Alberta Corridor Symposium showcases research innovation for a stronger future

Published on September 17, 2024

Today experts in applied research across Alberta convened for the second annual Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium, titled Research Matters: Empowering Alberta Through Innovative Solutions. 

This event organized by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) brings together students and applied researchers from colleges and polytechnics across Alberta to present their cutting-edge, industry and community facing applied research projects.  

With the aim of creating innovative solutions to support Alberta’s diverse economy, the research projects featured explored a wide range of topics including agriculture, energy and natural resources, health care, development of circular economies, environmental monitoring, automation and more.

During the day-long event, students from the host polytechnics also had a chance to showcase their research to industry professionals, academics and community leaders, and exhibit findings on topics such as optimizing energy efficiency in residential buildings, lunar exploration, and utilizing pulp and paper waste in forestry applications. 

“Our collaboration across polytechnics and colleges has never been stronger in driving impactful results for Alberta's economy,” says Olle Lagerquist, AVP, Industry Solutions, NAIT. “Through applied research and close partnerships with industry and communities, we are fostering innovation and addressing real-world challenges and today’s symposium highlights the power of our collective efforts and how our institutions are supporting Alberta.” 

“Alberta’s polytechnics are at the forefront of applied research, providing essential capacity and industry partnerships that fuel a thriving economy,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, RDP. “Red Deer Polytechnic, a leader in advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy and social and healthcare innovation, is proud to collaborate with SAIT and NAIT to showcase the groundbreaking research shaping Alberta’s future.” 

“The annual Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium brings SAIT together with our provincial polytechnic partners to showcase industry-driven research and solutions across the various disciplines supporting Alberta’s economy,” says Jamie McInnis, Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services, SAIT. “With a focus on empowering Alberta through innovation, the opportunity to share applied research, and connect outcomes to real-world problems, will continue to propel industry forward. Through this network, we are collectively positioning Alberta as a leader in research and innovation.” 

The annual Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium began in 2023 with the first event being held at SAIT. The one-day event embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation by bringing together three of Alberta's leading polytechnic colleges to showcase the incredible work of Albertan researchers who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research with real-world applications. 

About NAIT 

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With more than 38,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven applied research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta. 

About Red Deer Polytechnic 

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 80 industry-relevant programs and a breadth of credentials to approximately 10,000 credit, non-credit, and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities. 

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another. 

For more information, please visit: rdpolytech.ca | twitter | facebook | instagram 

About SAIT 

Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education and research — serving nearly 40,000 students annually — SAIT offers certificate, diploma, post diploma, apprenticeship and applied degree programs, baccalaureate degrees, corporate training and more than 1,000 continuing education courses, along with six dedicated, award-winning areas of research and capacity for new and emerging research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the demand for talent. SAIT is honoured to be recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024, and to be ranked sixth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2023. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #49 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2024, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #14 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2024. 

Connect with us: facebook.com/SAIT | twitter.com/SAIT | instagram.com/SAIT 

Media inquiries 

Nicole Graham 
NAIT Senior Media and External Relations Specialist 
780.916.8307 
media@nait.ca 

Seth Slomp 
RDP Communications Strategist – Applied Research 
seth.slomp@rdpolytech.ca  

Kate Laverdure 
SAIT Senior Communications Specialist 
403.630.6152 
kate.laverdure@sait.ca 

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