SAIT opens doors to Imperial Energy Innovation Centre
MEDIA RELEASE
Calgary, AB — Following Imperial’s donation of its research lab facility — the single largest corporate gift to any post-secondary institution in Alberta, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Imperial celebrated the official launch of a new chapter in sustainable energy research and collaboration at the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre.
The monumental $37-million investment in applied energy research is a bold step toward shaping the future of innovation — creating a new ecosystem where industry professionals, leading researchers in petroleum engineering and students pursuing dynamic careers in energy can come together to create lasting impact.
The 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will operate under SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub to support the next generation of thinkers and innovators, driving the future of sustainable energy. The Imperial Energy Innovation Centre will be a launchpad for applied energy research, student and industry collaboration and innovation in Canada’s energy sector.
During the event, Imperial announced an additional investment of $300,000 to drive student-led innovation through a newly established Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund.
“This is a significant day for the future of sustainable energy innovation, and SAIT is ready to develop new talent and inspire future leaders at the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre,” says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO. “The development of an Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund will equip students with resources and pathways to engage directly with industry and ensure the Centre has the people and talent needed to reach its full potential.”
The new initiative will provide critical financial support for students ready to move an idea from theory into practice and discover new real-world solutions to major challenges across industries. An investment of this kind enables students to take innovative, classroom-based capstone projects to the next level and accelerate their hands-on learning experience.
"Following on our $37 million donation of the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre — the single largest corporate gift to a post-secondary institution in Alberta — we are pleased to extend the positive impact for students through the new Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund," says John Whelan, Chairman, President and CEO, Imperial. "This new fund extends our partnership with SAIT and its students, expands student research opportunities and supports the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Through partnerships like this, SAIT is able to deliver skilled talent in sustainable energy research. Together, SAIT and Imperial are creating a thriving innovation ecosystem capable of shaping Alberta’s energy sector into the future.
About SAIT
Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education, SAIT serves 40,000 students annually. SAIT offers baccalaureate and applied degree programs, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship programs and more than 550 continuing education and corporate training courses, and specializes in four award-winning areas of applied research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to meet workforce needs and build capacity for innovation province-wide. SAIT is recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers (2024) and by Research Infosource Inc. as fourth among the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada (2024). SAIT is ranked #53 on CEOWORLD Magazine’s list of Best Business Schools and #13 on the list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2025.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.