BC and Manitoba Research Centres Win National Award for Beer Innovation

The BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) and the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) have been awarded the Most Impactful Interactive Visit Award at the 2025 TAC Innovate Awards. This recognition was given for their collaborative efforts in supporting a Métis-owned microbrewery in Winnipeg to develop a high-quality non-alcoholic craft beer. The awards ceremony took place last month in Quebec City, hosted by Tech-Access Canada.

Collaboration Drives Innovation in Non-Alcoholic Beer Production

This partnership between BC BTAC at Okanagan College and PRK at RRC Polytech aimed to help the microbrewery tap into the rapidly growing non-alcoholic beverage market. The teams utilized their expertise in sensory analysis, analytical testing, and process optimization to provide the brewery with both technical guidance and strategic support, which is crucial for moving towards commercialization.

In addition to aiding the microbrewery’s product development, this initiative also enhanced the internal research capabilities of the brewery itself. The collaboration showcases a model for national partnerships by effectively merging resources and expertise across provinces.

Karin Grosstessner-Hain, Manager of BC BTAC, emphasized the significance of this award. “This award highlights how well our Technology Access Centres have worked together with industry,” she stated. “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.”

Strengthening Cross-Provincial Research Partnerships

Leaders from both educational institutions underscored the importance of this recognition in promoting the value of cross-provincial research collaborations. Mary Butterfield, Director of Applied Research at Okanagan College, noted, “This national recognition underscores the strength of applied research at Okanagan College and the value of collaboration across Canada’s Technology Access Centres.” She added that combining expertise across institutions is vital for helping industry partners innovate and grow.

The project also provided hands-on experience for students, particularly a Life Sciences co-op student from RRC Polytech, who contributed to the research while gaining valuable practical skills. Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research, Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech, pointed out that such cross-provincial partnerships are essential for fostering innovation. “This project is an important example of how students bring new energy and ideas to the table while gaining hands-on research experience,” she said.

Both institutions expressed their commitment to innovation and regional economic growth through initiatives like this one. Samantha Lenci, Vice President Academic at Okanagan College, congratulated everyone involved, stating, “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.”

Okanagan College is currently engaged in several research projects focused on helping businesses and communities tackle real-world challenges. This award not only highlights the success of the non-alcoholic beer project but also reinforces the ongoing efforts to create partnerships that benefit local economies across Canada.