Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium returns to SAIT

Collaboration is at the heart of this applied research event, bringing together industry, funders, innovators and community members.

It was a homecoming of sorts for the fourth annual Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium hosted by Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). This was the first time the symposium was held at SAIT since the inaugural event in 2023.

“Over the past four years, the Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium has brought these polytechnics together to share applied research and strengthen connections across Alberta’s polytechnic research community,” says Jodi David, Interim Director, Applied Research and Innovation Services, SAIT. “This year, we welcomed new post-secondary institutions, along with industry, government, non-profit organizations and communities, whose perspectives enriched the conversations and created new opportunities for collaboration.”

SAIT, NAIT and RDP collaborate to deliver an impactful showcase of applied research projects from faculty, researchers and students, in conjunction with industry partners. The symposium is an opportunity to share research, exchange knowledge and ideas and strengthen connections between academia and industry, increasing the visibility of polytechnic-led applied research.

“Together with our collaborators across the Alberta Corridor Technology Symposium, we continue to see the strength of research polytechnics in action,” says Dr. Olle Lagerquist, Associate Vice President, Industry Solutions, NAIT. “This work supports commercialization, enhances the learning experience for students, and strengthens economic development and capacity building in the communities we serve. We're proud of what this collaboration has accomplished and look forward to hosting the event next year.”

Through a series of presentations and discussions, the symposium highlights innovation, cross-sector partnerships and the impact of applied research across the province and beyond. As the symposium continues to grow, so does its ability to connect with organizations and communities essential to Canada’s innovation network.

“Alberta’s polytechnics play a vital role in transforming knowledge into practical solutions that address real industry needs,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic. “At RDP, we are proud to partner with NAIT and SAIT to provide industry with a powerful ecosystem of expertise, facilities and talent that is ready to tackle complex challenges. Together, we connect research to application, accelerate innovation and deliver solutions that strengthen Alberta’s economy, communities and future prosperity.”

In 2026, research projects focused on leveraging advanced technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary collaboration to solve real-world challenges across health care, construction, manufacturing and environmental sustainability.

Much of the research emphasized developing practical solutions to improve efficiency, resilience and quality of life, including smart industrial systems, medical devices, accessible equipment, clean water technologies, energy-efficient buildings and environmental remediation strategies.

The day demonstrated the power of collaborative, industry-connected research leading to technological advancement, healthier and more inclusive communities and increased sustainable management of natural and built environments.