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

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.

This week marks the fifth anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic and the onset of Canada’s unprecedented precautionary policies to stop the spread of COVID-19. While the social and economic impacts of the pandemic still linger, life for most people has returned to normal because of the ongoing co-operative efforts made around the world to control the virus.

During the global fight against COVID-19, RRC Polytech proudly demonstrated its trademark agility and willingness to help by leaping into action to support its industry partners in the healthcare sector. With supply chains decimated by restrictions, the College’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace & Manufacturing (TACAM) offered its assets and expertise to local partners like CancerCare Manitoba to aid in the production of much-needed medical equipment.

Under normal circumstances, CancerCare Manitoba is well-resourced to manufacture its own equipment, but increased needs combined with a short timeframe during the pandemic forced them to outsource immediate production of wheelbases for more IV poles.

TACAM’s digital manufacturing capabilities allowed for large-scale and rapid production of the unique items needed. TACAM supported the production of 100 new wheelbases for the poles. Specifically, the team manufactured 500 castor mounts for the wheelbases, which require 5 castor mounts per wheelbase.

“CancerCare Manitoba appreciates the ability of RRC Polytech to support us in the manufacturing of these components,” said Keith Sutherland, Business and Innovation Officer at CancerCare Manitoba at the time. “TACAM’s specialized machinery allows for quicker manufacturing, which allows us to get the required IV poles into the hands of hospital staff much quicker than if we had to manufacture them on our own.”

Throughout the pandemic, TACAM remained on call with Health Canada as a potential supplier of services should they need help in manufacturing other medical equipment and/or devices, as well as the National Research Council Canada (NRC), in case additional support for medical equipment and devices was required.

“Our professional research teams are experts in fostering collaboration to overcome challenges, so they are well-prepared to react quickly and leverage the College’s facilities and talent to support our partners, even in a crisis situation like a global pandemic,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. “We are eager to continue building these important relationships and working closely with industry and community to address Manitoba’s needs by solving problems through applied research.”

RRC Polytech continues to build capacity for innovative processes such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and reverse engineering with the recent addition of the Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT) at the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.

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 providing 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 has been researching air tightness and methods of testing it since a 2012 pilot project, which means the partners who turn to BETAC for air tightness testing engage some of the province’s leading expertise in the field.

In the fall of 2021, BETAC completed an air tightness test at Gordon Bell High School, whose building features walls and mechanical systems that are more than 50 years old. The results provided insights into cost-effective measures for reducing energy usage at Gordon Bell, prior to its renovation.

Chris Buzunis, the Province of Manitoba’s Senior Energy Engineer and project manager for the Gordon Bell retrofit, says BETAC’s pre- and post-renovation air tightness testing has proven valuable on many projects like this.

“It helps identify problem areas to address at the start of a project and has also been a fantastic quality control tool when construction is complete. We have identified many deficiencies that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.”

BETAC offers a variety of non-destructive tests that target specific building sizes and challenges. The process usually starts with a walkthrough to assess door locations, HVAC intake and exhaust grills, power supply, and whether the building can be isolated.

During the test itself, powerful fans pressurize and depressurize the building, while equipment measures how much air is moved into or out of the building and tracks the corresponding pressure difference across the building enclosure. 

The results of the envelop test speak to the general durability of the building, and the continuity and performance of the air barrier. A second set of tests, conducted with all intentional openings left open, measures the energy performance of the building more directly. At this stage, testers may deploy smoke pencils and infrared thermography cameras to identify specific air leakage pathways.

All together, these tests can take anywhere from several hours to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the building. The results deliver quantifiable data that can help owners of existing buildings locate problem areas and determine the costs and benefits of a retrofit. For new buildings, a final air tightness test can complement air leakage testing performed throughout construction.

Demand for tests like these will only increase as more cities and governments incorporate air tightness and energy efficiency into their building codes and green mandates. In addition to air leak testing, BETAC has committed to ongoing public outreach efforts to share the findings of its research. The results of BETAC’s work continues to inform the Province of Manitoba’s Green Building Policy and low carbon initiatives.

PrairiesCan invests $899,500 in Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems (P2INACLE)

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – PrairiesCan is investing $899,500 into the Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems (P2INACLE). P2INACLE will drive social, economic and technological innovation across western Canada by providing businesses access to polytechnic facilities, equipment and research expertise. P2INACLE members include Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Northwestern Polytechnic, Red Deer Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) — leading polytechnic institutions on the Canadian Prairies.
 
P2INACLE, led by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will launch its first pilot with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) this spring. This pilot will bring together polytechnics and industry partners from across the Prairies to develop a collaborative network that will fund and work on applied research projects. The goal is to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions for the mining and minerals sector in Western Canada.

“Success on the Prairies has always been built on cooperation. That’s why our government is supporting P2INACLE— a partnership bringing Prairie polytechnics together to turn research into practical solutions. By working together to tackle challenges in the mining sector and beyond, P2INACLE is driving economic growth, creating quality jobs, and setting a new standard for how applied research can empower communities far beyond the Prairies,” said the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan.
 
“Thank you to PrairiesCan for funding this polytechnic-powered, applied research network to help grow innovation for Western Canadian industry sectors,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO. “We are excited to share our expertise as the P2INACLE lead. This funding will enable P2INACLE to address mining industry issues swiftly and efficiently, providing access to a wide range of experts and quickly distributing funds.”
 
IMII is a hub for expertise and innovation in Saskatchewan’s minerals industry, driving change and creating solutions. With PrairiesCan support, P2INACLE researchers, along with IMII and their partners, will come together in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in March to launch the collaborative applied research network. In May, P2INACLE researchers will join mining and minerals industry professionals at IMII’s IDEATE 2025 event to learn about the challenges faced by the mining industry. At this event P2INACLE members will team up with industry on various applied research projects.
 
“We are excited to be part of the P2INACLE pilot project, a significant step forward in fostering innovation and collaboration within Western Canada’s mining and minerals sector,” says Al Shpyth, executive director of IMII. “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. We look forward to the impactful solutions that will arise from this collaborative effort.”
 
This partnership with IMII will promote cross-disciplinary collaboration focused on industry needs and solutions. Through P2INACLE, industry will also have increased access to high-quality personnel and trainees, facilitating the implementation of new innovations.
 
“The P2INACLE initiative aligns with RRC Polytech’s areas of strength in clean tech, digital technologies, value-added agriculture and natural resources. We believe our efforts in this cross-prairies partnership, led by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will help Canada’s mining and minerals sector to be globally competitive,” says Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research, Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. “P2INACLE enhances opportunities across the value chain by leveraging the collective capabilities of state of the art infrastructure, research expertise and talent at our prairie polytechnics.”
 
Manitoba-based partners and businesses are invited to reach out to RRC Polytech’s Research, Partnerships & Innovation department to learn more about P2INACLE and how they can connect with the College’s expertise.
 
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.

Innovative ideas and fresh new products are always on the menu at RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK), Western Canada’s only Technology Access Centre that blends culinary arts and food science. But in addition to contributing to applied research projects for industry partners and clients, this summer’s co-op students at PRK also whipped up a little something special for themselves.

As part of their work-integrated learning experience, a trio of ambitious culinary students jumped at the challenge to create their own unique food product and take it from concept to market.

“It was a fun process that really tested everything we’ve learned and boosted my confidence,” said Culinary Arts student, Yesenia Portillo. “It’s a nice sendoff or grand finale to a chapter of my educational journey that I’ll never forget.”

Portillo named their sweet pepperoncini relish ‘Prairie Glow’ as a tribute to their positive experience working at PRK. They actually stumbled upon the key ingredient by accident but say the combination of its acidic brightness and sweet subtle heat made their tastebuds dance. They recommend their relish to other pickle-lovers as a perfect complement to charcuterie boards or pizza.   

Originally from Winnipegosis and a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe, Tia Fleming chose to highlight her Indigenous culture with a barbecue sauce that works well with the wild game commonly served in the area. She combined locally grown saskatoon berries with jalapeño and after consulting with community, Fleming harvested and torched her own sweetgrass then infused it into vinegar to add smoky flavour and a spiritual element.

Indigenous Language Instructor, Corey Whitford provided the Anishinaabemowin translation for the label of the sauce that lists the main ingredients. Gaa Gi-zhi-deg Mis-kwaa-ko-a-too-mi-na Wiin-gash-ki Baash-ki mi-na-si-gan will be gifted and not sold due to its medicinal properties.

“I wanted my product to demonstrate that food can be delicious, healing and tell a story all at the same time,” said Fleming, a student in RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Culinary Skills program. “I feel proud that I’m learning new skills that I can share with family and my community and eventually give back by teaching others. It would be awesome if this was the first in a line of sauces that someday I could bring to Pow Wows and ceremonies.”

Intrigued by food chemistry with a focus on sustainability, Hui-Yun Sim, a Professional Baking student experimented with using a red lentil component before settling on a high protein chickpea pulse flour as the base for an instant brownie mix. Showcased at EDC’s Culinary Exchange, her Chocolate Chickpea Pleasers Brownie Mix lived up to its name as stock didn’t last long.    

“It’s so cool to see other students actually buying your product that’s made from weird or unfamiliar ingredients to them, and to know it tastes great,” said Sim. “PRK was an empowering place to work, I’m much stronger for it.”        

That’s because coming up with a clever or meaningful product idea was just the beginning. Determining the ingredients and recipe required more than just dozens of trials and taste tests – it took careful analysis of food costs and availability, allergens, nutritional values and scalability. They also needed working knowledge of procurement, health and safety measures, and marketing to navigate their ideas from potential to reality.

Despite the individual nature of the assignment, collaboration is a foundational objective at PRK, so the students worked together to perfect their creations and were supported by the professional research staff and even partners as Bee-Maid generously donated honey for the students to use.

“This is the first time we’ve attempted three separate student-led creations in one summer, but they each had their own vision and were very determined to showcase their culinary and critical thinking skills by seeing it through,” said Anna Borys, Research Technician at Prairie Research Kitchen.

“They ultimately came up with really tasty and thoughtful products while gaining a much better understanding of the amount of work it takes to put a single food item on a grocery store shelf.”

While their backgrounds, approaches, dreams and products are vastly different, all three of PRK’s most recent co-op students are moving forward in their careers with the same thought – it’s a healthy serving of thinking, learning, adapting, and planning that leads to culinary excellence and innovation.  

“Our team at PRK approaches our work with an entrepreneurial mindset. We encourage each member, including our co-op students, to expand their creative boundaries to best support our clients, each other and their own personal development,” said Mavis McRae, Director, Prairie Research Kitchen.

“Incorporating concepts like cultural significance, practicality and sustainability into great tasting food demonstrates the ability of these students to blend their expertise with their passions – something I’m proud to say our team does every day and that will serve them well in all of their future endeavours.”

You’re invited – please join us on November 19! 

Indigenous entrepreneurs are at the forefront of innovation, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge research to build businesses that honor culture and foster community. In today’s world, the strategic use of Intellectual Property (IP) can be a game-changer, driving growth and creating opportunities both locally and internationally.

Please join us for a special event at at RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus, hosted by Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) in collaboration with the North Forge ElevateIP Program, that aims to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs. This gathering will bring together innovators, legal experts, and community partners to explore how IP can be harnessed to protect and scale businesses rooted in applied research and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Location: Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Exchange District Campus – RRC Polytech
 319 Elgin Ave.

Seating is limited, sign up today

Please RSVP Here 

Open to all – Elevate IP is committed to providing inclusive access to IP support for Canadian startups.

North Forge is an ElevateIP Recipient: a national program of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, leading in intellectual property supports for startups in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) at RRC Polytech is proudly celebrating its 20th year of connecting industry and community with academia through applied research. Collaboration is at the heart of all RPI projects, so we’re excited to invite all partners – past, present and future – along with funders, supporters, students and staff to join us for a special event to mark this significant milestone.    

Everyone is welcome to join us at our Notre Dame Campus on November 26^th for an RPI Open House. Visit our research facilities and meet our research professionals to learn more about the impact our applied research has on all Manitobans. Guests can also check out an academic showcase featuring information booths promoting many of the exciting programs being offered at RRC Polytech. You’re welcome to take a self-guided tour, explore and connect throughout the morning.

Free Parking and Shuttle

Complimentary event parking will be available in our W4 lot on Tuesday November, 26 for guests attending the 20-Years of RPI Celebration. Please use the WEST ENTRANCE to enter the campus off Notre Dame Ave. An Event Parking sign will be placed at the W4 lot. Click here for a Parking Map. A complimentary shuttle service will operate on a loop every 10 minutes to bring guests directly to the main doors of Building T and back to W4 when they are ready to leave.

Open House/Self-Guided Tours and Academic Showcase

• Tuesday, November 26, 2024
• 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (Building T)
• Notre Dame Campus – RRC Polytech
• 2055 Notre Dame Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9

Please RSVP if you plan to attend, however, registration is not required

We’re eager to highlight how Manitoba’s polytechnic can continue to help industry and communities develop innovative solutions, increase technology transfer and accelerate commercialization while preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

To reflect on our collective accomplishments, we’ll also be releasing the first installment of an ongoing online collection of shared success stories, entitled RPI – 20 Stories for 20 Years.

RPI is proud to be industry’s gateway to applied research – 20 years and growing stronger!

Five years ago, RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen established a partnership with Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) to create a product incorporating kale into sausages – a popular food product in the community.

More recently, PRK was called upon once again to find even more delicious dishes incorporating kale to support research with the University of Manitoba related to consumption of the leafy green and the numerous health benefits. One example the culinary team and students created was a non-spicy chili and cornbread product featuring kale, while incorporating sage as a familiar and subtle enhancement.

This is the beginning of an ongoing tri-partnership collaboration with PRK, OCN and U of M using technology to grow, culinary research to develop new projects, and the science team to analyze the impacts.

Scroll this article for recipes.

About RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen:

RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen supports industry growth by leveraging College infrastructure and instructor expertise into applied research and training. The research team’s unique blend of culinary skills and food science knowledge drives creative new applications of Canadian food products.

In 2019, Prairie Research Kitchen received a Technology Access Centre (TAC) grant from NSERC, providing $1.75 million over five years. This is RRC Polytech’s third Technology Access Centre, joining the existing Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) and the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM).

Recipes

Kale Cornbread Muffins

Yield: 18 Muffins
Contains: Wheat/Gluten, Eggs, Milk

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (177C).
2. In a large bowl, sift and mix the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and sage.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add in the milk, kale puree, and the honey and whisk until combined.
4. Melt the butter. Add the milk mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients.
5. Whisk until all the dry ingredients have barely disappeared.
6. Add in the chopped kale and fold using a spatula. Be careful to avoid overmixing.
7. Scoop into lined muffin tins, filling about ¾ of the way with batter.
8. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned on the tops.
9. Let cool for 3 minutes before removing from the hot pan and onto a different cool surface.
10. Let cool slightly and serve when still warm.
11. Other instructions: Best served when warm to maintain soft and moist crumb

Chili with Kale

Yield: 4 servings

Method:

1. In a large soup pot, cook ground beef until browned. Drain off excess fat, reserving 1 tablespoon.
2. Add in onions and cook until translucent.
3. Add in beans, tomatoes, water, and all seasonings. Mix well.
4. Simmer chili for 10 minutes.
5. Take off heat and add in fresh chopped kale, mix to incorporate.

RRC Polytech is committed to working with Indigenous Peoples to create opportunity through applied learning and research – so it’s imperative that the College community understands, respects and upholds the principles of OCAP® and the rights of First Nations to control their own information. Standing for Ownership, Control, Access and Possession, OCAP® is a tool that supports strong information governance and a path toward First Nations data sovereignty by establishing how First Nations’ data and information will be collected, protected, used, or shared.

The College’s applied research enterprise, Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) is uniquely positioned and eager to build relationships through collaborative initiatives and community-based research projects that contribute to transformative change by serving the needs of Indigenous communities.

RPI recently invited Leslie MacGregor, Senior Education Officer for the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) to RRC Polytech to conduct a training and awareness session for all College staff to enhance their knowledge about the principles of OCAP® and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as well as the importance of promoting First Nations data sovereignty.

“As partners, administrators, researchers and research leaders we need to ensure that OCAP® and FPIC principles are followed when First Nations data has the potential to be collected, protected, interpreted, stored, used or shared in any way and that our research addresses community-specific needs,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Director of Research Partnerships and Innovation at RRC Polytech.

“We recognize that research in Canada has a long history of harm to Indigenous Peoples and communities and that it’s our responsibility to build trust by establishing authentic partnerships that adhere to the vision each community has for its future and respecting the goal of self-determination.”

The one-hour OCAP® training session was offered virtually as well as in-person and will have a lasting impact across multiple schools, disciplines and areas of the College. In total, 40 staff members participated in the awareness presentation while almost 30 completed the full workshop including members of the School of Indigenous Education (SIE), RPI, Library, Corporate Solutions, and RRC Polytech’s Research Ethics Board.

In addition to defining terms and outlining strategies that consider Indigenous practices and principles including a First Nation’s worldview, traditional knowledge and protocols, MacGregor’s presentation touched on overarching themes of reciprocity, relationships, rebuilding and respect and concluded with a question-and-answer period.

“Living our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation requires constant action. This training and awareness session with FNIGC is just one step in ensuring that the research we carry out minimizes harm and maximizes benefit to communities,” added Dr. Galaugher. “To do so will require continuous learning, not only through formal training sessions but also by actively and conscientiously engaging the perspectives of Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Keepers and community members who choose to join us on a mutually beneficial journey of discovery.”

To facilitate the transfer of knowledge from that continuous learning, RPI has also launched an Indigenous Perspectives in Applied Research Speaker Series with three talks and workshops held to date.

OCAP® is a registered trademark of the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) For full context and additional details please visit the FNIGC website.

The deadline to apply for the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant is approaching.

As a Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) Partner Institution, current students and recent graduates from RRC Polytech could be awarded a $30,000 grant to initiate or extend a project/innovation that is youth-led (ages 18-30) and focused on climate change or climate mitigation. All projects will be made possible with funding from Wawanesa Insurance.

Canada needs your innovative solutions now more than ever. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a Climate Champion that creates lasting change. Apply for the Youth Innovation Grant today for your chance to be part of a more sustainable future.

Click to apply