PrairiesCan announces $3M federal investment in Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics in Man.
by CM Staff
The Institute will also provide the manufacturing industry with access to affordable and relevant research and development, lowering their risk and increasing confidence in investing in new technologies.
Minister Vandal announces support for new institute dedicated to advancing global competitiveness of Manitoba’s manufacturing sector (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)
WINNIPEG — On Jun. 28, Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital, announced a federal investment of $3 million in the new Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics (IAMM) at Red River College (RRC) Polytechnic. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that integrates engineering specialties in areas such as mechanical, electronics, control systems, robotics, and computer science. PrairiesCan funding is provided through the Regional Innovation Ecosystem program, which supports industry workforce development, technology advancement, and applied research.
The new institute will be headquartered in the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus. Once up and running in Fall 2023, it will be based on three main pillars:
- New academic and industry collaborative programming for existing employees and new hires;
- A Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer to connect small-medium sized businesses with students and facilitate student-led research activities; and
- Establish Manitoba’s first Applied Research Chair dedicated to Advanced Manufacturing.
The Institute will also provide the manufacturing industry with access to affordable and relevant research and development, lowering their risk and increasing confidence in investing in new technologies that drive competitiveness and productivity growth.
“Red River College Polytechnic is a leader in Manitoba’s manufacturing industry. Our government is pleased to help make the College’s new Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics possible. This Institute will promote access to research and bridge gaps between industry and academia,” said Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital.
“The Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics will build momentum in Manitoba’s manufacturing sector, allowing RRC Polytech to bridge critical skills and labour gaps, spur applied research activities within the sector’s many small-to medium-enterprise (SME) employers, and foster an innovation ecosystem where industry-education partnerships shift technological disruption from threats to opportunities. The Price Institute was made possible because of the vision and commitment of Dr. Gerry Price and Barb Price, as well as generous support from the Government of Canada,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.
