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.

To demonstrate the impact that applied research projects make on all Manitobans, we present RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. A compilation showcasing successful partnerships from the past and the present, with a constant focus on the future.

Established in 2004, Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) leads the applied research  enterprise at RRC Polytech. RPI is a gateway for industry and community to access the vast base of knowledge, capabilities, facilities and networks that reside at Red River College Polytechnic — a Canadian leader in applied research (AR) and commercialization.

RPI also proactively identifies practical AR opportunities that can provide mutual benefit to both the College and potential partners of all sizes with a focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through our Office of Applied Research Services (OARS), RPI oversees the administration of all research activities across the College.

Along with granting a variety of credentials and delivering skilled trades programming, AR is one of three pillars that define a polytechnic. It connects all areas of the College, it differentiates us from other post-secondaries in Manitoba, and our unique approach to align Research with Indigenous Strategy and Business Development positions us as a leader on the global stage.  

In its two decades of existence, our AR operation has reached an impressive scale through hard work, relationship building and a focused effort to lead innovation in Manitoba. Through our wide array of leading-edge facilities, expertise and technology, we can essentially support any industry, business or community, at any stage. We are eager to strengthen our leadership position in the innovation ecosystem and collaborate on AR projects that drive progress across our province and beyond.

RPI’s areas of specialization include: 

• Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics 
• Cleantech with focus on EV and building efficiency 
• Health, nutrition and social sciences with focus on culinary research and food innovation 
• Early childhood development research 
• Enabling adoption of digital technologies including AI and automation  

Through collaborative AR projects, we help transform the dreams and ideas of our partners into reality while providing students with invaluable experience through work-integrated learning. Our award-winning work is often admired as the gold standard, and has driven Manitoba forward economically, environmentally, socially and culturally – positioning the province for success in a globally competitive environment.

RRC Polytech has been demonstrating what is possible in Manitoba for 20 years. We want to thank our generous funders and supporters, and of course, all of our partners for trusting us to help achieve their goals by developing new products and processes that drive growth for everyone. We look forward to building on those relationships, as together, we’ll create a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for all.

In acknowledgement of our 20^th anniversary, we wanted to showcase some of the successes we’ve shared with our partners, past and present. Each week we’ll release a new installment of this online series entitled RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. We’ll provide recaps of previous posts and include updates on related accomplishments achieved since the original publish dates. We’ll also explain what our talented teams learned along the way to make us better at what we do and how the project made a positive impact on RRC Polytech.

With thousands of projects to choose from, we’re confident these stories will highlight our strengths and capabilities, show the depth and breadth of the work we do, and spark interest in pursuing an AR collaboration with us.

Please enjoy these stories and reach out to rpi@rrc.ca so that your innovation can be featured at RPI’s 25^th Anniversary!

Dr. Jolen Galaugher

Executive Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation, RRC Polytech

To demonstrate the impact that applied research projects make on all Manitobans, we present RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. A compilation showcasing successful partnerships from the past and the present, with a constant focus on the future.

Parents share a universal desire to have their children grow up to be happy, healthy, and productive. RRC Polytech is helping the early childhood education system that supports parents and their children to greatly increase their likelihood of success by building on its local and international leadership role in knowledge mobilization and bringing the world’s best science to policy and practice.

A forerunner of all applied research at the College, Early Childhood Development Research (ECDR) has been impacting the work of early childhood educators (ECEs), both across Canada and on a global scale for decades through the development, promotion, and adoption of the Science of Early Child Development (SECD) initiative. SECD is based on the increased understanding that early brain development in children (including before birth) is influenced by the environment and experiences that surround them and sets the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and wellness.

“This is some of the most important work that anyone can be doing – elevating and strengthening the lives of children from their earliest years for their future and ours,” said Dr. Rob Santos, Chair of Early Childhood Development Research at RRC Polytech. “From early childhood educators working on the floor with kids and their families at early learning centres; to ECE instructors; to working in policy; our team brings together an incredible breadth and depth of experience and expertise. We’re proud to collaborate with partners who make positive impacts on families and communities here in Manitoba and across the world.”

And that includes working for over a decade now with Dr. Joseph Sparling of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Melbourne, to develop and deliver training for his evidence-based Abecedarian Approach to early childhood education that is proven to improve lifelong developmental, learning, health, and social outcomes for children, especially in families and communities with the greatest needs.

The Abecedarian Approach is comprised of four main components: Language Priority, Conversational Reading, Interaction Games, and Enriched Caregiving.

Emphasizing language skills as the core of early learning, the approach promotes reading and communication along with high-quality adult-child interaction for stronger cognitive, social, and emotional development in children.

“Over 50 years of longitudinal research around the world shows children who participated in the Abecedarian Approach are more likely to complete high school, complete post-secondary education, have a job, healthier lifestyles, and better mental health. It also leads to better heart health and less metabolic syndrome as adults. They’re also less likely to be involved in criminal activity and more likely to be socially inclusive, treating others with greater fairness and equity,” said Santos. “Even more amazingly, Abecedarian leads to bigger, better brain structure as adults that can be seen in MRI scans. The first-ever scientific demonstration that enriching early childhood experience produces long-term improvements in brain development.”

The Abecedarian Approach was first piloted in Canada at the Lord Selkirk Park Child Care Centre in Winnipeg in 2012, which hosts many First Nations, Métis, and newcomer children. Its success included a significant advance in confirming that Abecedarian was both culturally welcomed and effective for these important groups.

After years of lobbying and writing proposals, Morrow Early Learning and Child Development (MELCD) received funding for full implementation in 2023 as part of an Abecedarian expansion initiative across Manitoba. And while the organization already utilized many Abecedarian strategies, Executive Director, Bonnie Ash describes the results as a dream come true.

“This program needs to be in every preschool – it’s being done in countries all over the world because it works. We found that aggressive behavior was down because kids had more attention. They learn through play. They’re having fun and learning what they need to move them on to the next step in life, which is to prepare them to succeed in school,” explained Ash. “When you walk into a room and you observe these children within even two weeks, there is such a noticeable difference in their language, how they communicate, even with each other, so we know it works.”

In partnership with Dr. Sparling and Kimberly Meunier of the Abecedarian Education Foundation, RRC Polytech is proud to have the Canadian rights to Abecedarian training and supports its industry and community partners with ongoing interaction – to not only document results for further study, but to connect with those on the front lines to enhance program delivery.

“We have a strong relationship, and I think RRC Polytech has done a fabulous job,” added Ash. “Each team member has a particular specialty and works directly with our ECEs to provide appropriate training and support. They also make themselves available to enhance training during our dedicated professional development days.”

With the intention of always attempting to meet the needs of families, MELCD continues to build trusting relationships with its clients. Responding to a need in the community many years ago, MELCD experimented by opening the first unofficial, daytime, parent-child support centre in Manitoba. This program currently operates only after hours/evenings to ensure that support is available to families who work or attend school.

“By listening, surveying, and observing family interactions we are able to share the program’s benefits across the community we serve and ultimately promote the power of education for everyone,” said Ash.

“When families and the people serving their young children see the immediate and ripple effects in terms of the child’s outcomes, it’s hard not to be inspired,” said Santos. “We found that there were inspirational effects on the parents themselves in terms of their own learning and drive to pursue their own training opportunities.”

To demonstrate the impact that applied research projects make on all Manitobans, we present RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. A compilation showcasing successful partnerships from the past and the present, with a constant focus on the future.

RRC Polytech’s Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) is helping to provide a breath of fresh air to aging and heritage status infrastructure in Manitoba. Using high-powered fans and specialized equipment, researchers are pressurizing and depressurizing buildings of all ages and sizes to find out where they leak to help builders, engineers and property owners meet rising standards of energy efficiency.

BETAC supports the building industry by helping clients address the challenges of designing and constructing durable, energy-efficient building envelopes, components and assembly in an environment with extreme conditions. Its core purpose is to support the needs of those involved in the design, construction, renovation, commissioning and maintenance of a building’s envelope.

BETAC’s ability to perform energy auditing and building diagnostics is about to improve with the acquisition of some advanced equipment to assess durability and thermal performance that will be unique in Canada. The new tools are a result of a recently awarded $200,000 NSERC grant.

“Our team offers a wide variety of services, and we are continually building capacity by adding to our knowledge base and technology to support any project from conventional and traditional builds to ultra-futuristic designs to retrofits that transform heritage structures into modern, energy-efficient and sustainable works of art,” said Dr. Alireza Kaboorani, Director of RRC Polytech’s Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre. “Collaboration and coordination are critical to the success of all projects in the construction sector regardless of size and scope, so BETAC is proud to play any role required to support our partners in reaching their goals of delivering the highest quality results on time and on budget.”

Stephanie Zubriski leads the building science and restoration service group at Crosier Kilgour & Partners Ltd. which focuses on building envelope assessment, investigation, design, remediation, and commissioning. Crosier Kilgour’s award-winning transformative work is showcased across RRC Polytech campuses at the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre on Notre Dame, the Exchange District’s Roblin Centre, and its most recent and state-of-the art addition, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

“BETAC is at the forefront of implementing whole building air-tightness testing and we have collaborated successfully with them on a variety of projects to provide baseline air-leakage rates to inform energy modelling and energy retrofit feasibility studies,” said Stephanie Zubriski, Principal at Crosier Kilgour & Partners Ltd. “BETAC is a valuable industry partner.” 

Through energy audits and building diagnostics to assess the initial condition of historic buildings, much of BETAC’s work with Crosier Kilgour has been in support of designing effective retrofit strategies. They’ve worked together on numerous Manitoba landmarks such as the former Bank of Montreal downtown, the former Manitoba Hydro headquarters on Taylor Avenue and the former Brandon Mental Health Centre’s transition into Assiniboine College’s Prairie Innovation Centre. 

BETAC also supported some preliminary work to assess the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) heritage building on Portage Avenue as the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and its partners work toward its evolution into a space for economic and social reconciliation that celebrates all Indigenous Peoples. This work aligns with RRC Polytech’s commitments to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action and to pursue equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in everything the College community does. “Manitoba’s leading structural engineering and building performance firms can count on BETAC,” said Kaboorani. “We are excited to continue our close relationship with Crosier Kilgour and explore new opportunities to work with them and develop strategies and processes to reduce the cost of retrofits making them more affordable for all Manitobans.”

To demonstrate the impact that applied research projects make on all Manitobans, we present RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. A compilation showcasing successful partnerships from the past and the present, with a constant focus on the future.

Maximizing on the fertile grounds of expertise provided by the applied research network at Manitoba’s only polytechnic, a seedling of an idea has grown into a bountiful harvest of success for a small but ambitious group of local agricultural entrepreneurs.      

Dedicated to finding a sustainable option to bring fresh and nutritious produce to anyone, anywhere, Les Verts Living partnered with RRC Polytech to help develop a prototype of its innovative soil-free and pesticide-free hydroponic growing system that is now on the market.

What sets the Les Verts Terrace™ Pro apart is its impressive production capacity, exceptional quality produce, ease of use, and significant savings opportunities. The professional-grade equipment and nutrient regimes surpass the freshness and nutritional value of other indoor systems and what is typically found in grocery stores and promises a significant return on investment through reduced food waste and produce expenses.

“RRC Polytech helped us convert our vision of sustainable produce into a reality, and today our soil-free, pesticide-free and stress-free Les Verts Terrace™ Pro system empowers anyone anywhere to grow fresh, quality greens for their family, friends and local communities year-round with minimal effort and no prior growing experience,” said Andrew Vickerson, CEO of Les Verts Living.

In an era of constantly changing market demands, RRC Polytech offers its industry and community partners quick and affordable access to a vast array of technology, facilities and expertise that accelerates their ability to adapt and thrive. The College’s Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise can approach complex problems from multiple angles using a unique combination of experience and resources to expedite results.

The Les Verts project featured an internal collaboration between the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM), Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK), and Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC).  

“Through our technology, facilities and expertise, the College is uniquely positioned to bring these types of project ideas to life for our industry partners while training the workforce of tomorrow,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech, at the product launch celebration. “This project demonstrates the power of partnership and the value of applied research in propelling our province’s economy forward.” 

The relationship began over seven years ago when locally based entrepreneurs from Les Verts approached PRK to confirm chefs’ interest in the product and then were referred to TACAM for help with the electrical and mechanical components of their original design. The TACAM team worked with Les Verts staff to refine the unit’s unique combination of necessary pumps, motors, fans and lights while addressing tank orientation for optimum watering and drainage. Eventually they even created a control panel/interface to integrate all the systems together. BETAC was also consulted to analyze any humidity level changes caused by the system.

Now, the easy-to-use product is on the market encouraging even the greenest of gardeners to grow an abundance of the freshest, top-quality living produce available while saving money on their food expenses – and the partnership continues to evolve with PRK’s research team studying further development options through a follow-up project using a Les Verts Terrace™ Pro unit shared with the Paterson Globalfoods Institute (PGI).   

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership and offer students and researchers an opportunity to further explore indoor hydroponic gardening by providing Manitoba’s up-and-coming culinary minds with the highest quality produce to create their next showstopping dishes,” said Vickerson.

PRK is proud to build on the College’s reputation as a proven leader in innovation. A knowledgeable guide eager to collaborate with Canadian food producers, processors, manufacturers and culinary-based businesses at any stage – from start-up to established brand – to quickly and affordably navigate company-specific challenges, as demonstrated in their work with Les Verts.

“Rising food costs have increased the demand for locally grown, sustainable produce so offering chefs of all levels the ability to grow their own greens and herbs year-round has enormous appeal,” said Mavis McRae, Director of the Prairie Research Kitchen. “We’re excited to test the benefits of the Les Verts Terrace™ Pro unit in a restaurant setting and continue studying how we can optimize this technology while working with our partners to develop future products for commercial and home growers.”

To demonstrate the impact that applied research projects make on all Manitobans, we present RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. A compilation showcasing successful partnerships from the past and the present, with a constant focus on the future.

Technology, innovation, and global connectivity drive success in the aerospace industry. Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg’s long-standing partnership with RRC Polytech reinforces that all three factors are often fuelled by the building and nurturing of local relationships. The innovative leaders in their respective fields have been teaming up for over twenty years now and both partners are soaring to new heights as a result of their mutually beneficial collaborations.

Generating almost a billion dollars in revenue in 2024, Magellan Aerospace Limited engineers and manufactures complex components and assemblies for aerospace markets around the world, including advanced products for defence and space markets, as well as complementary specialty products.

Manitoba’s only polytechnic, the province’s largest institute of applied learning and research, offers unparallelled access to specialized facilities and expertise through its Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM).

Together, their applied research projects explore new products and processes with the potential to advance the company’s capabilities on the world stage and build on the College’s reputation as a Canadian research leader while helping to train the workforce of tomorrow.

“By working with Magellan to develop leading-edge technology, we’re not only helping to address their current challenges but also strengthening our capabilities and expanding our capacity to support future research initiatives and industry-driven projects,” said Dr. Gbenga Asala, Research Professional, RRC Polytech. “With experts on both teams regularly working across each other’s facilities and collaborating toward shared goals, knowledge transfer is a massive advantage that can benefit future projects and potentially develop into subsequent applications that support other partners.”

Their latest three-year advanced composite manufacturing project, led by Dr. Asala, is scheduled for completion in the fall. The project aims to integrate automated lay-up and novel forming technologies into Magellan’s F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. Automating a manual process will create time and workforce efficiency, improve precision and allow real-time inspections for quality control, while establishing RRC Polytech as a hub for access to these technologies and related training.

“This project is a prime example of a collaboration between academia, industry, research organizations and funders that is helping Manitoba and Canada build an ecosystem that supports long-term innovation and economic growth,” said Dr. Asala. “Because our students are gaining hands-on experience through direct participation in the project, we’re also helping to develop the next generation of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in advanced manufacturing.”

Magellan Aerospace Limited is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, however the Winnipeg facility remains its largest operation with over 700 employees, many of them graduates of RRC Polytech, including General Manager, Ron Drepaul.

“The College gave me my start and instilled values I carry with me to this day – collaboration, hard work, and a willingness to learn,” said Drepaul, RRC Polytech’s 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award, one of its highest honours.

“I look at RRC Polytech graduates as a pipeline of fresh talent with the skills and dedication we need for the future of aerospace in Manitoba. And it’s not just technology. We need all kinds of professionals. Business Administration is essential for us. We employ accountants, buyers, contract administrators, and program managers.”

Magellan also invests in RRC Polytech students through work-integrated learning opportunities, awards and bursaries, and mentorship to ensure graduates gain the experience and skillsets required to join their team and continue strengthening their competitive position in the global aerospace market.

“The sky is the limit for RRC Polytech graduates,” he shared. “With the right skills and a drive to keep learning, today’s students can help shape the future of aerospace – and we’re counting on them to do just that.”

To demonstrate the impact that applied research projects make on all Manitobans, we present RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. A compilation showcasing successful partnerships from the past and the present, with a constant focus on the future.

When the prototype was unveiled in 2012, Manitoba’s premier called the All-Electric Bus “the future of public transport.” He was right: the All-Electric Bus (e-bus) was one of Manitoba’s most impactful advanced-vehicle innovation projects.

This project began in 2010, when the Province of Manitoba signed an MOU with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to develop and demonstrate electric buses. Five partners assembled to make it happen: the Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, MHI, New Flyer Industries (New Flyer) and RRC Polytech. The total value of the project was $3 million, with contributions of $1 million each from the Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro and MHI. 

Beyond investing in the e-bus and charging system development, the Province of Manitoba also contributed to the creation of an electric vehicle (EV) technology and education centre at RRC Polytech which was the foundation for the current Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre. VTEC continues to evolve and support EV technology innovation through applied research and training.

“RRC has played a key role alongside NFI and other companies in establishing Manitoba as a leader in heavy equipment and vehicle manufacturing, especially within the zero-emission space,” said Thomas Small, Director of New Product Development at New Flyer. 

“The goal was to bring industry and academia together to demonstrate battery technology and application, including charging. In this project, the partnership was ideal as RRC Polytech became the conduit for the partners to accomplish these goals.”

The prototype bus was built using New Flyer’s advanced Xcelsior glider platform. It then went to VTEC to develop the charging infrastructure, compare different types of batteries and perform the data performance analysis. The final step, a limited-run operational demonstration, was a success. 

It was finally time to start trying to take the e-bus, public.

The City of Winnipeg and the provincial government formed a joint task force on transit electrification with representatives from Manitoba Hydro, New Flyer and RRC Polytech. 

“RRC Polytech was part of the Joint Task Force on Transit Electrification, which assessed the economics and the greenhouse gas emission profiles for electric transit buses relative to diesel buses,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Program Manager, Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI). 

“One key component of integrating e-buses into the current fleet is providing training. This is where we saw an opportunity to approach Winnipeg Transit about supplemental training courses.”

New Flyer provides an intensive e-bus course to transit maintenance technicians across North America. While this training is immersive, the VTEC team saw a need for reskilling and upskilling transit mechanics and technicians in preparation for the New Flyer course. 

So VTEC worked with Winnipeg Transit to develop the Electric Bus Technology program, which focuses on battery safety and electrical fundamentals. 

“We have delivered this program several times, and we are known for it, specifically thanks to the training aids developed by VTEC in partnership with the industry,” said Delos Reyes.

NFI still regularly works with RRC Polytech to develop and validate its e-bus offerings.

“With the availability of the MotiveLab™, NFI is able to test a number of designs locally rather than move the vehicle and personnel to other test facilities. We also see RRC Polytech as a resource for a sounding board for various design issues we may come across,” said Small.

“As for battery technology, we have many suppliers that we leverage, however, the initial project experience gave us a good foundation in understanding the nuances of the technology from battery chemistry, controls, charging, etc.”

Speaking of batteries, the e-bus project also gave RRC Polytech access to the battery technology that would later be used in the 2021 EV Tundra Buggy project. 

“The EV Tundra Buggy would not have been possible without the batteries from New Flyer,” said Delos Reyes. “Mainly because of the high cost of buying new batteries compared to using free, and safe-to-use repurposed batteries.” 

Currently, the staff and students at VTEC are leading the Electric School Bus Conversion project in partnership with Noble Northern (the company that supported the Tundra Buggy conversion).

“RRC Polytech has been leading the way in EV technology for a number of years and we’re proud to work with our partners to expand the technology to different types of vehicles,” said Delos Reyes. “Reducing emissions and sourcing renewable energies for fuel is one of the ways we are hoping to make a positive impact on our environment and create a sustainable future.”

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