise.

rpi@rrc.ca