Grant: Technology Access Centre

For over 10 years, the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) has served as a gateway for the aerospace (civil/commercial & defence) and manufacturing (producers of goods) industries to access technologies and expertise previously unavailable directly in Manitoba. Based on consultations with industry stakeholders, experience working with the private sector and government priorities to support innovation, TACAM tailored its activities and capabilities toward six unique areas of innovation expertise representing innovation needs in the region. TACAM currently serves industry utilizing the unique expertise of its 15 full-time professionals, with additional support from faculty, staff, students, and contractors, and through facilities with capital assets worth over $40 million. TACAM was renewed by NSERC in 2017 and has actively engaged with large organizations and small to mid-size enterprises (SMEs) throughout the Manitoba region. Over the last five years only, TACAM has conducted over 200 unique projects for its clients, partnered with over 100 unique organizations, generated over $6 million in total revenues and successfully implemented capital projects worth more than $14 million. RRC Polytech is seeking the renewal of TACAM for another five years (2023-2028), with objectives including (1) Sustained growth in all areas of TACAM’s offerings and innovation expertise, (2) Consolidation of existing capabilities across facilities and locations, and (3) Diversification of TACAM’s training and knowledge dissemination portfolio. The TACAM team will work closely with its stakeholders including the College community, industry and industry associations, all levels of government, academic institutions, research organizations and Tech-Access Canada to draw on a collective capability to advance the frontiers of applied research, focus on outcomes and deliver value to the region. This is consistently with RRC Polytech’s mandate to enhance the economic and social well-being of Manitoba. The renewed TACAM will support regional innovation, incorporate additional EDI measures, grow its level of student and faculty engagement, promote an environment of collegiality and support career advancement for its staff. RRC Polytech’s continual operation of TACAM is critical for sustaining momentum, success, impact, and for paving ways for newer opportunities as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.