Imperial Oil Unveils Alberta’s Largest Corporate Gift to SAIT

The Imperial Energy Innovation Centre (IEIC), a state-of-the-art research facility, has officially opened at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). This significant milestone marks the completion of a $37 million project, representing the largest corporate donation to any post-secondary institution in Alberta’s history. Located at 9223 – 23 St SE, the facility was initially donated by Imperial Oil in May 2023 and has undergone extensive renovations to enhance its capabilities.

Imperial Oil further solidified its commitment to educational innovation by announcing an additional investment of $300,000 through the newly established Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund during the opening event. This funding aims to support student-led projects and foster a culture of innovation within the energy sector.

Supporting Research and Collaboration

The IEIC will operate under SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and promoting collaboration between students and industry professionals. “The IEIC will be a launchpad for applied energy research, student and industry collaboration, and innovation in Canada’s energy sector,” stated a press release from SAIT.

Cheryl Gomez-Smith, Senior Vice President for Imperial Oil, highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership. She noted that SAIT’s reputation as a top research college and its strong industry connections made the collaboration a natural fit. “SAIT is a top five research college in Canada, and its culture of curiosity aligns perfectly with Imperial’s values of care, integrity, resilience, education, efficiency, and excellence,” she said.

Jamie McInnis, Director of ARIS at SAIT, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility. “We’re really happy to get out of our cramped quarters and expand on our research efforts. This space enhances our competitiveness and provides students with better opportunities to explore broader ideas for their projects,” she explained. The partnership took 18 months to develop, highlighting the collaborative effort among various stakeholders.

Long-Term Benefits for Alberta

The opening of the IEIC is anticipated to strengthen the relationship between academia and industry. Myles McDougall, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education, emphasized the importance of such collaborations for the province’s future. “This will enhance research and innovation opportunities in Alberta for years to come,” he said. Drawing on his extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, McDougall reflected on the potential impact of the facility. “If I had access to this facility during my career, it would have been a game changer,” he remarked.

John Whelan, Chairman, President, and CEO of Imperial, expressed his pride in supporting SAIT with this unprecedented donation. “The Imperial Energy Innovation Center signifies a commitment to practical research and hands-on learning. It reinforces SAIT’s status as one of Canada’s leading research colleges,” he stated.

As the IEIC opens its doors to students and researchers, it is poised to become a cornerstone for innovation in Alberta’s energy sector. The collaborative efforts of Imperial Oil, SAIT, and the provincial government underscore a shared vision of advancing education and research, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future for the industry.