P2INACLE receiving an additional $586,000 from PrairiesCan

The Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems, known as P2INACLE, is receiving an additional $586,000 over two years from Prairies Economic Development Canada to advance Prairie innovation, building on an earlier commitment of nearly $900,000 announced last year.

These federal investments will support applied research to help unlocking new, real-world solutions that can be leveraged by the mining industry.

P2INACLE is an applied research network bringing together the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities of six polytechnics across the Canadian Prairies—NAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic, Red Deer Polytechnic, RRC Polytech, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and SAIT—to spark innovation, fuel economic growth and drive transformation across the region and beyond.

Administered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the network launched its first pilot in early 2025 along with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII). The initiative brought together polytechnics and industry partners from across Western Canada to identify challenges in the mining and minerals sector and develop practical, market-ready solutions.

“Canada’s new government is focused on helping Prairie businesses turn good ideas into real opportunities,” says the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “This additional support for Saskatchewan Polytechnic through P2INACLE builds on our earlier investment and will help more businesses access the expertise, tools, and support they need to test new technologies, solve real-world challenges, and bring new products and processes to market. By supporting innovators across the Prairies, we are helping businesses grow, creating new opportunities for workers, and building a stronger Canadian economy for everyone.”

“Saskatchewan and the Prairies have always punched above their weight, and our mining sector is a big reason why,” says the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “Investing in P2INACLE means strengthening our mining sector and the good, local jobs it enables in communities large and small across the Prairies and across Canada.”

Since 2025, the network has generated significant applied research interest. In its first year, eight mining-focused projects were completed, delivering solutions directly to industry partners. The work ranged from drone-based geophysical surveying to innovations in safety and advanced manufacturing. Recent applied research collaborations include NWP’s exploration of innovations to improve industrial safety as well as critical mineral exploration work in Manitoba with EarthEx, RRC Polytech and Sask Polytech; advanced manufacturing research aimed at improving mining efficiency with Red Deer and RRC Polytechnic; and efforts to reuse potash tailings as a compost additive to reduce environmental impact with Sask Polytech and NAIT. SAIT and Sask Polytech also advanced technological innovations for subsurface visualization.

“Applied research creates opportunities for industry, communities, and students alike,” says Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP's President and CEO. 

“Through P2INACLE, Northwestern Polytechnic is proudly contributing to innovative solutions that help address real-world challenges while providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences. This investment strengthens collaboration across the Prairies and supports economic growth in our region and beyond.”

The P2INACLE approach is also shifting how applied research is conducted in the prairies. Rather than operating independently, polytechnic institutions are increasingly working together, sharing opportunities and coordinating funding efforts for applied research projects.

Students are also seeing strong benefits. Through participation in research projects, they gain exposure not only to their home institution but also to partner polytechnics, broadening their skills and experience in ways that would be difficult without a collaborative network. At the same time, employers gain access to emerging talent, and graduates leave with practical, job-ready skills.

P2INACLE is now set to expand its reach and deepen its impact over the next two years. The next phase will focus on scaling collaboration, accelerating commercialization and ensuring industry partners retain intellectual property as innovations move toward market.

“By leveraging polytechnic expertise, P2INACLE is a force multiplier,” says Sabrina Kehoe, navigator and manager of the polytechnic network. “P2INACLE is positioning itself as a catalyst for economic diversification, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses seeking access to specialized expertise and equipment. By streamlining collaboration and connecting partners, P2INACLE aims to turn applied research into real-world results more quickly.”

With fresh federal support in place, the network is now focused on translating early momentum into lasting economic gains for Western Canada and beyond.