Mitacs and Burman University partner to drive innovation and support talent and research in Alberta 

January 20, 2026 

Vancouver, BC – Mitacs is proud to announce that Burman University in Lacombe, Alberta, has joined its expanding community of post-secondary partners. Through this partnership, Mitacs will continue to support Alberta’s businesses and priority sectors, providing access to the talent needed to drive research and innovation capacity and accelerate market entry and growth.  

Through this partnership, Burman University will strengthen its role as a hub for academic-industry collaboration and innovation capacity. Burman University will access Mitacs funding to deploy expertise into Alberta’s economy, enabling local organizations to tap into top-tier talent to develop the workforce of tomorrow in key priority sectors like Health, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy, Technology and Innovation and Artificial Intelligence and Information Communications Technology. 

Last May, the Alberta government announced an investment of $15 million over three years to Mitacs. By providing funding and institutional support while creating new opportunities for students and businesses in Alberta, this agreement marks a significant milestone for Burman University, reinforcing Mitacs’ commitment to growing Alberta’s economy. 

The collaboration will prioritize research projects involving local students, ensuring they gain hands-on experience solving real-world challenges while contributing to regional economic growth. These projects will focus on practical, market-ready solutions that meet the needs of industries in the region. 

Across Alberta, Mitacs supports post-secondary institutions to deliver hands-on, industry-responsive education and training to strengthen local economies and accelerate talent development. 

Since 2018, Mitacs has invested over $147 million into research and development initiatives in Alberta, partnered with nearly 1,400 enterprise partners, and delivered over 3,500 innovation projects representing approximately 4,500 interns across the province.   

Quotes 

“Mitacs is proud to announce a new partnership with Burman University. Through this important new collaboration, we will help develop the next generation of Alberta talent, preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow, while supporting economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness across the province.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs  

 “Burman University looks forward to collaborating with Mitacs and its community of partners to enhance academic programs on our campus and beyond. This partnership promises great opportunities to benefit our campus.”  

Dr. Loren Agrey, President, Burman University   

About Mitacs 

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.

This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About Burman University 

Burman University is a Christian university located in Lacombe, Alberta. Founded in 1907, Burman is accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA) and offers Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC) approved bachelor’s degree programs. We offer over 35 major or track choices in bachelor degree programs in our Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, and the School of Business and School of Education. Burman University integrates academic excellence, faith, and service to prepare students for meaningful lives and careers. 

For further information, please contact: 

Caroline Dobuzinskis

Manager, Communications & Public Affairs

Mitacs

[email protected] 

236-334-3863 

Ziona Eyob

Senior Communications & Public Affairs Specialist

Mitacs

[email protected]