Partnership with Métis-owned microbrewery earns award
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The BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at Okanagan College and the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) at RRC Polytech have been nationally recognized for their collaborative work helping a Métis-owned microbrewery in Winnipeg develop a high-quality non-alcoholic craft beer.
The two centres received the Most Impactful Interactive Visit Award at the 2025 TAC Innovate Awards, hosted last month in Quebec City by Tech-Access Canada. The award highlights exceptional applied research partnerships between industry and Canada’s network of Technology Access Centres (TACs).
BC BTAC and PRK partnered to support the microbrewery’s goal of producing a premium non-alcoholic beer, a fast-growing segment of the beverage industry. The teams integrated expertise in sensory analysis, analytical testing and process optimization, providing both technical guidance and strategic support to move the company closer to commercialization. The work also helped the brewery strengthen its internal research capacity.
For the TACs, the project established a model for national collaboration by merging capabilities across provinces and disciplines.
“This award highlights how well our Technology Access Centres have worked together with industry,” Karin Grosstessner-Hain, manager of BC BTAC, said in a release. “Both teams demonstrated incredible adaptability, knowledge and impact in applied research. I’m proud of the value our TACs are bringing to the economy, across provinces and sectors.”
Leaders from both institutions say the recognition reflects the growing importance of cross-provincial research partnerships.
“This national recognition underscores the strength of applied research at Okanagan College and the value of collaboration across Canada’s Technology Access Centres,” said Mary Butterfield, director of applied research at Okanagan College. “By combining expertise across institutions, our teams are helping industry partners innovate and grow while creating meaningful applied learning opportunities for students.”
The project also provided direct hands-on experience for a RRC Polytech Life Sciences co-op student while expanding BC BTAC’s emerging portfolio in non-alcoholic beverage development.
“Cross-provincial partnerships are essential for driving innovation and creating solutions for Canadian businesses on a local, national and international scale,” said Jolen Galaugher, executive director of research, partnerships and innovation at RRC Polytech. “This project is an important example of how students bring new energy and ideas to the table while gaining hands-on research experience.”
Both institutions say the initiative aligns with their broader mandates to support innovation, strengthen local businesses, and contribute to regional economic growth.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved in this award, which acknowledges the strong work that went into supporting a local business through research and development,” said Samantha Lenci, vice-president academic at Okanagan College. “Okanagan College is here to work in partnership to find innovative solutions to real world problems.”
Okanagan College currently has several research projects underway aimed at helping businesses and communities address real-world challenges.
» Winnipeg Sun