$4M funding supports new applied research centre in Alberta

Calgary, AB – The federal government says it is providing $4 million towards a new state-of-the-art applied research centre at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic). The funding will help businesses in the province’s energy, manufacturing and construction industries test and develop innovative technologies and products.

The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will contribute toward the total project cost of more than $13 million. Alberta Advanced Education and Technology has also contributed more than $4.2 million toward the project.

The money will help develop and equip the new SAIT Enerplus Innovation Centre, which will provide applied research services for companies in the energy, manufacturing and construction sectors. Staff at the centre will provide services that include simulating and validating new technologies or refining products and processes.

“By collaborating with industry partners, SAIT plays an active role in the advancement of technologies,” said Dr Alex Zahavich, director of SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services.

Upon completion, the facility will include laboratories with environmental simulation and containment control systems, prototype fabrication and testing.