Canada’s innovation ecosystem is powered by collaboration and depends on strong partnerships between industry, academia and government to develop the new products and processes that drive economic growth and prosperity for all. RRC Polytech is committed to working with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities on applied research projects that drive innovation – and its vast array of technology, facilities and expertise would not be possible without layers of support provided through government funding.  

Funding announcements for specific projects and new infrastructure often garner headlines given their exciting goals and tangible results, but additional, behind-the-scenes support, while often less publicized, is just as critical to successful collaborations.        

The Research Support Fund (RSF) is a vital federal investment that sustains RRC Polytech’s ability to deliver high-quality applied research in partnership with industry and community stakeholders. By offsetting institutional costs, the RSF enables the Polytech to maintain the expertise, infrastructure, and administrative support needed to advance innovation in Manitoba and beyond.

Dipo Olatunde’s position of Research Coordinator (RC) is partially supported through the program, and his work has tremendous impact on RRC Polytech’s ability to secure new projects by helping other faculty members like Bin Yang pursue research opportunities.

“Without the support of a research coordinator, my grant application last month would have never been completed, giving it zero chance of approval,” said Yang, who leads sustainable transportation research projects at RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre. “An exciting STEM opportunity for local students would have been lost because it would have been impossible for me to navigate such a complex proposal process on a tight deadline on my own.”

Given his busy schedule and a rigid high school calendar of events to work within, Yang faced a short window to prepare a competitive application for a NSERC PromoScience grant. This national program aims to ignite the interest of Canada’s young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, in pursuing careers in the natural sciences and engineering. Yang’s project involved exploring clean energy with a 3D-printed, remote-controlled car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

To ensure the proposal was both complete and compelling, Olatunde brought together a pre-award team and stepped in to guide the process from start to finish. They carefully reviewed the draft proposal, restructuring sections to match the granting agency’s required template. They worked closely with the faculty members to refine the budget justification, ensuring every cost was accurate, well-documented, and defensible.

Recognizing the importance of institutional commitment, they also secured a timely endorsement from the Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation, to resonate with the selection committee.

“RRC Polytech is proud to champion a program that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers. This initiative will strengthen applied research, meet the innovation needs of Manitoba’s manufacturing and transportation sectors, and expand STEM outreach to high schools across the province,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, in her official support letter. “It will also provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for post-secondary students, integrating them into research and development activities while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.”

Balancing these tasks under a compressed timeline requires close attention to detail and frequent communication with the faculty lead. Thanks to Dipo’s coordinated effort, the complete application package was finalized and successfully submitted before the September 15 deadline.

“My role helps to ensure efficiency and accuracy in all aspects of the execution of RRC Polytech’s applied research projects – from stakeholder engagement and resource management to preparing technical reports and ensuring compliance with institutional and funding guidelines,” said Olatunde. “We are so proud to conduct ground-breaking research projects in our world-class facilities and grateful for all streams of federal funding that provide the best equipment and administrative support available to make innovation possible.”

This experience demonstrates how RSF-supported research coordination directly strengthens applied research at RRC Polytech. By helping faculty navigate complex funding requirements and ensuring proposals meet the highest standards, the RSF increases RRC Polytech’s competitiveness for national grants and creates more opportunities for students, partners, and the community.

Three new P2INACLE projects launch this fall with IMII

RRC Polytech is proud to join a new applied research network that brings together six top polytechnics across the prairies to drive innovation and economic growth in Canada. Led by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and in partnership with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII), the network has launched three applied research projects to support the region’s mining sector.

The Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems, known as P2INACLE, includes Saskatchewan Polytechnic, NAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic, Red Deer Polytechnic, RRC Polytech and SAIT. This collaborative network leverages shared expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to deliver practical, industry-driven solutions that help Canadian companies grow and compete globally.

Funded by $899,500 from PrairiesCan, the initial round of P2INACLE projects are delivered in partnership with IMII and involve at least two participating polytechnics. Over the spring and summer months, IMII and its members, including BHP, presented a series of business challenges to P2INACLE’s network of polytechnic researchers. The three successful applied research project proposals focus on mining innovation, sustainable materials and environmental remediation.

“Canada has what the world wants — and our mining and critical minerals sector is ready to deliver. In a period of profound change and new challenges, this sector is central to building the strongest economy in the G7, thanks to the innovation that drives new solutions, supports good jobs, and creates lasting opportunities,” says the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “Through P2INACLE, our new government is proud to support innovation that not only strengthens this sector, but also creates meaningful opportunities for Prairie communities. By combining the expertise of our polytechnics with the innovation of industry partners, we are helping local businesses turn bold ideas into practical solutions—solutions that support high-quality jobs, enhance vibrant communities, and build a resilient Canadian economy.”

“Saskatchewan’s mining sector is a staple of many of our rural and northern communities and is an economic driver for Canada,” says the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development). “When industry and our post-secondaries work together, like this partnership between P2INACLE and IMII, we solve real problems — quicker, safer, cleaner. Innovation in mining isn’t abstract; it helps workers today and keeps our communities thriving for the long haul.”

“IMII is proud to be part of the P2INACLE pilot project” says Lesley McGilp, executive director of the IMII. “This collaborative platform is an exciting step forward in advancing innovation across Western Canada’s mining and minerals sector. The P2INACLE pilot is focused on solving real-world challenges identified by our industry members, and we look forward to seeing the meaningful impacts it will create.”

“Each of our colleges brings strong, proven expertise—but together, we offer our industry and SME partners a powerful, coordinated approach to tackling larger, more complex challenges across the value chain,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research, Partnerships and Innovation at RRC Polytech.  “From minerals and mining, to defense and Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs), to energy and renewables, our Prairie consortium connects companies to the right expertise faster, with the capacity to deliver real-world solutions at scale.”

One project is developing sustainable and cost-effective construction materials by combining potash tailings with fly ash and kraft lignin, along with other concrete ingredients. Potash tailings are the leftover materials after potash is removed from the rock during mining. Fly ash is a fine, powdery material that is produced when organic materials are burned and kraft lignin is extracted during the pulping process to make paper. Researchers are formulating and testing the combination of these materials for concrete production. The goal is to reduce industrial waste, promote circular economy practices and possibly support affordable housing through innovative material development. Project partners include Sask Polytech, RRC Polytech and IMII members. Dr. Abu Kamal, Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) research chair at Sask Polytech, serves as the principal investigator. He is collaborating with Dr. Alireza Kaboorani, Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) director at RRC Polytech.

Another project focuses on using potash tailings as a compost additive, returning nutrients to the ecosystems while reducing environmental impacts. The first phase of this project will include formulating and testing composting blends using potash tailings, fly ash and other carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. Safety and quality testing will ensure the environmental suitability of the compost additive. Project partners include Sask Polytech, NAIT and IMII members. Dr. Abu Kamal, SLICE research chair at Sask Polytech, is the principal investigator in collaboration with Dr. Heather Kaminsky, the NSERC Industrialresearch chair at NAIT.

A third project investigates various frequencies of electromagnetic spectrum for their possible use to develop and imaging system to view beyond the visible boring face in potash mines. Researchers are conducting an extensive literature review to understand how different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation interact with different soils. The project also includes an assessment of existing imaging technologies and aims to identify the most effective frequency ranges for subsurface visualization. Project partners include Sask Polytech and SAIT, along with IMII members. Dr. Abdul Raouf, SLICE research chair at Sask Polytech will lead the project along with Wade Hawkins, Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS) research chair at SAIT.

Each P2INACLE project is designed to deliver tangible outcomes for IMII and its members.

P2INACLE aims to drive economic growth and diversification through collaboration. It acts as a catalyst for regional prosperity by providing streamlined access to resources for industries, especially small and medium-sized enterprises and 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 include clean technologies, digital technologies, value-added agriculture and natural resources. Learn more at saskpolytech.ca/p2inacle.

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.

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