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Alberta invests in drones, forests, hydrogen

In 2022, the government released the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy to cement Alberta as a dominant player and internationally recognized technology and investment hub. Funding for the Research Capacity Program is an important part of achieving the plan’s strategic goals.

Alberta’s Research Capacity Program strengthens the ability of Alberta’s universities and colleges to do more research. It covers up to 40 per cent of the costs for important equipment and facilities and will provide this new funding to post-secondary institutions.

This investment from Alberta’s government leverages more than $7 million allocated for these projects from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, post-secondary institutions, non-profit organizations and industry.

“Alberta’s researchers are world-class, and investments like this are making our province a leader in technology and innovation. We’re making sure Alberta is the destination of choice for researchers, innovators and investors looking to bring new technologies to solve today’s biggest challenges – all while growing and diversifying our economy,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation.

“Alberta’s post-secondary institutions are driving our province towards a future defined by technological excellence. This funding reinforces our commitment to supporting projects that advance critical research, grow our economy and attract world-class talent,” said  Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education.

The latest round of successful applications includes projects ranging from advancements in unmanned flight and environmental restoration to developments in energy storage and agricultural technologies:

• NAIT’s Boreal Research Project will expand research and help Indigenous communities develop plant and seed technologies, forest reclamation and peatland restoration.
• SAIT’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Project will develop heavy lift remotely piloted aircraft systems for beyond visual line of sight operations.
• SAIT’s Hydrogen and Energy Storage Technologies Project will develop clean energy solutions in hydrogen energy and battery energy storage systems.
• Lethbridge College’s Smart Irrigation Farm Project will create precision irrigation management strategies to maximize crop productivity and minimize water use in Alberta’s agricultural sector.