Digital Technology Transformation Initiative
Overview
The Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI) at RRC Polytech is a flexible research fund supporting Manitoba industry and community partners in their journey toward digital transformation to drive sustainability in our province.
RRC Polytech is soliciting local SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and organizations to partner with in applied research projects on the digital technologies powering Industry 4.0.
With a reasonable investment of $5,000 or less, DTTI can provide up to $20,000 for funding project costs. This covers materials, supplies, and research staff time (excluding capital equipment). Participants can also leverage up to another $30,000 in student stipends/salaries and up to $40,000 per year for instructor course release. DTTI funding can also be stacked with other funding programs.
Applied research project applications must demonstrate how they lead to digital transformation and the pursuit of net zero goals, with a focus on addressing existing gaps in technical and human skills in digital innovation in the advanced manufacturing and environment/cleantech sectors. Eligible adjacent sectors for DTTI include but are not limited to digital agriculture, digital health, biomanufacturing, food and pharma.
Applied Research Focus Areas
The focus of DTTI funded applied research will be on digital technologies adoption supporting Industry 4.0, such as Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence/Big Data/Data Analytics, Simulation and Modeling, Industrial Internet/Internet of Things (IIoT, IoT,), Autonomous Collaborative Robotics, Cybersecurity, Universal Integration and Cloud/Fog Computing.
Potential Projects
Note: This list showcases key focus areas and sample projects but is not exhaustive. Please consult with the DTTI team for projects beyond these themes.
Sample projects may include:
- Digital twinning and simulation of manufacturing processes, environmental scenarios, and building design
- Advanced battery management systems
- Physical asset optimization and predictive maintenance
- Real-time optimization of energy consumption
- Electric vehicle (EV) performance optimization and predictive maintenance systems
- Building automation and energy management systems
- Intelligent charging systems
- Real-time data acquisition, analysis, and decision-making, including handling large datasets
- Advanced collaborative robotics
- Advanced manufacturing IoT
- Process integration and coordination
- Enterprise resource management optimization and data visualization.
Funding Opportunities
Several funding opportunities are being offered by DTTI; the table below shows the list of available funding grants.
| Funding Available | Description |
|---|---|
| DTTI Transform | Applicants may request up to $20K in project funds (see eligible expenses) on condition that the industry or community partner contributes $10K to the project of which $5K must be cash. If less, the same 1:4 ratio will apply. |
| DTTI Innovate | DTTI will have ten $7,500 student stipends/salaries available per year. Up to four student salaries can be requested in addition to the $20K project funds. Can be supplemented with Mitacs funding upon approval. |
| Instructor course release | DTTI will have $40K per year available to disburse for instructor course release and you may apply for a course release supplementary to your overall project budget. The amount requested for a course release must first be confirmed. |
* For detailed eligibility, project criteria, and application process, please refer to the subsequent sections.
See an Example Project Fund Allocation
| Item | Cost | Fund | Industry Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | $20,000 | DTTI Transform | $10,000 ($5K Cash) |
| Students | $15,000 | DTTI Innovate | |
| Faculty Release | $5,000/project | Instructor Course release | |
| Total Project Cost | $40,000 |
Making Access Easy for Industry
RRC Polytech is eager to put the power of partnership to work for you and recognizes that funding processes can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. Let our DTTI Team match you with the right department and talent within our organization to lead your research project and secure your funding through this program. Simply explain the objective and scope of your idea and we’ll cater our approach to maximize your investment.
Are You Ready to Connect?
Do you have a project idea that could benefit from the Digital Technology Transformation Initiative program?
DTTI Applied Project Proposal Selection Criteria
The table below presents a list of criteria and their respective descriptions, which will be utilized for project selection.
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital adoption impact | The project proposal clearly articulates a) the digital technology field of the project–e.g., data analytics, autonomous robotics, cybersecurity, IoT, additive mfg., digital factories, and b) highlights the expected and potential impact of the digital adoption project on the company and/or sector |
| Net zero/sustainability impact | The project proposal clearly describes how the project will help enable the company and/or sector in achieving net zero or sustainability goals |
| Student and instructor engagement in AR | The project proposal demonstrates a high degree of student and/or instructor engagement in the project |
| Quality of the Partnership | The project proposal demonstrates a high degree of involvement of the industry or community partner in the project as evidenced by project activities and partner in-kind and cash contributions |
| R&D investment/ commercialization potential | The project proposal shows the potential for further investment in R&D towards commercialization resulting from the project work |
| Interdisciplinarity | The project proposal shows how the project will engage students or faculty from diverse departments |
| Technical skills | The project proposal clearly shows how students/project team and staff will acquire relevant technical skills such as Computer-aided design software (modelling/digital twinning); computer science skills, cyber, data analytics, computer and robotic languages, industrial electronics, middleware integration, supervisory control and data acquisition, systems engineering & architecture. |
| Human skills | The project proposal clearly shows that students/staff trainees involved in the project will acquire relevant non-technical skills such as problem solving, communication, adaptability, team management, innovation |
| Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | The project proposal demonstrates awareness of/takes concrete actions to ensure EDI in the project |
| Budget justification and feasibility | The project proposal demonstrates highly feasible and appropriate project activities and corresponding budget allocations |
Project Expenses
Eligible Expenses
- Salaries or professional support (contractors)
- Instructor course release (with appropriate permissions)
- Operating costs (equipment, materials, and supplies)
- Expenses related to knowledge translation and dissemination of research results.
- Related travel expenses
- Student salaries or stipends (see budget template)
Ineligible Expenses
- Capital assets and equipment (costs of the purchase, construction, renovation, or rental of laboratories or supporting facilities).
- Items are considered capital when it has an individual value of $5K or more (including taxes and delivery) and having a useful life of five years or more.
Note: Purchases must follow existing/current processes within the College. This list is not exhaustive. Expenses are subject to the review of your budget holder, DTTI committee, and finance. You are encouraged to contact financial analyst Renee Scott at the early stage of developing your EOI.
Funding Provisions
Funding is made on the understanding that the conduct of the project and all participants are subject to both the general policies and procedures outlined in this guide and the policies and procedures of RRC Polytech. The College reserves the right to withdraw funding after due notice, if it is found that the conditions are not being observed or if the project deadlines are not met.
If changes to a project are required that don’t reflect what was requested in the original DTTI application, a written request identifying all the changes that are necessary to complete the project successfully must be submitted to the Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation (or designate) for approval. As a condition of accepting awarded DTTI funds, applicants are expected to provide a mid-term progress report and a final report upon completion of the project. Applicants will also be required to present the outcomes of their project at various venues and events held at RRC Polytech.
Project budget overruns will be the responsibility of the respective department/school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the focus areas for DTTI funding?
The initiative supports projects related to digital technologies like Additive Manufacturing, AI/Big Data, Simulation and Modeling, IoT, Cybersecurity, and more (contact DTTI Managers for the complete list). It aims to address the urgent innovation needs of Manitoba’s industries.
How much funding can a project receive?
Projects can request up to $20,000 in project funds, provided that the industry or community partner contributes $10,000, of which $5,000 must be in cash. Additional funds are available for student stipends and instructor course releases.
What types of expenses are eligible under DTTI funding?
Eligible expenses include salaries, operating costs, knowledge translation, and related travel expenses. Capital assets ($5K and above) and certain other costs are not eligible.
What is required in the application for a DTTI project?
Applications should clearly articulate the digital technology field of the project, the expected impact, and how it will help the company or sector achieve net-zero or sustainability goals. It should also demonstrate student and instructor engagement.
What are the conditions for maintaining DTTI funding?
Funded projects must adhere to RRC Polytech’s policies and provide mid-term and final reports. They may also be required to present their outcomes at various college events.
Can funding be used for commercialization potential?
Yes, projects showing potential for R&D investment towards commercialization are highly encouraged and supported through DTTI.
How does the DTTI promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)?
The initiative takes concrete actions to ensure EDI in its projects, fostering an inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives.
How can applicants demonstrate the sustainability impact of their projects?
Applicants should detail specific environmental benefits their project will bring, such as reductions in carbon emissions, energy savings, or waste reduction. Quantifiable targets and how the technology deployed contributes to these outcomes should be clearly outlined.
What specific roles do students and instructors play in DTTI projects?
Students and instructors are expected to be actively engaged in the research and development aspects of the project. This can include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the project’s design and execution. Details on the nature of their involvement should be included in the application.
Are there any collaboration opportunities available through DTTI?
DTTI encourages collaborations with other research institutions, industry partners, and community organizations. Applicants should describe potential or existing partnerships and how these collaborations enhance the project’s scope and impact.
How is the effectiveness of the funded projects assessed?
Projects are evaluated based on their alignment with the stated objectives of DTTI, the impact on the target sector, the engagement level of participants, and the potential for broader application or commercialization of the research results.
What support does DTTI provide for projects facing unexpected challenges?
DTTI offers guidance and potential adjustments to funding or project scopes for teams encountering unforeseen obstacles. Project leaders should report issues as soon as they arise and discuss possible solutions with the DTTI administration.
How does DTTI integrate new technological trends into its funding focus areas?
DTTI regularly reviews its focus areas to include emerging digital technologies that are critical to industry advancements. This ensures that the funding opportunities remain relevant and impactful.
What are the intellectual property rights arrangements in DTTI-funded projects?
Applicants must outline their plan for handling intellectual property (IP) created during the project. DTTI encourages fair IP agreements that consider the interests of all project partners.
Are there post-project support or follow-up initiatives available through DTTI?
DTTI may offer continued support, such as networking opportunities, additional funding for scaling successful projects, or assistance in finding commercial partners, to ensure sustained impact and growth beyond the initial funding period.
How can participants promote their DTTI-funded projects to wider audiences?
Participants are encouraged to share their successes and findings through conferences, publications, DTTI’s website, and media outreach. DTTI may assist in publicizing significant achievements to promote wider adoption and recognition.
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.