Research and Development Institutions and Funding/Advisory Programs

To ensure the adequate sustainable development of Alberta’s ICT sector, the appropriate programs must be put in place that will foster continued research.  Below are key institutions that ensure the growth and sustainability of this vital sector.

  • Alberta Ingenuity

    The Alberta Ingenuity Fund supports science and engineering research of the highest calibre, to create a prosperous future for the province. It draws funding from a $1 billion endowment established and managed by the Government of Alberta to build the capacity for innovation, especially in areas with long lasting social and economic impact.

  • Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)

    Through a $1.5 billion endowment fund, AHFMR supports both biomedical and health research at Alberta universities, affiliated institutions, and other medical and technology related institutions. Since 1980, the foundation has directly contributed more than $850 million to the scientific community. In 2004, an International Board of Review lauded AHFMR on its record of programs and achievements.

  • Alberta Science and Research Authority (ASRA)

    ASRA is an independent board of members from Alberta's academic, business and research communities. ASRA functions as the senior science and research advisory body to the Government of Alberta and works collaboratively with government departments and agencies and other stakeholders.

  • Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute (AICTI)

    Operating under ASRA the AICTI supports the development and growth of the ICT sector in Alberta by providing strategic advice and policy guidance to government.

  • Alberta Research Council Inc. (ARC)

    ARC, with more than 500 scientists, engineers, business managers, and support staff, partners in strategic ventures to help companies develop early stage ideas into marketable products and services. ARC is a trusted resource in the energy, life sciences, agriculture, environment, forestry, and manufacturing sectors.

  • Banff New Media Institute (BNMI)

    The Banff New Media Institute is an internationally respected art and digital research innovation centre. Its programs are designed to support creative pluralism, different modes of inquiry, the production of new work, and the engagement of artists, producers, technologists, and researchers with digital culture. BNMI commissions research, provides training, and offers creative production support in a multidisciplinary development environment. Practitioners are able to access a range of expertise, peers, facilities, and environments.

  • iCORE

    iCORE was established by the Government of Alberta to foster world-class university-based research that supports the ICT industry. Funded by the Government of Alberta and supported by partners in universities and industry, iCORE’s mandate is to foster an expanding community of exceptional researchers in the field of informatics, i.e. areas of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, physics, mathematics and other disciplines related to ICT.

  • Integrated Nanosystems Research Facility (INRF)

    A one-stop-shop at the University of Alberta for the design, construction and understanding of nanosystems with focus in four areas: nanofabrication, biomolecular synthesis for self assembled nanosystems, nanoscale characterization, and computational lab design and modeling.

  • National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT)

    Canada’s premier nanotechnology research institute, a provincial-federal initiative, is an integrated, multi-disciplinary institution involving several hundred researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, informatics, pharmacy and medicine.

  • Network for Emerging Wireless Technologies (NEWT)

    NEWT is a well-equipped wireless development centre that reduces costs of product hardware and software design by providing test support to developers. Unique opportunities exist to link into operational cellular, broadband, and other networks. NEWT is the only wireless ISP certification centre for companies to offer services over the Alberta SuperNet.

  • TRLabs 

    TRLabs is Canada’s largest research consortium (industry, university, government) in information and communications technology. The research program is based on industry/university collaboration that produces original, industry-relevant, pre-competitive research with a time horizon of one to five years.

Date Updated: Aug 13, 2008
RDP-1479