As part of its role in strengthening Manitoba's contribution to Canada's growing defence and industrial capacity, RRC Polytech has been tapped to lead a new initiative providing Manitoba businesses with practical support to prepare for work in the defence sector.
Through a new $3.2-million investment from Prairies Economic Development Canada through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative, RRC Polytech will establish the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, a two-year collaboration with Manitoba Aerospace Inc. and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
The initiative aims to help local businesses harness their existing expertise and capacity in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology, by reducing barriers to entering defence supply chains, including complex procurement processes and demanding cybersecurity and certification requirements.
Supports include helping companies understand government purchasing requirements, strengthen cybersecurity, meet security rules for handling controlled goods and technology, and prepare to participate in defence contracts.
Businesses will also receive support to identify dual-use technology. The initiative will help connect companies with larger defence businesses, government buyers and other potential customers, giving them a clearer path to new contracts and supply-chain opportunities.
"We are thrilled by PrairiesCan's investment in Manitoba's innovation and defence ecosystem," says Dr. Jolen Galaugher, RRC Polytech's Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI).
"By combining our applied research capabilities with the expertise of our partners at Manitoba Aerospace and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, we are creating an accelerated pathway from innovation to commercialization and market growth.
"Together we are strengthening Manitoba's role in Canada's defence industrial base while creating new opportunities for businesses, investments and economic growth throughout the province."
The announcement comes less than a month after more than $2 million in federal funding was earmarked for RRC Polytech research activities through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) College Fund, part of a larger investment of more than $118 million to support 357 research infrastructure projects at 68 post-secondary institutions across Canada.
RRC Polytech was the only institution to receive funding for the maximum of three projects, including the development of microgrid testbed facilities through its Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre, a prefabricated housing construction project led by its Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre, and an upgraded user interface/user experience (UI/UX) research lab at the Applied Computer Education Project Space.
The projects will also receive more than $2 million in matching funds from Research Manitoba, thanks to increased funding from the provincial government.
"This new funding expands RRC Polytech and its RPI department as a national leader in renewable energy research and development, sustainable construction and digital technologies," says Galaugher. "Thanks to CFI, our existing research infrastructure will receive the support needed to confront the very real challenges our region is facing."
