Anthony Matlashewski Charitable Foundation donates $500K to Mechatronics program at Assiniboine

Assiniboine College is announcing a $500,000 donation toward the college’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology (Robotics and Automation) program that will become part of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment in September 2025. The donation will go towards the purchase of various teaching robots that will be located in the new lab space.

The Mechatronics diploma is an interdisciplinary program that combines mechanical engineering technologies and electronics.

“With the increased use of technology in the agriculture industry, the integration of automation and robotics has revolutionized the way we approach agricultural practices,” said Tim Hore, Dean of the Edwards School at Assiniboine. “As a result, the demand for professionals skilled in mechatronics, which involves mechanics, electronics and computing, has greatly increased.”

This skillset is in such strong demand, the program will launch in advance of the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. The Mechatronics program will reside in the existing Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology building, which is close to the future Prairie Innovation Centre, home to expanded programs in the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment.

The program has been developed in consultation and partnership with industry to service industrial sectors such as agriculture, food processing and industrial automation.

“The manufacturing sector in our province has increasingly become more advanced, and it is important that we can train and upskill our workforce with programs like this,” said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “We thank the Anthony Matlashewski Charitable Foundation for supporting Assiniboine College with this donation of equipment which will facilitate hands-on learning for the students.”

“We are responding to a growing demand for professionals who can design, implement and maintain mechatronics systems,” said Kevin Rogers, Academic Chair of Manufacturing and Agricultural Processing. “With the support from the Anthony Matlashewski Foundation, Assiniboine will be able to attract students interested in careers in agricultural automation, robotics, precision agriculture and ag-tech development, to give them the hands-on learning experiences we are so proud to offer.”

The 3-year Mechatronics diploma program will be unique in Canada due to the specialization in the agricultural industry/farming sector. The program will welcome 24 students in September 2025. Visit Assiniboine.net/mechatronics for program information and upcoming information sessions.