The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. (Supplied by SAIT)

By David Opinko

Province announces $2.1-million for tech equipment & research at post-secondary schools

Sep 21, 2020 | 11:34 AM

CALGARY, AB – Students attending technology-related programs at SAIT, Red Deer College, and Olds College will son have new state-of-the-art equipment to work with.

Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation Doug Schweitzer announced funding for these schools to lead research into areas like 3D printing, clean energy, and smart agriculture.

He says, for him, it all boils down to a simple concept.

“I came to Alberta as a young professional because it was the place of opportunity, it was the place where you could get ahead – it didn’t matter who your parents were, where you came from – if you came to Alberta, you could get ahead because you’re willing to work hard and get ahead. The younger generation is looking for those exact same opportunities.”

With many companies developing new technologies where you can, as an example Schweitzer gave, order coffee from your phone, it is more important than ever to ensure Albertans are getting trained in advanced tech.

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Today’s funding announcement breaks down as follows:

• SAIT: $1-million to expand its applied research training programs
• Old College: $1-million for agriculture equipment, sensors, devices, and computers for its Smart Agriculture Applied Research Program
• Red Deer College: Almost $150,000 for its Integration of Alternative Energy Lab

“A key part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan is preparing our grads for jobs in the real world,” says Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicholaides. “By focusing on innovation and research, this announcement will help our post-secondary institutions ensure our students have the skills they need in a future economy.”

Last week, the provincial government announced $9-million in funding for the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute run out of the University of Alberta.