Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prairie Research Kitchen the right solution for my organization?
Are you a start-up food company? Or an established organization in the food processing or service industries? Prairie Research Kitchen can help you develop innovative solutions through three core service categories: (1) research and development, (2) technical and business services and (3) training and technology diffusion. Learn more about our services and expertise.
To check out the eligibility criteria, please go to How to Get Involved and see Step 1: Eligibility Criteria.
What’s the first step?
Start a project with the Prairie Research Kitchen by getting in touch with us. If you want to know all the steps on how to get involved, check out this page. Our team is ready to listen to your needs and shape a custom solution for your project, or to book a tour of our facilities.
Who works on our projects?
Chefs
Research chefs are integral to food innovation in an increasingly competitive food and beverage development environment, both for retail and the hospitality/food service industries. Their input can provide companies with continuous innovation to achieve long-term competitive advantages. Chefs’ creativity and experience, attention to flavours and textures, and willingness to experiment makes them a perfect prototyping research partner.
Researchers
Our researchers embody the term “culinology” – the blending of culinary and food sciences. With the best of both worlds, our research team is here to provide innovative and effective solutions. With several years of industry experience, they bring theoretical and hands-on knowledge to better serve our clients.
Students
The Prairie Research Kitchen also enhances learning opportunities for students by offering job placements in research projects. Students learn on the job and gain experience, while clients benefit from a cost-effective solution to recipe development and food styling and photography.
Faculty
Prairie Research Kitchen has access to Red River College Polytechnic’s large range of in-house expertise. The participation of culinary instructors in research projects increases idea generation and keeps a pulse on trends.
External Partners
At the Prairie Research Kitchen, you can develop products with food development experts, explore new ideas, test market innovations, and prepare for scale-up in larger facilities. We refer to our industry partners in areas of their expertise.
Who has intellectual property?
Red River College Polytechnic offers flexible royalty-free intellectual property agreements. The College typically grants commercial rights to the private sector partner while retaining rights for further research and education. In addition, the College routinely accommodates non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect clients’ trade secrets and other confidential information.
The intellectual property of the projects is arranged on a case-by-case basis, but most of our clients have full IP over the content of the projects. To find out more, please contact us.
How much will the project cost?
The cost of a project is assessed individually based on the scope of the project, the resources required and the predicted length of the project. Estimates for the overall cost of applied research projects are usually based on faculty release time (and research personnel rates / salaries), materials and equipment needed, cost of travel and knowledge dissemination, department overhead and other justifiable project expenses.
Some College-related government grants may be available depending on the scope of your work and your company status. Contact us to know more about project costing.
Is there funding available for my project?
Prairie Research Kitchen has access to college-related government funding opportunities. These grants are dedicated to cover part of the cost of the project and have the goal to support small- and medium-sized enterprises to achieve innovative and effective solutions for their challenges.
In many cases, different sources of funding are considered for the project, depending on the nature and size of the project, proposed timelines and private sector cash being leveraged. In other cases, especially in the case of services and contract training, the private sector collaborator pays 100% of the cost of the project. Read more about funding opportunities ›
What’s in it for Prairie Research Kitchen stakeholders?
Clients
Our clients benefit by having quick access to Red River College Polytechnic’s technology, facilities and expertise, as well as College-related government grants.
Community
The community benefits from stronger partnerships and additional resources that expands capacity of our local and regional industries.
Staff and Faculty
Prairie Research Kitchen staff and Red River College Polytechnic instructors benefit from collaborating to find innovative solutions to unique challenges and by increasing their industry network.
Students
Industry projects introduce culinary students to careers in research and development.
Red River College Polytechnic
The College has the prestige of having three Technology Access Centres, including the Prairie Research Kitchen. Working with industry is part of RRC Polytech’s strategic plan, as outlined in one of the College’s core strategic themes: “cultivate strategic partnerships”.
Government
The government benefits from stimulating flexible and quick industry expansion, while facilitating knowledge transfer and access to resources.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.