Research, Technology & Commercialization

Alberta's environment sector is supported by several research and development organizations:

  • Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment

    Building on the work of the former Alberta Energy Research Institute and the Alberta Water Research Institute, this provincially funded organization collaborates with industry to help develop innovative and integrated ways to convert Alberta's natural resources into market-ready, ecologically responsible energy.

  • Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures 

    This provincially funded organization builds on the work of the former Alberta Research Council by helping technical industries develop products and move technologies to market.

  • Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation - West (CETAC-West)

    CETAC-West is a private sector, not-for-profit corporation committed to helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) commercialize environmental technologies. Services include:

    • Assisting SMEs to seek appropriate partnering and alliance opportunities
    • Coaching
    • Environmental business opportunity evaluation
    • Establishing connections to investor networks
    • Facilitating technology demonstrations
    • Identifying suitable government grants, loans and tax incentives

  • Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence

    The EWMCE is a non-profit corporation that blends modern waste management facilities with the expertise of municipal government, leading research and educational institutions, and the private sector. The Centre serves as an innovative hub for research, technology development and training and workshops/conferences as well as consulting and advisory services in solid waste and wastewater management. 

  • National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT)

    The University of Alberta is a world leader in a number of environmental research areas and home of the National Institute for Nanotechnology of the National Research Council.

    With nanotechnology, scientists can control individual molecules and build materials and machines one atom at a time. Nanotechnology is considered the next major revolution in technology and, in the years ahead, the Institute is expected to become one of the world's top nanotechnology research facilities.

    These new technologies will help the environment sector to provide new services, existing services more quickly or at reduced cost, and better environmental outcomes.

  • Technology Commercialization

    Increasing the number of new companies in emerging advanced technology sectors is the goal of Alberta's action plan, Bringing Technology to Market. The action plan is centered on 4 theme areas:

      Theme 1: Enhancing an Already Strong Tax Environment
      Theme 2: Inviting the World to Invest
      Theme 3: Building your Company and Products
      Theme 4: Encouraging New Technopreneurs

    This $178-million action plan highlights a range of coordinated actions - from a research and development tax credit to increased investment capital to technology-specific business supports and new technopreneurship projects.

    Research is needed to develop ways to recover the significant amount of conventional oil left behind, as well as less energy intensive methods to extract heavy oil and bitumen. Research is also necessary for the energy sector to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases and other emissions.

    For more about Alberta's advanced technology action plan, visit:

    Date Updated: Jan 14, 2010
    RDP-1161