Regina, SK — Mitacs and PTRC, a sustainable Energy NFP, announced a new four-year collaborative funding program to develop and retain highly qualified personnel (HQPs) in “cleantech” research and development (R&D) at the University of Regina and other universities. PTRC will contribute $2.72 million to universities between 2024 and 2028, which will be matched with an additional $3.33 million by Mitacs, to fund graduate and post-graduate researchers in areas of sustainable energy. Total new funds directed to university-based research will be $6.05 million.
The collaborative program will include projects in geothermal energy, blue hydrogen, CO2 capture and storage, integrated power systems incorporating the use of AI, and the reduction of environmental impacts in hydrocarbon production.
Approved projects within the overall program have been submitted by researchers from the universities of Regina, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Calgary, and St. Francis Xavier, with a predominance of research projects happening at Saskatchewan’s two main universities.
For more information on Mitacs and support for our clean technology research and industry partners please visit Mitacs | Cleantech.
Quotes
“The development and retention of talent – professionals with the unique skills required to attain a sustainable energy future – is an important goal for this collaborative funding agreement. At Mitacs, we know that post-secondary students who have completed a Mitacs internship in Saskatchewan are more likely to stay in Saskatchewan after they graduate and that Mitacs programs help companies across the prairies attract, develop, and retain top talent. We are proud to play a part in this prosperous future for the province.”
— John Hepburn, CEO, Mitacs
“This new four-year collaborative funding agreement builds on the successes that PTRC and Mitacs have had since 2018. The funding and training developed more than 75 students and qualified professionals at the University of Regina and at other collaborating universities. Between now and 2028 these new funds will see an equal number of students and post-docs trained in clean tech.”
— Ranjith Narayanasamy, CEO and President, Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC)
“The Government of Saskatchewan values our ongoing partnerships with Mitacs and the PTRC. Their contributions help our post-secondary sector provide important innovation and research opportunities to students, further advancing research in sustainable energy. Saskatchewan is a global leader in developing technologies like carbon capture and storage and blue hydrogen, as well as nuclear energy and innovation. Together, we will continue to build a strong, sustainable Saskatchewan.”
— The Honourable Gordon Wyant, Minister of Advanced Education, Government of Saskatchewan
“The University of Regina has been a key partner in PTRC’s energy research for the last 25 years and we are excited by the next four years of clean-tech Research and Development thanks to funding from Mitacs and the PTRC. Our long-standing relationship has helped to train the next generation of researchers in energy technology leading to a healthy and sustainable future.”
— Christopher Yost, Vice-President Research, University of Regina
About Mitacs
Mitacs empowers Canadian innovation through effective partnerships that deliver solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Mitacs assists organizations in reaching their goals, funds cutting-edge innovation, and creates job opportunities for students and postdocs.
A not-for-profit organization, 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.
Learn more at https://www.mitacs.ca/
About the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC)
PTRC is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1998 to facilitate research, development and field demonstration projects to reduce the carbon footprint and increase the production of subsurface energy. PTRC seeks to support industry, government and research providers to realize their environmental, social and governance needs. PTRC strives to be the incubator, accelerator and developer of research and innovation to reduce the carbon footprint and increase the production of subsurface energy.
Learn more at https://ptrc.ca/
