An applied research network launched in January 2025 continues to bring together six leading prairie polytechnics to accelerate innovation in Western Canada’s mining sector, tackling real-world industry challenges through rapid, collaborative research sprints.
The Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems, known as P2INACLE, brings together Saskatchewan Polytechnic, NAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic, Red Deer Polytechnic, RRC Polytech and SAIT to advance applied research and strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness.
The latest P2INACLE applied research initiative, Innovation Sprints, resulted in four new projects focused on mining innovation. These will deliver actionable insights on industry challenges identified by IMII, provide foundational research to guide future initiatives and strengthen collaboration across participating polytechnics by mapping shared expertise and facilities. Each project runs from January to March 31, 2026, with up to $25,000 in funding available with support from IMII, PrairiesCan and the lead polytechnic.
“The P2INACLE Network showcases the incredible potential of prairie polytechnics to support Canada’s innovation economy,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “By combining our research strengths, we’re helping industry anticipate future challenges and seize new opportunities. Sask Polytech is committed to advancing applied research that supports sustainable, resilient growth in across Saskatchewan’s mining sector and beyond.”
“IMII is pleased to partner with P2inacle for the Innovation Sprint projects, which provide an opportunity to get a high-level overview of recent innovations across a wide breath of sectors in areas that are strategically relevant to the Saskatchewan mining sector” says Lesley McGilp, executive director of IMII. “IMII is excited to see the outcomes of the Innovation Sprint projects which will help inform follow-on projects supported by our consortium members.”
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