BC and Manitoba Research Centres Win National Award for Craft Beer Innovation

The collaborative efforts of the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) and the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) have earned them national recognition. The two research centres were awarded the Most Impactful Interactive Visit Award at the 2025 TAC Innovate Awards, held recently in Quebec City by Tech-Access Canada. This accolade honors outstanding partnerships between the industry and Canada’s network of Technology Access Centres (TACs).

The award highlights the successful collaboration aimed at assisting a Métis-owned microbrewery in Winnipeg develop a premium-quality non-alcoholic craft beer. This innovative sector is rapidly expanding within the beverage industry, and the partnership between BC BTAC and PRK played a crucial role in the brewery’s ambitions. The expertise of these centres in sensory analysis, analytical testing, and process optimization provided vital technical and strategic support, facilitating the brewery’s progression toward commercialization.

Karin Grosstessner-Hain, Manager of BC BTAC, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “This award highlights how well our Technology Access Centres have worked together with industry. Both teams demonstrated incredible adaptability, knowledge and impact in applied research.” She expressed pride in the value that the TACs contribute to the economy across various provinces and sectors.

Fostering Cross-Provincial Collaboration

The leaders from both institutions noted that this recognition reflects the increasing importance of cross-provincial research partnerships. Mary Butterfield, Director of Applied Research at Okanagan College, remarked, “This national recognition underscores the strength of applied research at Okanagan College and the value of collaboration across Canada’s Technology Access Centres.” By leveraging expertise from multiple institutions, they are enabling industry partners to innovate and grow while providing valuable applied learning opportunities for students.

The project also allowed a Life Sciences co-op student from RRC Polytech to gain practical experience, showcasing how academic partnerships can benefit students while expanding BC BTAC’s portfolio in non-alcoholic beverage development. Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research, Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech, pointed out, “Cross-provincial partnerships are essential for driving innovation and creating solutions for Canadian businesses on a local, national and international scale.”

Supporting Local Businesses and Economic Growth

Both institutions emphasize that this initiative aligns with their broader mandates to foster innovation, enhance local businesses, and contribute to economic growth in their regions. Samantha Lenci, Vice President Academic at Okanagan College, congratulated all those 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 aimed at tackling real-world challenges faced by businesses and communities. The recognition received at the TAC Innovate Awards serves as a testament to the positive impact of applied research in supporting local enterprises and promoting collaborative efforts across provinces. As the demand for non-alcoholic beverages continues to grow, initiatives like this will likely play an essential role in shaping the future of the industry in Canada.