‘That true synergy’: Tonya Wolfe on linking research and entrepreneurship in Central Alberta

Digital Journal sat down with Tonya Wolfe to explore how the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN), one of Alberta’s Regional Innovation Networks (RIN), is linking applied research and entrepreneurship in rural communities.

Wolfe, who leads CARIN and serves as Associate Vice-President, Applied Research at Red Deer Polytechnic, explains why regional collaboration is key to helping innovators move from ideas to impact. She describes how post-secondary institutions like Red Deer Polytechnic and Olds College act as technical partners for startups, providing advanced expertise in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and health.

Wolfe highlights CARIN’s grassroots efforts to connect entrepreneurs with local stakeholders through events like the “Resource Roundup,” and discusses the importance of balancing technology and business readiness for early-stage companies. She also addresses the ongoing challenge of helping rural businesses scale beyond regional markets while staying rooted in their communities.

Her insights shed light on how Alberta’s Regional Innovation Networks (RINs) are pooling their strengths to create a cooperative model that supports applied research, entrepreneurship, and economic development across the province.

Watch the full interview to learn how collaboration and applied research are driving rural innovation in Central Alberta. For more visit: digitaljournal.com/topic/rin