Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received more than $1.6 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to support two projects of national significance, strengthening the Polytechnic's applied research capacity in healthcare and energy innovation.
Advancing Rural & Remote Healthcare Innovation
Advancing Rural & Remote Healthcare Innovation - an instructor and students in Red Deer Polytechnic's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma program training in a lab on RDP's main campus.
RDP has received $652,008 from the CFI to advance person-centred healthcare innovation for rural and remote communities. The project, titled Redefining Person-centred Care in Rural and Regional Communities in Alberta Through Technology and Data Innovation, is one of 23 projects funded through the CFI's College Fund.
Through this applied research project, new health technologies, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics and advanced diagnostic tools, will be developed and tested by incorporating input from stakeholders to meet the needs of underserved communities.
Applied research teams will use advanced 3D printers and electronics assembly stations to create and refine assistive devices and diagnostic equipment tailored to individual needs. Teams will also use specialized technology and a mobile health unit to collect health data, test new devices and provide hands-on training directly in rural communities.
Across the institutions receiving funding, the initiative will generate more than 30 new jobs, train more than 35 students annually and drive growth across Canada's health-technology sector, contributing to both community wellbeing and national economic strength.
By grounding solutions in real-world needs and ensuring they are adaptable across various settings, the initiative strengthens Canada's ability to respond to persistent system challenges, including limited access to services, workforce shortages and barriers to specialized care. Stronger health outcomes for seniors and people managing chronic conditions will be supported through improved access to timely care and more efficient, technology-enabled service delivery.
RDP has secured 28 initial partners who are collaborating on this project, including Bethany Care, Primary Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Acute Care Alberta and Rocket Doctor.
"Supporting rural and remote healthcare is a key priority for Red Deer Polytechnic," comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. "This project is another example of how RDP is driving innovation, fostering collaboration and developing solutions to improve equitable access to care for communities across Alberta and beyond. It also reflects the vision of our Rural and Remote Health & Wellness Centre of Excellence."
The Rural and Remote Health & Wellness Centre of Excellence, established in partnership with Covenant, will be housed in RDP's new Healthtech Centre for Applied Learning and Innovation.
Advancing Energy Innovation
Advancing Energy Innovation - an instructor and student conduct training using solar panels installed on RDP's main campus rooftop.
With a further investment of $992,109, the CFI is funding RDP to tackle urgent energy challenges by developing cold-climate solutions for energy storage, microgrids and sustainable digital infrastructure.
The Energy Innovation Centre at RDP will test and certify second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries, simulate intelligent microgrid systems, and prototype low-carbon, sovereign data centres powered by renewables.
This work fills a national gap by providing industry-accessible, production-grade testing and real-world integration. The project will reduce electronic waste, improve grid resilience, lower energy costs and strengthen Canada's data sovereignty. The funding will also be used to train more than 25 skilled professionals annually, helping build a future-ready workforce to lead Canada's energy resilience.
"By expanding our applied research capacity, we're accelerating solutions that improve the lives of people in our community, while opening new opportunities for students and industry across Alberta and beyond," says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic. "These projects are focused on strengthening health services, advancing practical energy technologies and helping communities benefit from innovation that is locally relevant, adaptable and ready for real-world use."
For more information, please refer to the Canada Foundation for Innovation media release.
