Since 2004, RRC Polytech’s applied research has helped Manitoba’s businesses and industries stay In Front of What’s Ahead 

For immediate release: November 26, 2024

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) celebrates 20 years as one of Canada’s leading applied research institutions, connecting Manitoba’s businesses and industries with the technology, expertise, and cutting-edge research facilities to bring their innovative ideas to life. 

The College’s Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise stands out as a national leader in applied research. With three NSERC funded Technology Access Centres, thousands of square feet of research space and more than 135 researchers and 600 students in 60 programs applied research at the college has grown dramatically over two decades. 

As RRC Polytech celebrates its 20th year of providing this vital service to Manitoba it is showing no signs of slowing down as it continues to expand in its work and embed research  in its programs to keep transforming how it educates and prepares students to have an impact in the workplace. 

“Applied research drives progress to keep Manitoba competitive, while providing students with invaluable experience through work-integrated learning. We’re eager to build on the incredible success with our partners over the last 20 years and to explore new opportunities to keep growing our province,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

Whether it’s helping create the world’s first all-electric tundra buggy for Frontiers North Adventures in Churchill,  delivering the Abecedarian Approach in child care, repairing aircrafts with StandardAero, or helping identify improvements in building efficiency for the Winnipeg School Division their work has had an impact on many sectors and communities.

Through the support of federal and provincial funding and industry partners, RRC Polytech’s applied research initiatives have multiplied over 20 years. 

“We are proud to support RRC Polytech’s wide range of critical applied research projects because their creative collaborations with industry and community build on the strengths of the region and further diversify Manitoba’s economy to create opportunities for everyone,” said Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and PrairiesCan. “Polytechnics not only train the workforce of tomorrow but also support businesses with access to state-of-art facilities and by providing guidance on the research and development of new processes and products in various stages of technology readiness levels. Twenty years is a tremendous milestone, and we look forward to their future successes.”

To date, RPI has completed thousands of projects for clients and continues to expand its areas of specialization to:
•    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 

“Providing Manitoba students high-quality research training not only prepares them for their future careers, it puts our province on the map as a centre of innovation,” said Hon. Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. 

“On behalf of the Manitoban government, I want to congratulate RRC Polytech on twenty years of fueling innovation, especially for small and medium-sized businesses,” says Hon. Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology. “RRC Polytech’s success demonstrates the importance of combining both technical knowledge, as well as hands-on learning by conducting research in real-time. As a former educator, I’ve seen the impact of this teaching method and I’m excited for RRC Polytech to continue to lead the way in technology and innovation as their success continues to put Manitoba on the map.”

In its 20 years of existence, RPI has positioned the province for success in a globally competitive environment and aims to bring even more Manitobans together in the future by accelerating the ability to maximize Indigenous growth opportunities across the province – continuing its strong economic, environmental, social and cultural impact.

“RPI is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in strengthening Manitoba’s research innovation ecosystem through its strategic partnerships and by cooperating with other post-secondaries, regional and national research labs, government departments, and industry associations,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. “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 transforming their ideas into reality. We’re determined to build on those relationships and together, create a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for all.” 

Following a breakfast reception, industry and community partners were invited to join the general public to tour RRC Polytech’s research labs and areas; experience demonstrations of its leading-edge technology; and engage with faculty, professional research staff and students to learn how applied research projects connect all areas of the College and are driving our province into the future.