Wednesday, April 6, 2011, Calgary, Alberta – When it comes to applied research, SAIT Polytechnic is on a roll. SAIT will expand several exciting research-based projects thanks to funding recently announced from the Government of Canada’s College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program.

“SAIT is pleased to receive funding for three of the 14 projects awarded nationally though CCI,” says Alex Zahavich, SAIT’s Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services. “This achievement highlights the value of the applied research work being done at SAIT and confirms we have the expertise to meet the needs of our industry partners.” 

The latest CCI Innovation and Enhancement Grants and Applied Research and Development Grant provide the institution with approximately $4.3 million over five years towards research in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Clean Energy Technologies (CET), specifically in the area of water treatment.

About the projects

Innovation Enhancement Grants:

• RFID: Track and Traceability
  
  RFID Technology can be used to improve accuracy and efficiency in tracking and tracing assets and inventories in the agriculture and health care industries. The technology creates a business advantage that becomes even more critical during slow economic times by helping companies establish and maintain a competitive advantage. SAIT’s RFID Application Development Lab (RAD Lab) is well positioned to assist in the investigation, experimentation and development of new applications, such as better reading accuracy of livestock and improved inventory tracking of hospital equipment.
  
• Produced Water Treatment and Waste Water Remediation
  
  CET is highlighted by the urgent need for effective energy, water and environmental technologies. The critical worldwide demand for CET presents a significant opportunity for Canada to become a global leader and demonstrate water treatment technologies from de-oiling to desalination for environmentally sustainable conventional oil and unconventional (oil sands) energy production. SAIT’s research program in Produced-Water Treatment and Waste Water Remediation responds to the need for local technological solutions. This research will generate multiple benefits and tangible outcomes for industry and society, such as reduced fresh-water usage and overall efficiency to reduce the energy footprint in the oil and gas industry.

Applied Research and Development (ARD) Grant:

• Hybrid Water Desalination System
  
  SAIT will use its expertise in the Industrial Water and Waste Water Laboratory to build a Hybrid Water Desalination System prototype in conjunction with Trilogy Environmental Systems Inc. The prototype will be tested on coastal waters from various regions in the world. The project will help provide a sustainable and profitable business dedicated to providing high quality water for industrial and residential use through environmentally friendly advanced water treatment systems.

CCI is jointly managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. SAIT is a member of Polytechnics Canada and one of Alberta’s Top 50 Employers for 2011.

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