RDP & Network Partners Receive Grant to Advance Entrepreneurship & Research Commercialization Across Canada
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is proud to be part of a network of 38 post-secondary institutions across Canada who are receiving more than $24 million in Lab to Market funding from the Government of Canada to work together to bring more academic research ideas to reality, support Indigenous business and drive economic growth.
Led by Red River College Polytechnic, the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization will create opportunities to turn research into real-world solutions and businesses, helping the economy grow and foster innovation. People and economies across the country will benefit from the shared knowledge, skills, and resources from across the Network.
“We are excited to be a member of the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization and help contribute to the growth of applied research across Canada,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic. “At RDP, we are committed to increasing productivity by advancing industries and communities through technology, education, training and applied research for positive social and economic impact.”
This grant provided by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) will help the Network provide training and mentorship to teach the process of turning research ideas into successful products and businesses ready for market, helping the economy grow and fostering innovation. It challenges the traditional concept of entrepreneurship by emphasizing inclusivity, Indigenous entrepreneurship and enabling equity of access for a more diverse range of people to benefit from across the country.
Regional delivery through the Network’s 11 Hubs will support and fit the unique needs of the participants, communities, ecosystems and markets across the country, ensuring they have the research expertise, skills and knowledge needed to successfully enter and thrive in the market.
With opportunities to connect with 610 business mentors and more than 2,100 applied research and industry specialists, these programs bridge the gap between research and industry, aligning academic innovation with real-world needs to create impactful, market-ready solutions.
A fundamental element to this Lab to Market proposal is the integration of Indigenous perspectives and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country. The Network includes three Indigenous Hubs that will offer tailored mentorship and resources, with 20 per cent of project funds benefiting Indigenous students and businesses.
As one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Polytechnics and Colleges, Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to growing applied research in four areas of focus: Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing, Energy Innovation, Health Care and Health Technology, and Social Innovation.
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