Mitacs and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre expand nine-year energy innovation partnership

Regina, SK — Today, Mitacs and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) signed a new two-year memorandum of understanding focused on turning Saskatchewan research strengths into economic opportunities. The MOU was signed by Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO of Mitacs, and Erik Nickel, President and CEO of PTRC, at the conclusion of an expert roundtable including diverse voices from across the Regina innovation ecosystem.

The expanded partnership will enable deeper collaboration, increase joint projects, and accelerate the development, testing and commercialization of energy technologies across shared priorities, including carbon capture, utilization and storage; enhanced oil recovery; energy sustainability; clean technology; environmental innovation; and emerging energy systems. By connecting applied research expertise with industry-defined challenges, Mitacs and PTRC will help Saskatchewan companies adopt new technologies, retain intellectual property and highly qualified talent in the province, and bring commercially viable solutions to market faster.

In addition, the agreement creates new opportunities for the organizations to collaborate on Indigenous engagement through Mitacs’ Indigenous Pathways initiative, strengthen connections between researchers and industry partners, and broaden thought leadership, public engagement, knowledge sharing, workshops and joint events.

Quick Facts

• To date, more than $12.8 million has been invested in 57 Mitacs-PTRC-supported research projects, led by 32 professors and 113 student and postdoctoral researchers.
• Research has taken place across the country at University of Regina, University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, University of Calgary, St. Francis Xavier University, and Western University.
• Since 2018, Mitacs has invested $1.68B in R&D and supported 42,000 innovation projects nationwide.

Quotes

“Building strong ties between innovators, students, and government is key to unlocking Saskatchewan’s next generation of energy technologies. Through this collaboration, Mitacs and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre will help even more researchers and entrepreneurs turn ideas into commercial-ready solutions that drive economic growth, strengthen the province’s tech and energy sectors, and build the skilled workforce Saskatchewan needs to compete globally.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“PTRC and our research partners have benefitted enormously from our partnership with Mitacs, with the development and retention of talent in the fields of engineering, geology, communications and administration. PTRC has itself retained former Mitacs interns as full-time employees, assuring that the best stays in the province. Mitacs’ partnerships with industry and educational institutions is crucial in creating a Canadian advantage.”

— Erik Nickel, CEO and President, PTRC

“Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions are helping drive innovation across key sectors of our economy. Through partnerships like this one, students and researchers gain meaningful opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking work while building the skills and experience employers need. We are pleased to see Mitacs and PTRC continue their strong collaboration to advance research, support talent development, and create economic opportunities for Saskatchewan.”

Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Advanced Education

“Innovation Saskatchewan has proudly partnered with PTRC and Mitacs for many years as they advance research, innovation and talent development in Saskatchewan. This agreement reflects a strong and proven partnership that helps connect industry with research expertise to solve real-world challenges. Together, PTRC and Mitacs will continue to accelerate innovation and strengthen Saskatchewan’s global leadership in sustainable energy.”

Kari Harvey, CEO of Innovation Saskatchewan

About Mitacs

Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people, and ambition to turn potential into results. Mitacs co-funds innovation partnerships that get Canada’s researchers and businesses where they need to go.

Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks.

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 the Petroleum Technology Research Centre

PTRC Sustainable Energy is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1998 to facilitate research, development and field demonstration projects that reduce the carbon footprint and increase the production of subsurface energy. It funds researchers and research organizations, and also provides key investigative and characterization services through its Energy Innovation Hub laboratory in Regina. PTRC trains highly qualified personnel (HQPs) in collaboration with universities and colleges, and is committed to Indigenous engagement and training.

For more information, or to arrange a media interview, please contact:

Katherine Janson
Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Mitacs
[email protected] | C: (437) 297-8596

Norm Sacuta
Director of Communications, PTRC
[email protected] | O: (306) 787-7497 | C: (306) 502-2101