Author: Horazio

University of Calgary – Schulich School of Engineering

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The Schulich School of Engineering, part of the University of Calgary, has a rich history of fostering innovation and excellence in engineering education. Established in 1965 as the Faculty of Engineering, it was renamed after Canadian philanthropist Seymour Schulich, who donated $25 million to the school in 2005. The faculty started with 40 students and 2 professors, and now proudly hosts over 4,000 students and 150 faculty members.

Schulich offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs in various engineering disciplines, including civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and software engineering. Specialized programs such as biomedical engineering, geomatics engineering, and energy engineering further distinguish its academic offerings.

Research Excellence

The Schulich School of Engineering is renowned for its emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary research, often in collaboration with industry partners. Notable research projects include:

  • Biomedical Engineering – Dr. Kristina Rinker – Pioneering work in tissue engineering, focusing on the development of biomaterials and stem cell therapies, including exploring how blood flow impacts cellular responses and utilizing this knowledge to improve bioproduct manufacturing, inhibit infections, and enhance the effectiveness of drug delivery systems​
  • Chemical and Petroleum Engineering – Dr. Mayank Sabharwal – A wide-ranging energy focus with a particular lens on hydrogen. He actively contributes to hydrogen technology development and the transition to green hydrogen solutions​
  • Civil Engineering – Dr. Tricia Stadnyk – Works in Hydrology and hydrologic sciences, water isotopes and hydrologic modeling. Her work focuses on hydrologic modeling, particularly involving water isotopes to study changes in hydrologic processes and improve long-term projections of water supply. 
  • Electrical and Software Engineering – Dr. Elise Fear – A primary research focus on microwave imaging and sensing, particularly for biomedical applications such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Fear co-founded Wave View Imaging, a startup aimed at commercializing these microwave imaging technologies to improve patient outcomes and healthcare diagnostics​.
  • Geomatics Engineering – Dr. Naser El-Sheimy – Work spans satellite technologies, multi-sensor systems, and driverless cars, with significant contributions to navigation and positioning technologies. Recently, Dr. El-Sheimy was honored with the International Achievement Award at the Calgary Awards, recognizing his global impact on mobile mapping and positioning technology. 
  • Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering – Dr. Alex Ramirez-Serrano – Developing medical robotics for minimally invasive surgery and rehabilitation. Dr. Ramirez-Serrano is also the founder and CEO of 4Front Robotics, a company that specializes in creating highly maneuverable drones and custom field unmanned vehicles for deployment in confined spaces like collapsed buildings. 

Community Engagement

Schulich has strong industry ties, offering students numerous opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and collaborative research projects, which contribute significantly to the growth of talent in the industry. The school actively promotes STEM education through summer camps, workshops, and school visits, aiming to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers.

Additionally, Schulich hosts conferences, workshops, and public lectures to demystify engineering and cultivate a culture of continuous learning. These events foster engagement within the technical community and beyond.

Student and Alumni Networks

The school supports numerous student organizations and engineering clubs, such as the Schulich Engineering Students’ Society (SESS) and the Robotics Club. These groups provide students with leadership opportunities, hands-on experience, and a sense of community.

Schulich’s alumni network remains actively involved, mentoring current students, providing career guidance, and fostering professional connections. This strong alumni involvement helps sustain the school’s legacy of excellence and community building.

Impact on the Technical Community

The Schulich School of Engineering is a cornerstone of the Albertan technology community. Through its comprehensive programs, rigorous research, and active involvement in community and industry initiatives, Schulich continues to be a pivotal force in shaping the future of engineering and technology.

Praxis Science Outreach Society

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Since its establishment in 1992, the Praxis Science Outreach Society has been dedicated to fostering the connection between science and their community in southeastern Alberta. Recognized for its efforts with the 1995 ASTech Award, the organization has continuously thrived on the commitment of its volunteers, who collectively contribute over 1000 hours annually to its programs. Governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, which donates over 300 hours each year, Praxis relies on the support of nearly 200 volunteers who play a crucial role in delivering its initiatives. Over the years, Praxis programs have made a significant impact, reaching over 100,000 individuals spanning youth, children, and adults across more than 20 communities throughout southeastern Alberta, reflecting its enduring commitment to education and outreach since its inception.

Here are some of the amazing programs that Praxis offers:

Operation Minerva:

Operation Minerva, a STEM empowerment program for grade nine girls, benefits from around 50 mentors volunteering annually, some of whom are past participants. Through partnerships with 25 local businesses, one-on-one mentoring opportunities are provided, impacting nearly 1000 girls since 1992.

Science Fair:

Praxis hosts a Regional Science Fair, which has operated for 49 years, and sees approximately 60 volunteer judges yearly. Notable involvement includes Praxis’s Senior Scientific Consultant and two Board members at the Canada-wide Science Fair. Collaborative efforts, like the Science Fair 101 Program in partnership with Medicine Hat College, reached 250 students this year, and at least two students from southeastern Alberta compete in the Canad Wide Science Fair each year. Success stories, like Katie Van Der Sloot and Rachel Brown, underscore the program’s impact, with coverage of their win in Maclean’s magazine, as they won a bronze medal for their investigation into triclosan as part of a science project. 

Community Outreach:

Praxis’s Community Outreach is an important component of their work. From the Family Science Olympics where 3000 parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and children, have participated, to distribution of STEM Learning Kits which have touched nearly one million fingers over the years. Overall, more than 10,000 people have participated in community Science Outreach activities. The team at Praxis has also created a counterpart program to Operation Minerva, THOTH to encourage male youth in STEM Fields. Their programs include Operation Minerva (a STEM empowerment program for girls) and the Family Science Olympics (in partnership with Medicine Hat College), as well as hosting the South East Alberta Regional Science Fair and distributing hands-on STEM kits to classrooms throughout the region.

Praxis relies on community support. To donate to Praxis, click here.  To become a volunteer, click here. 

APEX: Southeast Alberta’s RIN

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APEX serves as Southeast Alberta’s Regional Innovation Network (RIN), playing a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the region. Wondering what a RIN entails? Simply put, Regional Innovation Networks are grassroots organizations offering tailored programs and services to empower individuals to kickstart a business, devise innovative solutions, or propel the growth of existing technologies, thanks to funding from Alberta Innovates.

As a collaborative effort between Medicine Hat College, Community Futures Entre-Corp and Chinook, the Brooks Newell Region, Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield and primary funder Alberta Innovates, APEX stands at the forefront, dedicated to nurturing the tech and innovation sector in Southeast Alberta. Through personalized coaching, facilitated access to essential resources, and a robust ecosystem, APEX equips local entrepreneurs with the tools and support necessary to thrive.

 APEX has supported several ASTech Winners and Finalists from southeast Alberta; here are a sampling of their innovators:

  • Kinetisense is based in Medicine Hat and is the world’s first patented markerless motion capture technology, which is changing how human motion is assessed and treated. The Kinetisense system is employed worldwide by healthcare and human performance organizations to assess their patients/clients and track changes over the course of care, with advanced population norm comparisons. Dr. Ryan Comeau, founder of Kinetisense, won an ASTech award in 2022 for Outstanding Achievement in Health – Medical Diagnosis.
  • TruMe Whole Health won the Regional Innovation Champion award in 2023 for their founder Melissa Hozack. Melissa founded TruMe to create innovative products free of sugar, artificial flavours and colours. 
  • Roxanne Doerksen of T.R.A.D. Worm Industries Ltd, 2022 winner for Regional Innovation in Medicine Hat, won for T.R.A.D.’s onsite vermicomposting modular system, which turns contaminated waste into biologically rich soil amendment in a fraction of the time. 
  • Finalists include VIRTUNURSE, an online walk-in and family clinic for Albertans, and the Chinook Applied Research Association (C.A.R.A.), who is building out a Soil Health Benchmarking Project. 

In 2023, at the provincial-wide Drone Conference, APEX hosted the ASTech Team to announce the inaugural Innovation in Aerospace award category, focusing on outstanding innovation in the aerospace industry, including drones, aviation, satellites and beyond. This is part of their ongoing commitment to aerospace and drone innovation, as the southeast region is rapidly emerging as a hub of innovation in sectors like Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (R.P.A.S.), and the use of both civil and commercial applications for drone technology.

Here are some examples of the Aerospace technology being built up in Southeast Alberta:

  • QinetiQ Target Systems (a finalist for the ASTech Awards in 2023) specializes in producing various uncrewed vehicle systems for training purposes. The Alberta branch, located in Medicine Hat, has a variety of aerial targets, both fixed-wing and supersonic, as well as surface targets.
  • Atlantis Research Labs Inc.– AVROAircraft Limited (a division of Atlantis Research Labs Inc.) is focused on developing advanced flight and propulsion capabilities — specifically in high-speed uncrewed vehicles.
  • Foremost UAS Range provides uncrewed aerial vehicles (aka drones) testing spaces and is one of only two BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) testing areas in Canada. 
  • UVAD (Unmanned Vehicle Applied Dynamics) and other teams in Southeast Alberta are working on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.

APEX and partners are creating awareness of the unique innovation happening in the Southeast region. By championing innovation and fostering sustainable growth, APEX plays a vital role in driving economic prosperity and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the region.

Edmonton Research Park

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The Edmonton Research & Development Park (ERP) was established in 1979 as a partnership between the City of Edmonton and the University of Alberta with the support of the Alberta Government to support and attract research and advanced technology enterprises to the city. Spanning over 300 acres, ERP provides a place for innovators and entrepreneurs to connect and advance across multiple sectors, including clean energy, advanced technology, and life sciences.

Originally launched in 1979, the park was built in stages, with the Advanced Technology Centre for Entrepreneurial Businesses opening in 1988 as the final of three core buildings. The park’s primary facilities now include many more, with several multi-tenant facilities including: the Advanced Technology Centre, which office and central meeting spaces; Research Centre One, which offers fully equipped chemistry and research lab spaces; and the Biotechnology Business Development Centre (BBDC), a multi-tenant accelerator supporting biotechnology and life sciences scale-ups in product development before market commercialization. Enhancing the growth capabilities of the life sciences sector in Alberta, a new Critical Medicines Production Centre is also under construction as part of the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative.

Over the years, ERP has hosted globall and national companies such as Apple, IBM Canada,Telus, Dow Chemical, and Alberta Innovates, which have utilized ERP facilities for research and development. Recent graduates of ERP include Showbie, which grew and moved to a new headquarters downtown; Nanospeed Diagnostics, which built a new 11,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in 2021 in the research park; and Metabolomic Technologies Inc., which expanded into a new building in the neighbourhood to accommodate their production needs.

In 2022, the Edmonton Research Park Business Consortium (ERPBC) was created, and is a community of advanced technology and life sciences companies located in the park, aiming to leverage community expertise, access to programming, investment, and core facilities to encourage tech growth. The ERPBC now works together with API, the Park Steward, as its steering committee co-chair to foster innovation, collaboration, and commercialization throughout the ERP.  In 2024, Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) was selected to be the Steward of the Edmonton Research Park. The Park Steward is responsible for implementing programming and supports for the Park’s businesses, creating a communication strategy that raises the profile of the ERP locally and globally, and creating opportunities for further development or redevelopment within the Park.

ERP hosts companies across several technology sectors, including AI, construction, manufacturing, nanotechnology, renewable energy, healthcare, and life sciences. Innovative companies include EZ Enroute, which focuses on making school buses safer; NTWIST, which predicts material flow and production discrepancies in mining; Bio-Stream Diagnostics Inc. which has developed a highly sensitive pathogen detection platform to help build and commercialize tests to detect a variety of pathogens; and Discover Coding, which educates kids on coding and technology.

There’s renewed excitement with the future announced developments at the Edmonton Research Park. The new community-driven approach is expected to attract even more opportunities and businesses, driving further innovation and growth in the park. Stay tuned next month for more on the future of the Edmonton Research Park!

ASTech’s 2001 Winners

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Winner of Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology, BioWare Corp., founded in 1995 in Edmonton by newly graduated doctors Dr. Greg Zeschuk and Dr. Ray Muzyka, rapidly evolved from a creative outlet into a world-renowned developer of computer games. BioWare distinguished itself with innovative sound, graphics, and gameplay, gaining critical acclaim for Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights – contributing to Alberta’s high-tech reputation, and earning its founders spots on prominent lists of influential Canadians. Since 2007, the company has been owned by Electronic Arts and continues to have a strong Alberta office. Bioware founder Ray Muzyka became an active tech investor and key contributor to Alberta’s tech sector through support of initiatives like ThresholdImpact University of Alberta Venture Mentoring Service.
Honoured for Innovation in Agricultural Sciences, Dr. James Helm significantly advanced cereal variety development and implemented Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) in agriculture. Dr. Helm revolutionized grain quality analysis, making it faster, non-destructive, and environmentally friendly. His efforts led to key research initiatives and global collaborations, culminating in the naming of the J.H. Helm Cereal Research Centre and the Alberta Agricultural Hall of Fame. Establishing and developing the Field Crop Development Centre (Now named Western Crop Innovations) in Lacombe, his research grew into one of the most productive cereal breeding programs in Canada.
University of Alberta professor Dr. Theresa (Terry)  Allen was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award, for significant contributions to cancer treatment through her development of Stealth liposome technology. This innovative approach involved coating liposomes to resemble normal cells, preventing their destruction by the body’s immune system and enhancing the delivery of anti-cancer drugs directly to tumours, thereby reducing side effects. Today, she serves as Professor Emerita of Pharmacology and Oncology at the University of Alberta.
Dr. John Wallace, recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science Award and based at the University of Calgary, was globally recognized for developing “NO-NSAIDs,” a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that released nitric oxide to prevent ulcers without the side effects of traditional NSAIDs. His innovations led to further developments in nitric oxide-releasing drugs, now used to treat various diseases. Dr. Wallace is an Adjunct Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology.
CSI Wireless Inc. was recognized with the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology award for their work in the differential global positioning system (DGPS) industry. Founded in 1990, the company consistently innovated and grew globally, combining DGPS with wireless technologies to address new markets in telematics and precision agriculture. The company had a significant impact on Alberta’s economy and technological landscape. In 2005, it was renamed Hemisphere GPS.
Dr. William Cochrane, honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to the Alberta Science and Technology Community Award, significantly shaped Alberta’s medical landscape. Starting in 1967 as the founding dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary, he played a crucial role in curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and the construction of the Health Sciences Centre. Throughout his career, Cochrane held prominent positions, including President of the University of Calgary and President of Connaught Laboratories in Toronto, earning numerous accolades, such as the Order of Canada, for his contributions to medical research and healthcare in Alberta.
Russell N.D.E. Systems Inc., based in Edmonton and winner for Industrial Research – Northern Alberta for significantly contributing to Alberta’s oil and gas sector by pioneering Remote Field Eddy Current (RFEC) technology for inspecting carbon steel tubes and pipes. This non-destructive technology efficiently detects corrosion, cracks, and potential leaks, addressing a critical need in an industry. Today, the company designs, manufactures and sells instruments and probes for a variety of non-destructive testing (NDT) applications, provides NDT training, and creates special tools for NDT applications.
Leader of Tomorrow award winner Dr. Jocelyn Haley (Grozic), a researcher at the University of Calgary, was recognized for her work in soil mechanics. Her pioneering work on extracting gas from “gassy” soils, particularly focusing on gas hydrates in permafrost and offshore regions. Her multidisciplinary approach drew international support and recognition for its contribution to addressing global energy demands. Dr. Hayley is currently a professor at the University of Calgary’s Department of Civil Engineering, and was the recipient of the 2017 APEGA Summit Award for Women in Engineering and Geoscience Champion.
Dr. Robert J. Crawford, Special Award winner, made significant contributions to promoting Alberta’s science and technology through his extensive work as a science educator and ambassador. His leadership roles at the University of Alberta, particularly in the Department of Chemistry and Computing Science, led to important developments in technology transfer and increased public engagement with science. Dr. Crawford’s involvement with the ASTech Awards, including serving as its executive director, was pivotal in elevating the profile and impact of the ASTech Awards.
Operation Minerva, winner of the Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness award, was established in 1988 to address the low participation of female students in advanced science and mathematics. The organization has significantly impacted awareness and understanding in Alberta by offering job shadowing, panel discussions, and workshops for eighth-grade girls. After 36 years, Operation Minerva is undertaken through partners like the TELUS Spark Science Centre, AWSN, and the Praxis Science Outreach Society.
Additional 2001 Winners Include:

  • Calgary based, Alterna Technologies Group Inc., winner of the Industrial Research – Southern Alberta award, specialized in e-finance solutions that connected businesses directly with the global banking system. Their innovative software platform enabled multinational corporations to efficiently manage banking relationships and financial transactions, incorporating tools for in-house banking and payment routing, while offering detailed insights into cash logistics,
  • Forestry industry journalist Tony Kryzanowski, a contributing editor at the “Logging and Sawmilling Journal,” was honored with the Journalism: Specialized Publications award for his ability to simplify complex technical and scientific material related to forest management. Through his writings, Tony provided clear, balanced, and comprehensive coverage of innovative forest management techniques, emphasizing responsible harvesting and regeneration of Alberta’s mixed boreal forests. His work over many decades has significantly contributed to educating a wide range of stakeholders, from readers to industry professionals, about sustainable practices and new technologies in forestry.
  • Dr. Donald Sheeran, winner of the Innovation in Oil Sands Research Award, made substantial contributions to the oil sands extraction process. He led a collaborative effort to develop the Composite Tails (CT) process, which addressed the environmental and technical challenges of tailings ponds by significantly reducing tailings segregation and enhancing the reclamation of tailings landforms. With over two decades in the industry and more than 25 publications, Dr. Sheeran’s leadership and expertise established him as a prominent figure in oil sands research.
  • Dr. Stan Boutin, winner of the Al-Pac Integrated Landscaping Management award, made significant strides in landscape management and environmental impact assessment at the University of Alberta. His research highlighted how linear features like seismic lines and roads, created by forestry and oil and gas industries, alter habitat use and increase caribou mortality rates by enhancing wolf hunting efficiency. This work spurred the energy sector to reconsider exploration methods and foster new approaches to integrated landscape management. Today, Dr. Boutin’s research focuses on the woodland caribou and conservation challenges under rapid human-induced changes—leading to innovative conservation strategies that are pivotal in the species’ recovery efforts.
  • Dr. George Clayton, National Program Director, Sustainable Production Systems with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – is the winner of the Innovation in Agricultural Science Award for significantly advancing sustainable farming practices in Alberta and western Canada through his leadership in developing direct seeding methods. This technique, crucial during the severe droughts of the early 2000s, conserved soil moisture and improved soil health, enabling farmers to reduce risks and enhance profitability despite low commodity prices. His extensive research and outreach in crop diversification and management practices, including sustainable canola production and pulse crop management, provided vital resources and economic stability to the agricultural community.

ASTech’s 2000 Winners

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The Islet Transplantation Group at the University of Alberta, was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science Award for revolutionizing diabetes treatment with the development of the Edmonton Protocol. Garnering global recognition for this groundbreaking work led by Dr. James Shapiro (2001 Governor General’s Gold Medal Award Winner, Government of Canada) this protocol, which involves transplanting healthy islets into diabetic patients, has enabled many patients over the last 20 years to regain control of their blood glucose levels without daily insulin injections, leading to improved quality of life and reduced risk of complications associated with the disease.
Dr. Jan Czarnecki, winner of the Innovation in Oil Sands Research Award, was an expert at Syncrude Research in colloidal and interfacial science, applying his extensive knowledge to bitumen extraction. With a distinguished career spanning academia and industry in Poland and Canada, Dr. Czarnecki has significantly influenced oil sands research through his publications and collaboration with the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Oil Sands at the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta.
The Edmonton Space & Science Centre (renamed the Telus World of Science Edmonton in 2005) was recognized with the Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness award for its extensive impact on science education.  Recognized nationally and internationally, the centre engages hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Starting as the Queen Elizabeth Planetarium in 1960, the new building by Douglas Cardinal opened in 1984, commemorating the Province of Alberta’s 75th Anniversary. Today, celebrating it’s 40th anniversary, the TELUS World of Science continues to build community, ignite curiosity, inspire discovery, celebrate science, and change lives.
The Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award recipient, Mr. Larry J. Comeau, president of Computalog significantly influenced the oilfield technology sector, through his leadership roles, which included Precision Drilling Corporation. Under his guidance, the Nisku-based Downhole Tool Development Group became a leader in oilfield technologies, increasing exports to over $50 million by 1997. He holds 21 patents and was key in pioneering multilateral drilling systems and measurement-while-drilling sensors.
Dr. Prem Kharbanda, honoured for Innovation in Agricultural Sciences, for his role in curbing the spread of blackleg disease in Alberta’s canola crops, averting potential economic losses valued in the hundreds of millions. His comprehensive disease prevention program included monitoring, seed testing, and producer education, coupled with the development of the Blackleg Alert Kit™ and a novel bacterium that suppresses the disease. Dr. Kharbanda’s research is acclaimed nationally and internationally, evidenced by his authorship of over 175 scientific reports and his 2008 induction into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame. Dr. Kharbanda served as emeritus scientist at Alberta Innovates.

Dr. Rita Aggarwala, winner of the Leaders of Tomorrow award for significantly contributing to her field with several published works and co-authoring a book aimed at enhancing the analytical capabilities of statistical practitioners. At age 28, she became an associate professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Calgary. After these notable accomplishments, Dr. Aggarwala pursued a career in law and is now practicing in Calgary, where she acts as Independent Legal Counsel to administrative decision-makers.
Matrikon was recognized with the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology The company’s innovative process control services and products, ProcessNet and ProcessDoc, facilitated enterprise-wide data accessibility and analysis to prevent costly operational issues. Founded by Nizar Somji, an engineer from Nova Chemicals (near Red Deer), Matrikon grew their offices in Edmonton – expanding to 16 locations worldwide and over 400 employees, supporting industrial university chairs at the University of Alberta and in Australia. Matrikon became part of Honeywell in 2010. Mr. Somji continues as an entrepreneur, and is chancellor of the University of Alberta.

Mr. David Mitchell, recognized with the ASTech Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Alberta Science and Technology Community, initiated the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation to honour Canadian innovators, becoming one of Canada’s most esteemed recognition programs in science and technology.  Mitchell started the Alberta Energy Company (later renamed to Encana), turning it into one of Canada’s leading oil and gas exploration firms. Beyond his corporate achievements, Mitchell’s extensive community involvement includes serving as an officer of Junior Achievement, leading fundraising campaigns, and contributing to educational and professional organizations, for which he has received numerous leadership and service awards, including the Order of Canada.
Additional 2000 Winners Include:

  • Calgary-based Mentor Engineering Inc., the award winner for Industrial Research – Southern Alberta, significantly advanced the field of wireless data and GPS solutions for fleet and mobile worker management. Expanding from humble beginnings in 1990, the company operated globally, with systems across North America, Australia, and Europe becoming an innovation leader in passenger transport In 2013, Mentor was acquired by the Trapeze Group.
  • Edmonton-based SRW Technologies, recipient of the award for Industrial Research – Northern Alberta, developed abrasion-resistant materials crucial for the oil sands and mining sectors. Thanks to advanced robotic machinery, the company enhanced tool longevity by up to six times using a unique plasma-transferred arc welding system, the only such technology in North America at the time. In 2005, Weir ESCO acquired SRW Technologies.

ASTech’s 1999 Winners

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Calgary based Oncolytics Biotech Inc., awarded the Industrial Research – Southern Alberta prize, developed a cancer treatment using reovirus, which selectively destroyed malignant cells without harming healthy ones. Their published research showed that a single reovirus injection caused complete tumor regression in mice. Today, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. is developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent that enhances the immune system’s response to cancer.  In 2023, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network selected Oncolytics to receive the $5 Million Therapeutic Accelerator Award to develop leading-edge treatments.
BioTools, Industrial Research – Northern Alberta winner, rapidly evolved from a University of Alberta start-up into a key player in the bioinformatics market, offering software like PepTool and GeneTool for protein and DNA analysis. The company excelled in data mining, ensuring immediate access to new database information, and pioneered Magnetic Resonance Diagnostics (MRD) for disease diagnosis and drug testing in partnership with Varian, Inc. The company started as a collaboration between Dr. Brian Sykes (Department of BioChemistry), Dr. David Wishart (Faculty of Science – Biological Sciences), Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer (Department of Computing Science, Co-Founder Onlea) and Duane Szafron (Department of Computing Science).
EyeWire, recipient of the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology award, provided global visual and audio content for graphic designers. Founded by serial entrepreneur Brad Zumalt in 1998, EyeWire.com was acquired by Getty Images. Afterwards, Brad went on to be an avid investor and supporter of many Calgary innovation initiatives and was co-founder of Rainforest Alberta.
Dr. Gary Stringam, Professor at the University of Alberta, was awarded the Innovation in Agricultural Sciences prize for helping to turn canola into Western Canada’s second-largest cash crop. It is estimated to be worth $5 billion per year (1999) to the Canadian economy and has had a profound impact on global agriculture. Stringam developed the Double Haploid System, which shortens the breeding time of the canola plant by 25 to 50%. He also developed several disease-resistant and high-yield canola strains. Today, canola contributes more than $29.9-billion to Canada’s economy, supporting more than 207,000 jobs.
Established in Calgary, QC Data International Inc. won the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology award for providing business data solutions across multiple industries, including Oil and Gas and Telecommunications. The company focused on enhancing customer service, research, and strategic acquisitions, positioning itself to become a global leader in technical data management. In 2019, ENTRUST Solutions Group announced its acquisition of QC Data.
Fred Stewart, recipient of the ASTech Special Award, has dedicated his career to fostering Alberta’s science and technology landscape. As Minister of Technology, Research, and Telecommunications, he championed the privatization of AGT to Telus and supported organizations such as Operation Minerva, the Premier’s Council on Science and Technology, and the ASTech Awards. His leadership was instrumental in Nortel Networks’ decision to develop its global wireless operations in Calgary, alongside fostering partnerships like WestAim, which has significantly advanced Alberta’s tech sector and the creation of hundreds of hi-tech jobs.
Dr. Eric P. Newell, was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community award, for his leadership as CEO at Syncrude Canada. The Syncrude Research Centre in the Edmonton Research Park  was established under his guidance, leading to deep collaborations with the University of Alberta. For his role in founding the Canadian Oil Sands Network for Research and Development, and the trades educational attraction program CAREERS, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence, and named the 17th chancellor of the University of Alberta.
Additional 1999 Winners Include:

  • Waldemar Maciejewski, recognized with the Innovation in Oil Sands Research Award, for contributions that included the “cycloseparator” for bitumen separation, and innovations in hydraulic transport and oil sands crushing technology – establishing him as a leading authority in the field.
  • The Dinosaur Country Science Camp, awarded for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness, provided a dynamic learning environment where students engaged in hands-on scientific activities and research each summer. Operated by the Drumheller Regional Science Council, the camp offered immersive programs in various scientific disciplines such as paleontology, geology, and archaeology, allowing campers to contribute real data to scientific studies. With a staff largely composed of former campers who later pursued science degrees, the camp fostered a strong community of budding scientists.
  • Connie Bryson, honoured with the Journalism Award for Specialized Publications, became Alberta’s premier scientific writer through her engaging and accurate portrayal of science, technology, and business topics. Her skill in simplifying complex scientific concepts for general audiences was reflected in work for major organizations such as the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, NSERC, and Syncrude, as well as publications like The Globe and Mail.
  • Dr. Wayne Grover, recipient of the ASTech Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology award, is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in self-healing telecommunications networks, which mitigate disruptions caused by cable failures, ensuring uninterrupted transmission of vital data worldwide. Dr Grover served as Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, at the University of Alberta. His pioneering research, including innovative network design techniques and the concept of ‘p-cycles’. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada and a recipient of the IEEE Baker Prize Paper Award and IEEE Fellow, among other numerous awards.
  • Dr. David Schindler received the award for Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science for his research into the human impact on freshwater ecosystems. His studies were critical to the success of the U.S./Canada agreement to clean up the Great Lakes and to control the long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants between the two countries. Based on his work, every country in the western world now manages the level of phosphorous in freshwater. Dr. Schindler published more than 200 papers in international scientific journals. Schindler was Canada’s first winner of the international Volvo Environmental Prize for his work in this field. Dr. Schindler was a professor of Ecology in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, and in 2008 was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence.

ASTech’s 1998 Winners

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Honourable Premier Peter Lougheed received the ASTech Special Award for his pivotal role in strengthening science and technology in Alberta. His leadership led to establishing the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Agriculture Research Authority, and strengthening the Alberta Research Council, among others. By championing economic diversification and investing in educational and research institutions like the Tyrrell Museum and Glenbow Foundation, Premier Lougheed’s legacy continues to shape Alberta’s thriving science and technology landscape.  Mr. Lougheed was appointed member of the Privy Council of Canada, Companion of the Order of Canada, and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.
 
Wi-LAN Inc. (later renamed to Quarterhill Inc.) was awarded Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology for its innovative wireless networking technologies.  Founded in 1992 by Hatim Zaghloul (Ph.D. Physics, University of Calgary) and Michel Fattouche (Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Calgary)  to commercialize their Wideband Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (W-OFDM) technology,  an acronym for “Wireless Local Area Network”.  WiLAN’s W-OFDM technology established the 802.11a Wi-Fi standard that spurred a multi-billion dollar market.
 
Dr. Leo A. Behie was honoured with Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology for his groundbreaking research in chemical reaction engineering and innovation in diverse areas such as energy and animal cell biotechnology.  In 1990, he founded the Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility, and over the next three decades, focused his efforts in bringing together engineering and medicine by creating and optimizing bioprocesses for the production of vaccines, therapeutic proteins, stem cells for use in therapies targeting Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. He was a professor at the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary.
 
Dr. Don Scott was recognized with the Innovation In Oil Sands Research Award. In 1980, Scott joined the Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, as the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) Research Chair. Dr. Scott advanced composite tailings technology for oil sands, improving geotechnical and environmental outcomes. He also founded the Masters of Engineering in Oil Sands to meet industry demands and develop a skilled workforce.
 
Syncrude Canada Ltd., was recognized with the ASTech Award for Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology. Thanks to advancements in oil sands technology and operational efficiencies, the company produced its billionth barrel of crude oil in 1998, five years ahead of schedule. Syncrude joint venture began in 1964 and started mining at the Mildred Lake site in 1978. After more than 55 years of innovation, many of the processes used in the industry today were created by Syncrude, including an expanding suite of technologies to improve environmental and future economic performance. Syncrude is jointly owned by four partners: Suncor, Imperial Oil, Sinopec, and CNOOC; and is operated by Suncor.
 
The Alberta Women’s Science Network (AWSN) won the Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness award for promoting science and technology resources and programs to women. Since 1993, AWSN has brought together diverse groups to promote women’s involvement in STEM fields, optimizing resource use. Today, AWSN supports over 20 voluntary organizations advocating for EDI in STEM fields across Alberta with program and event funding, as well as guidance and volunteer support. In 2022, AWSN won the ASTech award for Social Innovation – Programs Promoting Women.
 
Mr. John Acorn, an award-winning broadcast journalist, was honored with the award for Journalism: General Public for his engaging and educational science show, “Acorn: The Nature Nut.” The show, celebrated for its high-quality science content and accessibility, was broadcast not only across Canada but also internationally. Currently, he is a lecturer at the department of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences University of Alberta, a research associate at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, and at the E.H. Strickland Entomology Museum.  He was also awarded the 2010 Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness ASTech Award.
 
Additional 1998 Winners Include:
  • Winner of the Industrial Research – Southern Alberta award, Canzyme Corporation was recognized for its efforts to attract biotech companies to Calgary. One of their key research projects was to develop an enzyme that, when added to pig and chicken feed, allows the animals to digest naturally present phosphorous, which is normally indigestible – reducing the use of environmentally harmful waste.
  • Cytovax Biotechnologies Inc. received the award for Industrial Research – Northern Alberta for its efforts in vaccine development aimed at combating antibiotic resistance. Its flagship project involved creating a peptide vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that significantly threatens immunocompromised patients. Following the progression of its vaccine into clinical trials, Cytovax merged with Millenium Biologix in 2004.
  • Dr. James W. Murray received the ASTech award for Outstanding Contribution to the Alberta Science and Technology Community for pioneering work in university-based technology transfer. Born in Grimshaw, Alberta (near Peace River), Dr. Murray obtained a BSc from UofA and a masters and PhD from Princeton. He began his 30-year career as a professor of Geology at UBC, then founding director of the UBC Industry Liaison Office. Recruited to the University of Alberta, Dr. Murray became Associate Vice-President and Director of the Industry Liaison Office, where he significantly increased the number of spin-off companies, placing the university at the forefront of commercialization efforts in Canada. Dr. Murray’s leadership also led to the University of Alberta ranking first in the country for the value of royalties generated from patents and licenses.
  • Dr. Richard E. Peter was honoured with the ASTech award for Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science for his pioneering contributions to fish endocrinology. He was born in Medicine Hat and obtained his BSc from the University of Calgary. Dr. Peter served two terms as Chair of the Department of Zoology and two terms as Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta. Dr. Peter also served as Vice-President of the Alberta Research Council, and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences of the Government of Alberta, and Director of Bamfield Marine Station. He developed the first stereotaxic map of the fish brain, facilitating advancements in fish reproduction and growth, enhancing global fish farm productivity. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

ASTech’s 1997 Winners

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Dr. Murray R. Gray, Winner of Innovation In Oil Sands Research, was recognized for his groundbreaking work at the University of Alberta as a professor in the Chemical Engineering Department. His pioneering contributions significantly advanced the understanding of bitumen processing, paving the way for predictive models. He served as the Director of the Institute for Oil Sands Innovation, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research,  and  Vice-Provost (Academic) and Associate Vice-President (Research). Today, he serves as Senior Technical Advisor to the Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program at Alberta Innovates.
Dr. Maurice Moloney was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Technology award for revolutionizing agriculture with his pioneering concept of molecular farming. This innovative approach not only drastically reduced production costs but also facilitated the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and industrial products. During his tenure as a Professor and NSERC Industrial Chair of Plant Biotechnology at the University of Calgary, he founded SemBioSys, published over 70 research papers, and filed 15 patent families, and more. He is now a co-founder and advisor at Core Biogenesis.
Dr. Antoine Noujaim, biotechnology pioneer, was the winner for Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Technology.A distinguished scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. Noujaim significantly advanced cancer therapeutics by founding leading companies like Biomira and AltaRex Inc and bringing them to become publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Dr. Noujaim started as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta and then retired in 1996 to focus on cancer research and development as an entrepreneur. His research led to impactful innovations, including the development of Ovarex™, a therapy for ovarian cancer that was used in clinical trials. He was elected to BioAlberta’s Alberta BioIndustry Hall Of Fame in 2006.
AltaRex Corp won the award for Industrial Research – Northern Region, a biopharmaceutical company that focused on the discovery and development of products for cancer treatment. These products were based on the company’s platform technology, Anti-idiotype Induction Therapy (AIT™),, which enhances the human immune system’s ability to produce a highly specific and effective anti-tumour response. AltaRex was founded by entrepreneur and Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Alberta, Dr. Antoine Noujaim – who was also awarded the 1997 for Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Technology. AltaRex was purchased by ViRexx Medical Corp., also founded by Dr. Noujaim. ViRexx was later acquired by Paladin Labs Inc.
SMART Technologies Inc. was recognized for Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology for achieving significant global growth. SMART Technologies was founded in 1987 in Calgary, and is a 4-time ASTech Award Winner for their innovation and commercial achievements. The SMART Board, was introduced in 1991 and is an interactive white board trusted by teachers, students, and business leaders world-wide. SMART Technologies Inc. was acquired by Foxconn in 2016.
The DiscoverE Program was recognized for Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness. Established in 1993, the Fred Otto DiscoverE program (named after founder and former University of Alberta Dean of Engineering) works to get youth excited about science, technology, engineering and math. The program, which includes engaging classroom demonstrations and interactive summer camps, has significantly expanded its reach (including Edmonton, Yellowknife and Grande Prairie) with over 450,000 youth reached over a 30 year period. The program was also recognized in 2009 with an ASTech Award.
Winner of the Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science award, Immunology pioneer Dr. Timothy R. Mosmann, was celebrated for his groundbreaking discovery of two T-cell subsets that revolutionized our understanding of the immune system’s response to various diseases, from infections to cancer. His work paved the way for experimental therapies targeting autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.  He served as Chair of the Department of Immunology at  University of Alberta. He currently works at the University of Rochester as Director of the Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology.
Additional 1997 Winners Include:

  • Science and technology community builder William Croft was recognized with the Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community award. He was a key figure in advancing Alberta’s innovation ecosystem by linking industry, academia, and government. As the President of the Calgary Research and Development Authority, he created Alberta’s first technology incubator and spearheaded expansions and initiatives that significantly boosted the region’s tech employment and revenue in the 1980s and 1990s. He also led Raylo Chemicals in Edmonton, which international life sciences company Gilead later acquired. Gilead’s Alberta facility is involved in the development of small molecule programs and provides active ingredients for Gilead’s worldwide research programs.
  • Industrial Research—Southern Region winner Intelligent Databases International Ltd.(IDI) for its expertise in Global Positioning Systems and Intelligent Transportation. IDI has developed Internet database technology based on the Java programming language and object-oriented design principles. With this technology, IDI built a “classified advertising” system for the publishing industry.
  • Energy industry innovator PanCanadian Petroleum Ltd. was honoured with Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science. After adopting an aggressive strategic plan emphasizing innovation and technological implementation, it grew into Canada’s largest producer of conventional crude oil and a major natural gas producer. Through corporate mergers, PanCanadian later became EnCana (then Ovintiv); as well as Cenovus. Headquartered in Calgary, Cenovus Energy Inc. is Canada’s largest oil and gas company, and has operations in the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States.

ASTech’s 1996 Winners

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Heavy oil researcher and University of Alberta Professor Dr. Otto P. Strausz won the Innovation In Oil Sands Research award for significantly advancing the understanding of Alberta’s oil sands. His innovative methods for isolating sulphides from petroleum were broadly applied in crude oils across the Western hemisphere. A Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada and member of the European Academy of Arts and Science, publisher of hundreds of technical research papers and the book “The Chemistry of Alberta Oil Sands, Bitumens and Heavy Oils.”
Since 1982, WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology) has been instrumental in promoting science and engineering to young people. Honoured with the Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness for creating effective programs to empower women to pursue, impact, and succeed in the fields of science, engineering, and technology (STEM). WISEST’s success is evident in its expansion and the high percentage of former participants who have pursued university education in science or engineering, underscoring its pivotal role in increasing resilience and shaping the future of young Albertans. WISEST relies on support from donors and supporters in government, industry, and academia.
The Calgary Science Network (now the Alberta Science Network) is a charitable organization that has set a national standard for science outreach and was recognized with the Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness. For over 30 years, they have facilitated meaningful connections between scientists and students, benefiting over 100,000 students. Their signature program, Scientists & Engineers-in-the-Classroom, inspires students with face-to-face, hands-on science presentations. Also recognized in 2016 for Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness.
Scott McKeen was recognized with the Journalism Award for the General Public for his compelling series, ‘Brain Storms,’ which tackled the sensitive issues of emotional illness, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. McKeen’s articles, enriched with personal experiences and a narrative style that welcomed a general audience into complex discussions, effectively broke down barriers surrounding mental health topics. McKeen was later elected to the Edmonton city council and awarded a MacEwan University Distinguished Alumni Award. Scott McKeen remains a dedicated advocate for mental health, serving on the boards of three organizations – Radium Community Healing and Health, the Mental Health Foundation, and the Jellinek Society – and consulting on mental health and homelessness.
Alberta Research Council (now Alberta Innovates) was recognized with a Special Award – for providing foundational and outstanding impact to Alberta. It was established in 1921 as the Scientific and Industrial Research Council of Alberta (SIRCA) – with a mandate to support economic development through applications of science and engineering expertise, and in the process, improve life in rural and urban Alberta. Alberta was a leader in having the first provincial research organization, followed by Ontario (1928), BC (1944), Nova Scotia (1946), Saskatchewan (1947), New Brunswick (1962), Manitoba (1963), Quebec (1969), and Newfoundland (2009).

SIRCA‘s name was changed to Research Council of Alberta (RCA) in 1930, Alberta Research Council (ARC) in 1981, and then merged in 2010 (with the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Energy Research Institute (formerly the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority), and other institutes for forestry, agriculture, biotechnology, ecosystem services and prion studies) to become Alberta Innovates (Bio Solutions, Energy and Environment Solutions, Health Solutions, and Technology Futures). In 2016, this became Alberta Innovates – one provincial corporation, with two applied research subsidiaries – C-FER Technologies and InnoTech Alberta – with a single focus to foster and accelerate research, innovation and economic growth in the province. Alberta Innovates annually hosts the Inventure$ conference – attracting a growing local and international audience of over 3000.
Dr. Norman Dovichi was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award for his pioneering contributions to chemical microanalytical instrumentation. He served as professor of chemistry at the University of Alberta, in the Northern Lights Laser Lab.
Visionary leader Dr. Martha C. Piper was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community. Dr. Piper served as Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, and then Vice President, Research and External Affairs, University of Alberta. She led the promotion of research excellence to industry, government, and the public, emphasizing the economic and community impact. She successfully advocated for the Canada Research Chairs Program to recruit scientists and to encourage them to remain. Also a trusted government advisor, she has helped to bring about the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Dr Piper served as President of the University of British Columbia from 1997 to 2006 and was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2004.
Winner for Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community, Dr. Thomas P. Keenan is renowned for his contributions spanning technology, education, and broadcasting. While serving as Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at the University of Calgary, his pioneering work in utilizing computer technology for education, exemplified by the university’s Distance Learning Centre, contributed to his nomination as a member of the Government of Canada’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Smart Communities and to the board of the ICTC Council of Canada. Dr. Keenan is currently a professor at the School of Architecture Planning and Landscape.
Mathematician Dr. Robert V. Moody, winner of Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science, stands as a pioneer through his co-discovery of the Kac-Moody algebras, fundamental in both mathematics and physical science. His work notably underpins superstring theory, a leading contender for the ‘theory of everything’. He is a joint recipient of the Wigner Medal, was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 1989, he became full professor at the University of Alberta, and also served as Scientific Director of the Banff International Research Station.
Additional 1996 Winners Include:

  • Tesco Corporation, received the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science Award for pioneering the world’s first portable, full-featured top drive system used in both land and offshore oil and gas drilling rigs. Founded in 1986 in Calgary by University of Alberta engineer Robert Tessari – Tesco Drilling Technology was focused on research and development for new drilling tools and processes. By 1996 the company expanded to over 400 employees across nine countries, transforming drilling practices with its innovative product design and a unique rental service model. Global recognition included a ‘Meritorious Award for Innovative Engineering’ at the 1994 Offshore Technology Conference. In December 2017, the company was acquired by Nabors Industries.
  • Calgary-based Revolve Technologies Inc. won the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology Award. Established in 1993, Revolve distinguished itself as an innovative engineering consulting firm, focusing on large-scale machinery and cutting-edge technologies such as frictionless magnetic bearings and oilless seals. In 1998, SKF and Revolve established a new company, Revolve Magnetic Bearings Inc.
  • The Industrial Research Award – Northern Alberta winner, Madenta Communications Inc., developed various hardware and software products that significantly enhance the autonomy and quality of life for people with disabilities. Their flagship product, PROXI, enabled users to perform everyday tasks with simple voice commands or minimal physical interaction. Madenta grew to sell its assistive technology products globally, establishing itself as a leading developer in Apple Computer’s World Wide Disability Solutions Group. In 2012, the company was renamed Cleankeys Inc. focusing on the hygienic computing market. Over this time, founder and serial entrepreneur Randy Marsden held community leadership volunteer roles, including chairman of the industry association Technology Alberta. Madenta was awarded the 2008 Winner: Societal Impact Award under the new name, Madentec Limited.
  • The Industrial Research Award – Southern Alberta was awarded to Travis Chemicals Inc., which had tackled the severe issue of corrosion in Alberta’s oil and gas production with an ambitious research project in collaboration with the University of Calgary and the High Performance Computing Centre. This initiative successfully identified several promising chemical compounds for new corrosion inhibitors, anticipated to meet strong market demand across multiple sectors. Travis Chemicals supported its efforts with a well-equipped 8000-square-foot laboratory in Calgary, enhancing both customer service and the development of advanced products.

1995: Award Recipients

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Dr. Robert Hodges was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science award, a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Alberta and Director and CEO of the Protein Engineering Centers of Excellence in Canada. Bob was also inducted as a Life Member into the Royal Society of Canada (2016). Dr. Hodges was a world-class speed skater representing Canada in three World Championships and two Olympics. His scientific contributions have included peptide synthesis, pioneering work on the SARS coronavirus Spike protein, muscle regulation and synthetic vaccine development as well as founding multiple companies.

The Praxis Science Outreach Society won the award for Excellence In Science and Technology Public Awareness. As part of the RIN network of Southeastern Alberta(APEX). Praxis works closely with community volunteers, and holds events at Medicine Hat College. Praxis has raised the general level of understanding of science and technology among local youth – and continues to make a difference as a registered charity relying on the support of donors and volunteers.

Science and technology journalist Dennis Urquhart was a writer and photographer for the Public Affairs Office at The University of Calgary, winner of the Journalism: Specialized Publications award. His unique ability to clearly communicate complex scientific topics expresses their impact on our daily lives. His writings, published in the Catalyst, explored the importance of research and rural medical consultations via computer, education, geology, and the relationship between biotechnology and reproduction.

Geotechnical innovator, Dr. Norbert R. Morgenstern, was recognized with the Innovation In Oil Sands Research award. A Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta, where he helped build the program into an internationally recognized centre of mining excellence. His work, researching the challenges of oil sands development, covers the geotechnical properties of a four-phase system and the treatment of oil sands tailings. Other recognition included: Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering; the Alberta Order of Excellence; and the Order of Canada.

NOWSCO(Nitrogen Oil Well Service Company), a horizontal drilling pioneer and international oil services company, won the Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science award for developing technologies to enhance well performance and reservoir fluid production. NOWSCO provided practical solutions to challenges that affect the economics of recovering oil in Alberta and around the world. It was founded in 1962 by investors, including Calgary philanthropist and petroleum engineer Pat Shouldice, who served as CEO until NOWSCO was bought by BJ Services (now Baker Hughes) in 1996.

Epsilon Chemicals, located in the Edmonton Research Park, won for Industrial Research for their work on environmentally responsible treatments for handling wastewater contaminants. The Envirofloc(TM) process for food processing plant waste uses natural plant materials to coagulate the contaminants, turning waste products into valuable animal feed. In 1998, Epsilon Chemicals won the Alberta Emerald Foundation for Environmental Excellence. Today, they continue to provide research and development for environmentally responsible products and services, to industrial customers around the world.

    Additional 1995 Winners Include:

    Merak Projects Ltd winner of Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology for their work on risk assessment software for the petroleum industry, which included reservoir and production engineering applications, field data management software and value and portfolio engineering tools. Profit Magazine recognized ;Calgary’s Merak Products as one of the top ten fastest-growing companies in Canada. Merak was acquired by Schlumberger NV (now SLB) in 1999.

    Industrial process innovator Dr. Karl T. Chuang, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta, won the award for Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Technology for his work in catalysis chemistry and chemical engineering that helped solve practical problems for both people and industry. Among his many licensed patents is a process assisting pulp and paper mills in reducing the environmental impact of their effluents. His awards include Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Discovery Awards and the Faculty of Engineering Teaching Award, University of Alberta.

    Yellowbird Products Limited, the winner of the Industrial Research Award, was recognized for developing Acoustic Continuous Monitoring (ACM) technology to detect failures of post-tensioning cables in buildings. This Calgary company’s innovation included accelerometers installed in concrete slabs – that constantly monitored electronic activity in the structure while data processing equipment recorded the activity.

    ASTech Special Award winner TRLabs (Later TRTech), began as the Alberta Telecommunications Research Centre and expanded from its three founding sponsors: Bell­ Northern Research, the University of Alberta and the Government of Alberta, to attract 35 major telecommunications players with five laboratories across Western Canada and international recognition for its annual telecommunications technologies conferences. TRLabs produced scores of transferable technologies and supported the professional development and research engagement of hundreds of graduate students.

    1994: Breakthroughs

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    In 1994, a pivotal year in technological advancement and innovation, the World Wide Web emerged, reshaping the landscape of technology and business for years to come.

    Meanwhile, the ASTech Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across diverse fields, ranging from journalism to biotechnology and industrial research

    Alberta Innovates

    Medical researcher Dr. Lionel E. McLeod was recognized as an Alberta Pioneer in Science and Technology, for his visionary leadership and dedication to biomedical research and education. Dr. McLeod served as the first President of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) (which later became Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions), and was part of the team enabling the province to become a global leader in this space by facilitating the recruitment of renowned scientists, the training of thousands of investigators, and the establishment of world-class research groups and facilities in Edmonton and Calgary. Born in Wainwright, his career spanned roles such as Dean of Medicine at The University of Calgary and President of prestigious medical associations.

    Winner for Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community, Dr. D. Robert Weir, Senior Vice- President of Sherritt made significant strides in advancing extractive metallurgy, and brought industry and government together in a research and development consortium known as Westaim Technologies Inc. On August 4, 1989 the Government of Canada, the Province of Alberta, and Sherritt Inc. announced the major collaboration that would take place over a five year period for research, development and commercialization of advanced industrial materials – which would include new state-of-the-art facilities and make it possible to recruit more than 100 new scientists, engineers and support personnel from 9 different countries. Dr Weir developed strong ties with the University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary, and in 1989, became a director of the Alberta Research Council (now Alberta Innovates).

    Biomedical researcher Dr. Jerry H. Wang, winner for Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science, became renowned for his groundbreaking research in enzymology, particularly in signal transduction mechanisms. At The University of Calgary since 1982, his work on calmodulin’s calcium-binding activity significantly advanced our understanding of intracellular processes. He held pivotal roles establishing the Cell Regulation Research Group and coordinating a Signal Transduction research group.

    Award winner for Journalism: Specialized Publications medical journalist Lois M. Hammond played a pivotal role in educating Albertans on the significance of medical research through her work as Communications Director of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) – (AHFMR later became Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions). Lois was instrumental in writing “The Power and The Promise” a publication that highlighted human biology, Alberta’s pioneering role in medical research, and its impact on health and the economy. It was distributed widely – including every junior and senior high school in the Province. Reaction was “phenomenal” – winning awards from professional public relations organizations, both nationally and internationally.

    Dr. Clifton Shook, Winner of the Innovation In Oil Sands Research award and Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, was recognized for his groundbreaking research in producing high-quality data describing pipeline operations that are fundamental to the field. His research led to big construction cost savings for Syncrude and Suncor by optimizing pipeline designs. The Canadian Society of Chemical Engineers also gave him the prestigious Century of Achievement Award. 

    The Science Alberta Foundation (now known as MindFuel) won the award for Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness. Mindfuel promotes science education, encouraging Albertans to pursue careers in science and technology. Champions of ‘hands-on, minds-on’ learning, the organization has enhanced science education through innovative and accessible means since being founded in Calgary in 1990. Presently, MindFuel is a leader in developing youth innovation talent through STEM programs for K-12 and collegiate youth populations. MindFuel has also won the ASTech 2014 Award for Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness.

    Harding Instrument Company Ltd. award winner for Industrial Research (Northern Alberta Region), for their work designing an electrostatic imaging sensor for gas transmission. Founded by Professor Patrick Harding, as a University of Alberta spin-off, the company gained global recognition, with its products being marketed worldwide. Harding’s headquarters are in Edmonton and have now been in operations for over 55 years.

    Bovine genetics innovator Alta Genetics Inc. was recognized for Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology for enhancing the efficiency of milk and meat production. Based in Rocky View County, Alta Genetics started in the town of Balzac, and continues to serve an international market – solidifying its status as a world leader in genetic and reproductive programs to optimize herd performance. Alta Genetics Founder Doug Blair is a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Canadian Commemorative Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Canada. The company is now part of URUS, a global agriculture company.

    Dr. Donald B. Robinson was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Technology for groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of hydrocarbons. The Peng-Robinson equation became the industry standard, revolutionizing oil and gas reservoir simulations, hydrocarbon processing, and pipeline flow simulations. Dr. Robinson applied his expertise commercially nurturing a team of world-wide experts through DBR Group of Companies, which was acquired by Schlumberger in 2002. Former Chairman of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta, Dr. Robinson won many honours.

    1994’s Other Winners Include:

    Mr. Arthur Heller, winner Journalism: General Public, developed Science, Technology and Society, a seven-part series of fifteen-minute video programs that provide real-life examples of complex topics. Produced through Access TV’s Edmonton facility, the series is aimed at senior high school students, although the topics covered are also of interest to more general audiences. Among the issues explored are how scientific knowledge develops, and the influence of society on scientific and technology research.

    Winner of Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology, Broadband equipment innovator IDACOM Telecom Division, a division of Hewlett-Packard Canada, was recognized for its commercial achievement for its specialized high-performance protocol testing solutions. This homegrown Alberta company grew from technology originally developed by AGT (Alberta Government Telephones) Limited (now Telus) – and in 1993 had revenues exceeding $30 million.

    New Era Systems Services Ltd., was recognized for Innovation in Industrial Research(Southern Region). This Calgary company’s flagship product HARBOR, allowed automatic backup without the need for a mainframe – advancing the management of data and security solutions. New Era Systems Services Ltd. was later acquired by Interlink Computer Sciences in 1997.

    1993: Keeping Pace

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    In 1993, Alberta’s research and technology arms were keeping pace with the world, with breakthroughs in infectious disease research, parallel computation, and remote field technology where recognized by the ASTech Awards.

    Dr. D. Lorne Tyrrell was recognized for Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science in 1993 for his work in Infectious Disease Research. Dr. Tyrrell found clues while teaching a graduate course at the University of Alberta that lead to the discovery of an antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B, a virus that affects over 300 million people world wide. Dr. Tyrrell has since been inducted in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

    Joining the University of Calgary in 1981, Dr. Nigg built a premier biomechanics research center, leveraging his expertise across Medicine, Engineering, and Physical Education. His pioneering work spans the design of sports shoes, optimization of floor surfaces, enhancement of amputee children’s gait, and analysis of biomechanical stress on the human body. Dr. Nigg is the founder and chief science officer of Biomechanigg – a multidisciplinary group of specialists who concentrate on research related to movement, exercise and sport. Dr Nigg was awarded the Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science.

    The Time Warp or Optimistic Synchronization technology was a major breakthrough in parallel computation and the impetus for Jade, a computer simulation company launched by Dr. Brian Unger, for which he won the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology award. Dr. Unger, a Professor Emeritus for the University of Calgary, continued to play an important role in Alberta’s research community, and founding president of the Netera Alliance, now called Cybera Inc, a consortium that builds cyberinfrastructure to support research and organizations in Alberta.

    Dr. Harry Emmet Gunning received an award for Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community. A pillar in education and research and a distinguished career spanning Harvard University and the National Research Council of Canada. He played a pivotal role in advancing the University of Alberta’s Department of Chemistry, and in 1974 became the President of the university. He spearheaded the Edmonton Research Development Park Authority and has received honours such as the Order of Canada and Province of Alberta Achievement Awards.

    Today the Edmonton Research Park continues to support innovation through the presence and collaboration of community builders and entrepreneurs such as Innotech Alberta (formerly Alberta Research Council), C-FER, Syncrude Research, ERPBC, Intellimedia, Clinisys, Frontech, Biostream, Quantiam Technologies, ATC, and more. ASTech Award winning companies from the research park have included: API, Nanoprecise, NTwist, Nanospeed Diagnostics, Microlyne, and Zedi.

    Russell Technologies Inc won the Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology award for their Industrial Research, specifically for Filling the Market Void for Pipeline Inspection Tools. The Russell team specialize in Remote Field Technology, for assessing tubes, pipelines and plate. Since 1993, this Edmonton based company has continued to expand and develop, and now offer inspections for pipes, tanks, pressure vessels and towers, and own more than 8 patents for technology that it has developed. Now known as Russell NDE Systems Inc, they work with global partners – and have been recognized by the ASTech awards again in 2001 and beyond.

    Dr. Raymond Lemieux, a native of Lac la Biche, and a researcher at the University of Alberta was the 1993 Winner: Alberta Pioneer in Science and Technology, celebrated for synthesizing sucrose and pioneering scientific research in Alberta, earned 14 honorary degrees and numerous awards, including the inaugural NSERC Gold Medal. He founded three companies –R&L Molecular Research in 1963, Raylo Chemical in 1966 and Chembiomed Ltd. in 1977 – and significantly contributed to Alberta’s research-intensive industry, with over 200 publications and 28 patents. Lemieux’s extensive achievements are commemorated by awards including the Order of Canada, a biography, and his active engagement in academia and industry beyond retirement.

    Dr. Jacob Masliyah, winner of Innovation In Oil Sands Research, was pivotal to the oil sands industry through his research in fluid-particle mechanics. His Extraction Simulation Model was crucial for the Syncrude Expansion Project and informed the design of other facilities. Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Masliyah has enriched the scientific community with over 150 publications, participated in numerous committees, and received multiple awards for his excellence in teaching and service. Jacob’s work has greatly contributed to the University of Alberta, which awarded him its highest award: the J. Gordin Kaplan Award.

    1993’s Other Winners Include:

    CS Resources Limited was awarded the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology (>25M). CS Resources Limited emerged as a leading player in resource exploration, leveraging horizontal production techniques and innovative technologies, the company achieved impressive oil production rates surpassing 8,000 barrels per day, a feat unattainable through conventional methods at that time. CS Resources was acquired Pan Canadian Petroleum (now Cenovus) in 1997.

    As a communications officer at Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University), Rae Haaland, the 1993 Award for Journalism: Specialized Publications, highlighted science illiteracy in Canada through her piece “Another Science Story” in the bi-monthly magazine Imprint. Her work, aiming to shed light on efforts by Alberta’s educational and scientific institutions to address this issue, garnered positive feedback from both individuals and organizations within the scientific community.

    As a CFRN Eye Witness News reporter in Edmonton, Michelle Renne Jones was the 1993 ASTech Award Winner for Journalism: General Public for her work preparing a series of in-depth medical features. The specific objective was to explain the relevance of medical breakthroughs to the general public. Her interviews – all conducted with Albertans and all discussing Alberta research projects – were aired to an enthusiastic response from viewers.

    Malibu Engineering Ltd earned an ASTech Award in 1993 for Innovation in Industrial Research. Honoured for developing a tool known as Tally-Ho. This bright idea enabled on-site crews to measure racks of drilling pipe or casing by means of frequency modulation, using laser technology.

    Valmet Automation, winner of Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology, specialized in turnkey open architecture control and information systems to monitor and control pipeline operations. Built its reputation on supervisory control and data acquisition systems – SCADA, and OASyS® at the time a new operating system, designed and developed in Calgary. (Now under the name AVEVA Enterprise SCADA a leading Pipeline Management System).

    1993 Winner for Industrial Research, Z.I. Probes for products that electronically measured temperature and pressure in oil and gas wells. The Edmonton company’s highly sophisticated probe incorporates advanced software and electronics, resulting in superior levels of accuracy, resolution and reliability. In developing the instrument, Z.I. Probes Inc. has performed advanced research in power consumption, sensor technology and associated analog instrumentation.

    1992: ASTech Awards expanded

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    ASTech Awards expanded in 1992, with awards in leadership, for wireless technology, product creation, and involvement in biochemistry and agriculture.
     
    Taylor, Dr. Richard E., for being an Alberta Pioneer in Science and Technology. This native of Medicine Hat was the first Canadian to win a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1990. Taylor attended the University of Alberta (BS, MSc). This experience prompted his pursuit of a Ph.D. at Stanford University. Renowned for experiments confirming quarks’ existence, the sub-atomic particles forming the basis of 99 percent of all matter on Earth.
     
    Butler, Dr. Roger received the Innovation In Oil Sands Research Sponsored By Syncrude Canada Ltd. Dr. Roger Butler was instrumental in making in situ bitumen recovery possible, designing both the Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) at Imperial Oil and Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) with Imperial and AOSTRA, enhancing Alberta’s oil sands as a crucial petroleum energy source.
     
    Dr. Leonard T. Bruton, a professor from the University of Calgary, earned an ASTech Award for Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science for his groundbreaking work in voice and data transmission technology, building filters used world-wide to limit the bandwidth transmitted and received.
     
    Dr. Lawrence Wang won his award for Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Technology for creating an energy bar that fights the effects of Hypothermia. The ‘Canadian Cold Buster’ bar was initially designed as a fast and efficient way for Canadian soldiers to fight off hypothermia – would become one of the first energy bars on the market.
     
    SMART Technologies Inc. for Industrial Research for developing interactive solutions like the SMART interactive whiteboard. As of today, they have been in operation for over 30 years, and now SMART provides integrated solutions of software, hardware, training, and services that are designed for performance and ease of use.
     
    Sherritt Gordon Limited (now Sherritt) for Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science for creating and supplying the metals used in the Canadian Dollar Coins “Loonies”. Sherritt continues to be a world leader in the mining and refining of nickel and cobalt. Its Technologies Group creates innovative, proprietary solutions for oil and mining companies worldwide.
     
    Lowey, Mr. Mark for Journalism: Specialized Publications, for contributing to science journalism. In a special section of the October 20, 1991, Calgary Herald that saluted Science and Technology Week, he contributed stories on science and technology activities and personalities in Alberta. He is now the Managing Director of Research Money Inc., among other freelance work.
     
    Dr. Robert Church was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community. From being the founding Head of the Department of Medical Biochemistry at the University of Calgary to his research impacting Canada’s agricultural sector, helping start 11 companies
     
    Biomira inc. won the award Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology (Sales less than 25 million) for specializing in distinct cancer research, later acquired by Cascadian Therapeutics Inc. in 2016, and is now under the Pfizer.com umbrella.

    1991: Breadth of Innovation

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    1991’s ASTech Winners show the breadth of innovation in Alberta, focused on airborne monitoring, laser technology, and advancements in space science. Here are the 1991 winners:

    In 1991, ITRES Research received the Industrial Research award for its innovative casi instrument, revolutionizing environmental management. The casi instrument, vital for environmental monitoring, forestry, and resource management, was developed with the assistance of Darren Cosandier. Cosandier produced software to geocode data from the casi instrument, enabling its transformation onto a map grid. ITRES continues their high tech research in commercial airborne remote sensing.

    Dr. Leroy Cogger, the 1991 winner of Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science, played a crucial role in advancing the University of Calgary’s Space Science programs. His leadership in projects like Canada’s ISIS-2 satellite significantly contributed to our understanding of auroral and ionospheric phenomena. The Space Science Group’s reputation was further enhanced with the development and successful operation of a novel Ultraviolet camera that was flown on the Swedish Viking satellite in 1986.

    Dr. John Tulip‘s 1991 award for Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology celebrates his groundbreaking contributions to Laser Technology Innovation. Beginning his journey at the University of Alberta’s Department of Electrical Engineering in the late 1960s, he and Dr. H.J.J. Seguin established a renowned laser laboratory. To facilitate the transfer of his technology, Tulip helped found Boreal Laser Inc., known for its Enhanced Sensing Element, widely utilized for precise gas concentration measurements in industrial settings.  Boreal Laser continues to expand and seeks new talent.

    1991 ASTech Award Winners include:

    • Dr. Clement Willis Bowman recognized for Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community. He was the former president and Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Research Council and had a career spanning 36 years in both the public and private sectors. Mr. Bowman received the Order of Canada.
    • Axion Spatial Imaging Ltd. recognized for Industrial Research – Solution To Tracking Mobile Assets creating a hardware and software system solution to track helicopters, aircraft, ships and land vehicles using Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
    • INTERA Information Technologies Corp. winner for Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology. Their products cover a wide range of applications and markets, from petroleum software to Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

    Celebrating 35 Years in Alberta Innovation: 1990

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    In 1990, innovation included the expansion of landline telephone networks, improvements in infrastructure for mobile telecommunications, and the early stages of transitioning towards digital communication technologies, setting the stage for future years. Notably, the world standard for broadband wireless was set, which would be key in future developments.

    ASTech Awards – 1990 Winners: Then and Now

    Mr. Eric A. Geddes the 1990 Winner for Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community. Mr. Geddes a distinguished alumni of the University of Alberta was a key figure in Alberta’s economic development, and significantly contributed to various community roles. As Chairman of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (1980-1990), he oversaw a substantial increase in funding, elevating Alberta’s status in medical research. As well, under his leadership, the Edmonton Research Park flourished into a thriving technology community. Mr Geddes was awarded the Order of Canada.

    Today the Edmonton Research Park continues to support innovation through the presence and collaboration of community builders and entrepreneurs such as Innotech Alberta(formerly Alberta Research Council) , C-FER, Syncrude Research,ERPBC, Intellimedia, Clinisys, Frontech, Biostream, Quantiam Technologies, ATC, and more. ASTech Award winning companies from the research park have included: API,Nanoprecise, NTwist, Nanospeed Diagnostics, Microlyne, and Zedi.

    Established in 1986, B & W Technologies (founded by Cody Slater) pioneered gas monitoring devices for the oil industry, revolutionizing safety standards. In 1990, B & W Technologies, won the award for Commercial Achievement in reaching a Global Market. 

    Acquired by Honeywell in 2006, now known as BW Technologies, they lead the global market in gas detection technology, ensuring safety across industries worldwide. Their innovative range of products remains compact, user-friendly, and cost-effective, setting the standard for hazardous environment safety. 

    Today Mr. Slater is CEO of Calgary’s Blackline Safety.

    Dr. Ronald G. Micetich, recipient of the 1990 Award for Alberta Science and Technology, spearheaded groundbreaking International Pharmaceutical Collaboration. With a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan, Micetich initiated a career in Pharmaceutical Research, cultivating partnerships with industry leaders like Taiho Pharmaceutical Company in Japan. This collaboration led to the establishment of Taiho Pharmaceuticals and Synphar Laboratories in Alberta.

    In 1999, Micetich founded NAEJA Pharmaceutical, Edmonton, focused on combating drug-resistant bacteria. Alongside his innovative research, Dr. Micetich served as an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, sharing his expertise with aspiring scientists.

    ASTech Spotlight: Community Builder – NABI

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    ASTech Community Builder, NABI (Northern Alberta Business Incubator), was established by the City of St. Albert in 1989 and, like the ASTech Awards, is marking 35 years of innovation! It provides vital support, education, and mentorship to early-stage businesses, fostering their launch, growth, and long-term success.

    Notably, NABI has nurtured two past ASTech winners: Wilson Analytical Services Inc. and Sarcomere Dynamics.

    Having played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, NABI has graduated over 650 member businesses and assisted more than 3,000 entrepreneurs, with 80% of its alumni companies sustaining operations for over 5 years. This success has injected over $500 million into the local economy.

    Currently supporting 90 active member companies, NABI aims for further expansion to nurture more budding entrepreneurs. Through its programs and services, early-stage businesses can thrive in an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

    1989: Founding of the ASTech Awards

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    By the late 1980s, provincial and federal governments had made many significant investments in Alberta post-secondaries – to attract and support researchers that would further discovery, and collaborate with industry to enable innovation through technology commercialization – resulting in economic diversification. Advancements were made throughout the fields of energy, life and health sciences, agriculture, geoscience, digital innovation and more – but these individual achievements often did not make front-page news on their own.

     

    Driven Albertan professionals saw an opportunity to create momentum – and formed a supportive innovation community comprised of industry, government, academia, entrepreneurs, and champions. Edmonton had just held an inspiring science and technology gala in 1988 – seeding an opportunity to support the growth of the tech sector through the visibility that celebration can bring. This motivated the creation of the ASTech Awards in 1989 by community members including Martin Kratz, KC, a prominent Calgary lawyer, and KPMG representatives like Peter Kinash.

    Today, 35 years later, the ASTech Awards continues to bring together the innovation community to celebrate the impact made possible through the collaboration of industry, government, academia, entrepreneurs, and community champions. The momentum that this and other initiatives have created, has helped develop Alberta’s thriving tech sector and innovation-fueled economy. Shared Success, Best of All Worlds.