Alberta Innovates has announced that Lethbridge College has been awarded a $709,202 grant as part of the Ecosystem Development Partnerships program. (Photo: Lethbridge College)

By Joel Mendelson

START Centre at Lethbridge College earns $700,000 grant

Oct 5, 2023 | 12:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College has received significant funding toward its goal of making Alberta a global leader in the virtual and augmented reality space.

Alberta Innovates has announced that Lethbridge College has been awarded a $709,202 grant as part of the Ecosystem Development Partnerships program.

The grant will go toward the college’s Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START), which will serve as a hub for Alberta’s extended reality (XR) technology, services and operations.

Extended reality combines virtual reality and augmented reality. Virtual reality is a computer-generated immersive experience, whereas augmented reality combines digital and real-world elements. Using this technology, people can experience remote places, and simulate high-risk situations in a low risk environment.

START, along with its partners, offers technical service, consulting, and education in XR using state of the art equipment.

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The purpose of the Ecosystem Development Partnerships program is to improve Alberta’s research and innovation ecosystem by collaborating with other organizations through research, activities and products, which ensures that the province is ahead in innovation and emerging technologies.

START director of applied research operations Andrew Dunlop said, “Our vision for START is to help position Alberta as a key driver within the XR space, both nationally and globally, resulting in the subsequent creation and growth of companies within the province and the retention of top technical talent.”

Dunlop continued, “It will also serve companies looking to incorporate spatial technology into their workflows, such as first responders and those working in trades, health care and more.”

Mike McCready, START industry liaison and research advisor, said, “We’re in the next wave of digital transformation.”

McCready continued, “Connecting to people, places and objects in a spatial manner will make for more authentic an enriching experiences. We strive to help Alberta organizations prepare for this revolution through education, research and consultation. We aren’t responding to these changes – we’re driving opportunities, helping to position Canada as a leader in spacial technologies.”

START plans to organize a province-wide hackathon in 2024 to connect high-school and post-secondary students in order to promote XR as a possible career.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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