The rapid pace of global change demands a unified response, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing real-world challenges. As an integral part of this international framework, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is actively engaged in Horizon Europe, a research and innovation initiative set to tackle urgent global issues with innovative solutions. Positioned in Calgary, Alberta, the SAIT Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub is a pivotal component of Alberta’s forward-thinking research sector.

The ARIS Hub stretches over 79,000 square feet and encompasses state-of-the-art research laboratories and facilities staffed by 70 research experts devoted to creating effective services and solutions. Jamie McInnis, Director of the ARIS Hub, asserts, “Our research team is characterised by a high level of talent and specialised knowledge, supported by high-level facilities.” The ARIS Hub aims to position itself as a centre for applied research in Alberta, addressing challenges and developing progressive solutions that have a lasting impact on the community.

The collaboration between academia, industry, and communities is essential. This dynamic environment fosters skills development, nurtures innovation, and transforms theoretical concepts into practical applications, significantly enhancing both economic and environmental initiatives both locally and globally. Establishing partnerships with industry leaders in burgeoning sectors is crucial for promoting economic diversification. The Hub’s practical approach directly addresses the application of knowledge and the generation of innovations tailored to meet the specific needs of industries and communities.

The research at ARIS is focused on four key areas, all spearheaded by experts in information technology. Each project is meticulously defined and supported from inception through to pre-commercialisation.

Pioneering Energy Solutions

One of the standout areas at the ARIS Hub is the Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS). Here, collaborative efforts are harnessed to address both conventional and renewable energy challenges. The facility’s advanced research team—comprising experts in fields such as chemical engineering, environmental science, and instrumental chemistry—develops innovative approaches to energy issues affecting Canada and beyond.

A notable project involves the development of the vanadium redox flow battery. This innovative technology offers a sustainable storage solution by capturing surplus energy during peak production periods and dispensing it when necessary, ensuring a reliable energy supply. The initial deployment is set for Frog Lake First Nation, an Indigenous community in northern Alberta, demonstrating a direct benefit of collaboration.

CERCUTS is also tackling the issue of erosion and corrosion in oilsands operations. A $2 million research initiative has launched a dedicated laboratory that employs scaled-model pilot rigs for in-situ steam research, allowing for vital testing without disrupting live commercial units.

Advanced Manufacturing and Material Innovation

At the forefront of manufacturing advancements is the Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM). By digging into cutting-edge digital manufacturing technologies and exploring novel materials, CIRAMM aims to enhance manufacturing processes across various sectors. Dr. Hamid Rajani, Research Chair at CIRAMM, points out the centre’s commitment to developing strategic industries. “Investment in smart manufacturing and materials will create vital new opportunities to collaborate with industry,” he states.

CIRAMM is also collaborating with NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) to connect innovators with essential resources for developing dual-use technologies. With its advanced laboratories focusing on robotics, sustainable materials, and composite materials, CIRAMM stands at the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials science, optimizing manufacturing processes through AI-driven methodologies.

Unmanned Systems and Medical Innovations

The ARIS Hub also boasts the Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS), recognized as North America’s leading research development centre for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). This facility is dedicated to advancing the safety and effectiveness of drone technologies across multiple industries. Wade Hawkins, Research Chair at CIRUS, emphasizes the centre’s focus on addressing industry challenges, such as improving medical services in Indigenous and remote communities.

An illustrative project involved the use of RPAS to deliver personal protective equipment and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative not only ensured timely access to critical resources but also highlighted the potential for drones in enhancing healthcare delivery in underserved areas.

Sustainable Infrastructure Development

One of the ARIS Hub’s notable sections is the Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC), which focuses on the sustainable construction sector. Through collaboration with various partners, GBTAC aims to promote innovations in building practices that align with environmental sustainability. Research is currently underway to develop deep energy retrofit solutions to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

GBTAC’s recent projects include partnership work with Frog Lake First Nation to create sustainable housing designs and explore small-scale vertical axis wind turbines for decentralized energy generation. These projects resonate deeply with Indigenous cultural values and enhance self-sufficiency in energy production.

SAIT’s ARIS Hub embodies a forward-thinking approach to research and innovation, merging academic knowledge with real-world applications to foster economic growth and environmental sustainability. The commitment to building solid partnerships and exploring innovative solutions has established SAIT as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges.

In conclusion, the collaborative environment fostered by the ARIS Hub ensures that Alberta remains at the forefront of research and innovation, paving the way for sustainable development and impactful solutions to global challenges.