Mohawk College is joining a nationwide network of leading colleges and universities aimed at turning innovative ideas into tangible solutions that address societal challenges and create more opportunities for Canadians.
Today (Jan 16), the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced $95.3 million in funding over five years through the Lab to Market grants. As part of this initiative, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) has been awarded $24.1 million to lead one of four national networks aimed at increasing entrepreneurship and research commercialization across Canada.
Mohawk College is a key partner in the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship & Research Commercialization, led by RRC Polytech. This initiative, which supports all academic disciplines, offers researchers mentorship, digital resources, financial assistance, and collaboration opportunities to accelerate commercialization and enhance entrepreneurial skills. RRC Polytech will lead the network in building capacity to foster an ecosystem that drives the economic and societal impact of Canadian research.
"Canada's potential for innovation knows no bounds when researchers and entrepreneurs are given the right support", said Cristina Gage, Dean of Applied Research, Mohawk College. "Collaboration is at the heart of this effort, and this partnership reflects Mohawk College's commitment to supporting researchers and students in developing solutions that benefit communities and contribute to broader societal goals. Together, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that transforms ideas into solutions." [SS1] [2]
"Our government's investment helps bridge academic institutions with industry, empowering researchers like those here in Winnipeg at Red River Polytech to turn their innovations into real-world solutions. When researchers move their breakthroughs from the lab to the marketplace, they fuel economic growth, create good jobs, and keep Canada competitive", said The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
The Lab to Market grants initiative stems from the Government of Canada's commitment in the 2022 Federal Budget to launch a new national program to help students and researchers take their work to market. The initiative is a collaboration among the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), on behalf of the Government of Canada.
About IDEAWORKS
At Mohawk College, IDEAWORKS fills the space between research and solutions by delivering customized support to organizations. As an active hub of applied research and innovation, we provide our industry and community partners with access to faculty and staff expertise, an inspired student workforce, exceptional facilities and top-notch technology. IDEAWORKS is home to over eight areas of expertise including several research centres: the mHealth and eHealth Development and Innovation Centre (MEDIC); the Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC); the Energy and Power Innovation Centre (EPIC); and the Centre for Climate Change Management (CCCM), the Unmanned and Remote Sensing Innovation Centre (URSIC); and Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives(CERI). It also houses several research labs, and other emerging research areas such as the Industrial Internet of Things Lab (IIoT), and the Sustainable Building Technologies.
For more information about IDEAWORKS' projects, please email ideaworks@mohawkcollege.ca.
