Prime Highlights:
PrairiesCan invests $899,500 into the Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems.
The initiative promotes collaboration between polytechnics and industry partners to leverage expertise, infrastructure, and research talent.
Key Background:
PrairiesCan announced a significant investment of $899,500 into the Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems (P2INACLE). This funding will support a collaborative network comprising leading polytechnic institutions from across the Prairie provinces, including Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Northwestern Polytechnic, Red Deer Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
The initiative, led by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is designed to foster innovation and economic development by providing businesses access to cutting-edge facilities, equipment, and research expertise. Through this network, P2INACLE aims to stimulate technological, social, and economic advancements in Western Canada, with a focus on industries such as mining and minerals.
The first pilot project will be launched this spring in partnership with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII). This project will facilitate collaboration between polytechnic institutions and industry partners to address challenges in the mining sector, identifying innovative solutions to improve industry practices. The goal is to create a collaborative research ecosystem that will drive innovation in mining and other sectors vital to the region’s economy.
PrairiesCan’s support will enable P2INACLE to create a robust network of applied research collaborations that promote cross-disciplinary partnerships. By connecting industry with high-quality research talent and infrastructure, the project will help foster economic growth, job creation, and the commercialization of new technologies. The initiative also strengthens regional cooperation, bringing together institutions across the Prairies to solve shared challenges and develop practical solutions. As Dr. Jolen Galaugher of RRC Polytech notes, the P2INACLE initiative will enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global mining and minerals sector through the application of clean technologies, digital technologies, and value-added agriculture.
