RRC Polytech's leading role in Manitoba's innovation ecosystem is growing again with new funding announced today (Oct 15) by the Government of Canada that will boost applied research capabilities and help support local manufacturers as they transition to Industry 4.0 to build a greener and more efficient tomorrow.
Created to give researchers the tools they need to think big and innovate, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has awarded RRC Polytech's Technology Access Centre for Aerospace & Manufacturing (TACAM) a $795,443 grant through its College fund, for research infrastructure to advance green manufacturing, automation, and sustainability.
RRC Polytech has also received an additional $238,633 through the CFI Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) to support the ongoing operation of this advanced research infrastructure.
The funds were awarded to RRC Polytech's Research, Partnerships and Innovation (RPI) department - the Polytech's gateway to industry partnerships.
"This strategic investment helps RRC Polytech move faster in modernizing aerospace and manufacturing, making them more digital and environmentally friendly," said Janfizza Bukhari, Director of TACAM at RRC Polytech. "It will also build stronger partnerships with industry and support local businesses, especially SMEs, save costs, improve quality, and meet the growing need for greener manufacturing solutions."
TACAM is using its latest CFI funding to develop a large-format hybrid manufacturing system that combines 3D printing and machining. It will enable the production of large tooling components such as patterns, molds, and trimming fixtures with minimal material waste. Additionally, expanded heat treatment capabilities for metal additive manufacturing will enhance the prototyping of stress-relieved parts, improving the durability, functionality, and sustainability of manufactured components.
CFI's funding model is designed to foster collaboration as institutions must secure the remaining funds through partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, industry and other public, private and not-for-profit organizations. Dimatec Inc. and the National Research Council's Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre (AMTC) in Montreal are partnering on the total project cost of $1,988,608.
"This investment by the Government of Canada through the Canada Foundation for Innovation is driving discoveries in areas that matter most to Canada," said Sylvain Charbonneau, CFI President and CEO, in a government news release. "By equipping universities and colleges with cutting edge research tools and labs that underpin innovation, we help ensure Canada remains secure, productive and globally competitive."
RRC Polytech is one of 63 post-secondary institutions across the country, sharing in CFI's total investment of nearly $134 million to support research infrastructure projects that help propel innovation and build a resilient Canada in a time of intense international competition.
Through this national initiative, CFI is helping to attract and retain the world's top talent, train the next generation of researchers, support private-sector innovation and create high-quality jobs that strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life for all Canadians.
About the Canada Foundation for Innovation
With a bold, future-looking mandate, the Canada Foundation for Innovation equips researchers to be global leaders in their field and to respond to emerging challenges. Our investments in state-of-the-art tools, instruments and facilities at universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions underpin both curiosity- and mission-driven research that cuts across disciplines and bridges all sectors. The research infrastructure we fund mobilizes knowledge, spurs innovation and commercialization, and empowers the talented minds of a new generation.
