SAIT ranked one of Canada’s top 10 research colleges for 2023

This year has been a strong one for applied research at SAIT. The institution continues to be recognized for excellence with a spot in the top 10 for the fourth year in a row on Research Infosource Inc.'s Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada.

The ranking caps off a year that included the establishment of a new centre to increase innovation in the construction sector, co-hosting the first annual Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium and teaming-up for an award-winning sustainability solution for the Department of National Defense.

The top research colleges list is part of Canada's Innovation Leaders (CIL) report, an annual acknowledgment of institutions contributing to Canada's global competitiveness in the knowledge economy, encompassing research universities, corporations, hospitals and colleges.

"Together with our industry partners, we are poised to address some of the world's biggest challenges, creating a positive impact that resonates beyond Alberta,” says Mark Butler, Vice President Corporate Development, Applied Research and International. “Applied research is a key driver of economic growth throughout the province, and we see immense potential in our opportunities to collaborate with industry through innovative solutions and partnerships.”

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department engages in industry-driven research across a wide array of knowledge areas within four distinct centres:

• Green Building Technologies Access Centre (GBTAC)
• Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM)
• Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS)
• Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS)

"Our research team is characterized by a high level of talent and specialized knowledge, supported by high-level facilities,” says Jamie McInnis, Director, ARIS. “Our goal is to establish ARIS as a hub for applied research in Alberta, anticipating challenges and developing innovative solutions, which drive impactful advancements for the broader community."

Each year, ARIS works with more than 200 companies to build approximately 100 prototypes. SAIT received $12.8 million dollars in research funding through ARIS in 2023.

Applied research highlights from 2023

Circular City: An integrated energy, water and waste management solution

Green Building Technologies Access Centre researcher Tyler Willson assisted with the early phase formation and concept development of an award-winning off-grid wastewater solution.

Following a multi-year series of projects, the Department of National Defense awarded the top prize in their pop-up city contest to the Circular City team.

Circular City's groundbreaking off-grid solution featured the world's first mobile wastewater recycling system powered by renewable energy, revolutionizing sustainability through circularity. The innovative final submission reduced fuel, water and waste for relocatable temporary camps, redefining logistics for military bases, remote communities and disaster response units.

ARIS played a key role with the winning team.

“We are so proud of the path paved by ARIS which brought together this demonstration of the seamless integration of waste, water and energy technologies,” says Willson, who acted as the Data Acquisition and Research Support Lead on the project. “The Circular City team displayed how innovation and sustainability — while factoring in human health and well-being — can be accomplished in situations where flexibility, mobility and rapid response are required. These results will significantly impact the accessibility of remote locations in the future.”

First annual Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium

Alberta's leading research polytechnics — SAIT, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Red Deer Polytechnic — united to host the inaugural Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium at SAIT's main campus. Featuring more than 15 research projects, from microplastics to remote healthcare solutions, the event attracted industry professionals, academics and emerging innovators. Going forward, the symposium will serve as a focal point for cutting-edge ideas, innovation and groundbreaking research in Alberta's diverse economic landscape each year.

Alternative Construction Technologies Centre

Feeding directly into the local economy and construction sector, the new Alternative Construction Technologies Centre (ACT) will play a role in reducing construction project costs, enabling faster completion, ensuring higher quality and minimizing environmental impact.

PrairiesCan announced a federal investment of $2,594,000 for the establishment of ACT at SAIT in August 2023. The facility is set to boost collaboration and the adoption of technology, while fostering innovation in the construction sector. It will also help pave the way for businesses to adopt emerging digital manufacturing technologies while accelerating growth in Alberta’s construction sector.