Federal gov invests in innovation and technology in Alberta

The federal government has announced an investment of more than $15.6 million through PrairiesCan for 16 projects across Alberta that are providing innovators access to specialized equipment and knowledge to test, refine, and commercialize their advanced products and technologies.

The projects are focused on a wide range of key economic sectors, including digital technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and clean technology.

The Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association is receiving more than $3 million to enable over 20 Alberta business to participate in its Green Building Technology Network. This is an industry-led approach that is accelerating the adoption of innovative low-carbon building solutions by facilitating real-world technology demonstrations, delivering business growth services for small businesses and sharing the latest expertise regarding cleaner building technologies, products and practices.

ELIXR Simulations is receiving more than $1.3 million to deliver training and launch business development tools to accelerate the production and adoption of extended reality technologies, better positioning Alberta businesses to capitalize on rapid growth in the immersive technology sector.

The University of Alberta is receiving more than $1.3 million to establish the Canadian Cluster for Laser and Advanced Manufacturing—an applied research, networking, and information hub that will facilitate the expansion of Alberta laser cladding manufacturers into new industries and international markets.

The investments are expected to directly support more than 1,100 jobs and leverage approximately $11 million in additional funding from other orders of government and industry. This announcement supports the principles of the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, a long-term commitment to seize new possibilities to create good-paying jobs in a globally competitive economy by working together with partners across the Prairies.

“Alberta is known as a global leader in developing innovative and forward-thinking applications across a variety of sectors and industries,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “Our government is investing in these 16 projects to help Alberta entrepreneurs scale-up and bring their ideas to market. This investment means stronger businesses and more jobs here in Alberta.”