Research and Innovation

Provincial Research and Innovation Organizations

Alberta’s future sustainability and prosperity rests, in no small part, on the ability to diversify the province's technology-based economy. Success in the global techno-economy requires that Alberta’s efforts are coordinated and focused.

Innovation is vital to the province’s success in the global marketplace. The Government of Alberta provides leadership and makes strategic investments in three priority areas: energy, information and communications technology (ICT), and life sciences. These investments build on Alberta’s traditional strengths and are helping the province develop a more diverse, knowledge-based economy.  

ASRA_LogoAlberta Science and Research Authority (ASRA)

Created in 1994, the Alberta Science and Research Authority (ASRA) is an independent board of members from Alberta's academic, business and research communities, appointed by provincial Cabinet.

ASRA is committed to the future prosperity of Alberta, fostering and improving our performance in innovation. It is only through a world-class education and skills development system, and access to the best ideas and technology, that we can grow our economy and nurture the full capacity of our people to innovate and develop new ideas. Indeed, our excellent science and research infrastructure (including people, knowledge, equipment, and facilities) form the basis for the development, adoption and commercialization of new technology, products and processes that are recognized and sold globally.

ASRA's mission is to enhance the contribution of science, research and innovation to the sustainable prosperity and quality of life of all Albertans. In order to fulfill this mission ASRA functions as the senior science and research advisory body of the Government of Alberta and works collaboratively with government departments and agencies and other stakeholders.

AHFMR_LogoAlberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research

Established by the Government of Alberta in 1980, the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) supports biomedical and health research at Alberta universities, affiliated institutions, and other medical and technology-related institutions.

Operating funds come from a portion of the interest revenue from a government endowment, with an initial investment of $300 million. With prudent management and financial guidance, the current value of the endowment has grown to approximately $1.4 billion (2007).

Since 1980, AHFMR has contributed more than $850 million directly to the scientific community.

Ingenuity_LogoAlberta Ingenuity Fund

The Alberta Ingenuity Fund (AIF) supports science and engineering research of the highest calibre, to create a prosperous future for the province. It draws funding from a $1 billion endowment established and managed by the Government of Alberta to build the capacity for innovation, especially in areas with long lasting social and economic impact.

Alberta Ingenuity manages an annual grant program that funds more than 300 researchers working in industry and at universities. Through this program Alberta Ingenuity is advancing knowledge and practical applications of research in Alberta’s priority areas of life sciences, energy and information and communications technology.

ARC_LogoAlberta Research Council Inc.

The Alberta Research Council Inc. (ARC) delivers innovative science and technology solutions to meet the priorities of industry and government in Alberta and beyond. Integrated multi-disciplinary teams help customers and partners take technologies form the laboratory to the field, strengthening their competitiveness and sustainability.

ARC accelerates the development and commercialization of products, processes and services in the energy, life sciences, agriculture, environment, forestry and manufacturing sectors. For more than 80 years, ARC has collaborated with business, industry, and academia to foster the economic development and prosperity of Alberta.

iCORE_LogoiCORE Inc.

 iCORE Inc. was established in October 1999 as part of the Government of Alberta’s strategy to create a globally competitive knowledge-based economic sector by investing in the highest caliber research scientists who work on fundamental and applied problems in informatics. It operates several grant programs to develop iCORE Inc. Chairs at Alberta universities, around which world-class research teams are developed. Since its inception, 28 research chairs have been established to focus on emerging areas such as wireless communications, artificial intelligence, and quantum and nanocomputing. For long-term success, iCORE Inc. is directing its support to areas in which Alberta companies are active, so that intellectual property and valuable knowledge workers resulting from iCORE Inc.'s investment will have compelling reasons to stay in Alberta.

Alberta Energy Research Institute

AERI_LogoThe Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) provides strategic direction to position Alberta for the future in energy development and invests in research and technology to enhance sustainable development of the province’s abundant energy resources.

The institute advises the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology and the Alberta government on energy research policy, and supports applied research leading to technology implementation and a secure, sustainable future for Alberta's energy industry.

  • Click to learn more about AERI

Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute

AICTI_LogoThe Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute (AICTI) provides strategic direction for, and encourages and supports private and public investment in the economic, environmental, ecological and community sustainability of Alberta’s forestry sector.

The Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute (AICTI) was created by the Government of Alberta through the Alberta Science and Research Authority Act in 2005. The Board provides leadership and guidance in expanding Alberta’s information and communications technology sector (ICT). In May 2008, The ICT Institute updated the provincial ICT strategy “Information and Communications Technology: A Strategy for Alberta”. The previous strategy, led to successful projects and the creation of substantial infrastructure. Some important outcomes include: the Alberta SuperNet, the Alberta Informatics Circle of Research Excellence (iCORE), Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Machine Learning, investments in high-performance computing infrastructure through WestGrid and Netera, and the establishment of the National Institute for Nanotechnology.

Alberta Life Sciences Institute

ALSI_LogoThe Alberta Life Sciences Institute (ALSI) provides strategic advice to government on expanding the province’s life sciences capacity by focusing on opportunities at the convergence of the traditional sectors of health, agriculture, forestry, and energy.  The institute works collaboratively with industry, academia and government to maximize innovation opportunities in many areas including health, resource management, bioproducts and platform technologies.

  • Click to learn more about ALSI

Alberta Forestry Research Institute

AFRI_LogoThe Alberta Forestry Research Institute (AFRI) provides strategic direction for, and encourages and supports private and public investment in the economic, environmental, ecological and community sustainability of Alberta’s forestry sector.

AFRI promotes and coordinates strategic research and innovation in the forestry sector. To meet the objectives of the Alberta government’s 20-year strategy, AFRI invests in initiatives that support sustainable forest management, enhance and diversify the forestry value chain and encourage development of innovative new products and processes.  AFRI supports these research and development initiatives through partnerships with industry, other governments and academia. AFRI’s goal is to build a profitable and sustainable forestry sector for future generations.

Alberta Agricultural Research Institute

AARI_LogoThe Alberta Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) provides strategic direction in agricultural production and value-added products research and development, and coordinates investment in agricultural research and development for the province.

 

 

  • Click to learn more about AARI

nanoAlberta 

nanoAlberta works with industry, researchers and investors to help build Alberta's nanotechnology industry and apply the benefits of nanotechnology in the energy, environment, medical, agriculture and forestry sectors.