Discover the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub, a driving force behind Alberta’s cutting-edge research landscape.
Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the ARIS Hub is 79,000 square feet of state-of-the-art research labs and facilities fuelled by a dynamic team of more than 70 research experts dedicated to bridging the gap between academia, industry and communities.
ARIS unites researchers, innovators and students to transform ideas into tangible solutions that drive economic and environmental advancements locally and globally.
Recognised as one of Canada’s top five research colleges in 2024 by Research Infosource, ranking fourth, SAIT continues to demonstrate excellence in research and innovation. In 2024, ARIS worked with more than 200 companies on engagements, assessments and research projects, leading to the development of approximately 100 prototypes.
The Hub’s researchers collaborate with a diverse range of partners, including entrepreneurs, large corporations, Indigenous communities and organizations, non-profits, and municipal, provincial and federal governments.
ARIS Hub’s specialised research centres
The ARIS Hub has four specialised research centres, each focused on advancing innovation in key areas.
In addition to these centres, a group of independent researchers further expand their capacity to drive impactful projects and discoveries across a wide range of disciplines.
Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS)
CIRUS is the most advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) research and development centre in North America, with some of its systems and sensors being unique to the continent. The expertise of CIRUS researchers extends to practical applications across various sectors, using RPAS, sensors, and modelling software for data collection and management.
Areas of focus:
- Customisation, validation and integration of data products derived from unmanned systems
- Drone applications
- Disaster and emergency management
- Surveying and mapping
Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS)
CERCUTS is focused on advancing green energy initiatives and sustainable conventional energy resources. CERCUTS’s expertise in chemical and process engineering, electrochemistry, environmental science, and analytical instrumentation provides solutions to energy challenges worldwide.
Areas of focus:
- Oil and gas
- Batteries and energy storage systems
- Water treatment and purification
- Hydrogen fuel cells
Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM)
CIRAMM is committed to innovation across diverse industries by fostering digital manufacturing technologies and the creation of novel materials.
Through collaborative research and development, CIRAMM aims to advance manufacturing processes and develop material solutions tailored to industry needs.
Areas of focus:
- Design
- Simulation
- Manufacturing and prototyping
- Materials and processing
- Material characterisation
- Robotics and automation
Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC)
As one of only three Technology Access Centres in Canada focused on the construction sector, GBTAC takes a collaborative approach with organizations to identify and develop sustainable technologies, processes and systems.
Areas of focus:
- Net-zero energy
- Building integrated renewable energy
- Architectural ecology
- Smart building management
- Materials and advanced component assembly
Independent researchers
With expertise in information technology, computer sciences and custom electronics, the ARIS Hub’s independent research team provides tailored technological solutions to meet the unique needs of each project.
Areas of focus:
- Electronic design, assembly and testing
- Artificial intelligence (e.g. foreign object detection)
- RPAS (e.g. methane detection)
- Prototype development
- Data collection and analysis
- Applied physics
- Control systems
How the ARIS Hub works
Each project begins with an initial project inquiry from a potential partner, including industry and government, to define the project’s technology and development needs.
Support is offered throughout various stages, including design and development, fabrication and prototyping, product testing and verification, and pre-commercialisation.
Partners also work with our in-house grant writers through the project and budget planning phases to identify and apply for funding opportunities.
