Red Deer Polytechnic Joins National Network to Advance Research Commercialization and Entrepreneurship

Red Deer Polytechnic
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Prime Highlights:

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) joins a network of 38 postsecondary institutions across Canada to receive over $24 million in Lab to Market funding from the Government of Canada.

The funding, provided by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), supports the commercialization of academic research, fostering innovation and economic growth.

The College-University Lab to Market Network aims to turn research into market-ready products and businesses, emphasizing inclusivity and Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Key Background:

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is proud to announce its participation in a national initiative aimed at advancing entrepreneurship and research commercialization across Canada. The institution is part of a network of 38 postsecondary institutions that will collectively receive over $24 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Lab to Market initiative. This funding, provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), will support efforts to turn academic research into tangible solutions, stimulate economic growth, and promote innovation, with a particular focus on inclusivity and Indigenous entrepreneurship.

The College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization aims to bridge the gap between academic research and market-ready products, creating significant economic and social impact across the country. The initiative will also support Indigenous business development by ensuring equity of access and fostering opportunities for underrepresented groups to benefit from the commercialization process.

Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Applied Research at Red Deer Polytechnic, expressed enthusiasm for RDP’s involvement in the project. “We are excited to be a member of the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization and contribute to the growth of applied research across Canada,” she said. “At RDP, we are committed to advancing industries and communities through technology, education, training, and applied research that generates positive social and economic outcomes.”

The grant will fund training and mentorship programs designed to teach participants how to transform research ideas into successful products and businesses. By emphasizing inclusivity, including support for Indigenous entrepreneurship, the initiative will challenge traditional views of entrepreneurship and ensure that a diverse range of individuals can benefit from these opportunities.

The Network’s 11 regional hubs will deliver tailored support to meet the specific needs of local communities, ensuring participants have access to the research expertise, skills, and knowledge needed to succeed. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with over 610 business mentors and more than 2,100 industry specialists, aligning academic innovation with real-world market demands.

A key element of the initiative is its focus on integrating Indigenous perspectives. The Network includes three Indigenous Hubs and allocates 20 percent of project funds to support Indigenous students and businesses, enhancing the capacity for Indigenous entrepreneurship across Canada. As one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Polytechnics and Colleges, RDP is committed to driving applied research in key sectors, including Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing, Energy Innovation, Health Care and Health Technology, and Social Innovation.