Our beginnings
Powered by philanthropy
The Azrieli Foundation
The Azrieli Accelerator launched at the University of Calgary in 2022 thanks to a transformational $25 million gift from the Azrieli Foundation. This marked the foundation’s first major philanthropic investment in western Canada.
Founded in Montreal by the late David J. Azrieli in 1989, the foundation has supported numerous initiatives in health, science, education, design, and community building. They have been committed to supporting initiatives in education, research, healthcare and community programming that advance understanding of neurodevelopment and make a difference for people with neurodevelopmental conditions.
UCalgary has a powerful combination: world-class researchers in multiple fields, a philosophy of thinking outside traditional academic silos and, finally, the institutional power to effectively implement innovative research. They have a proven track record of producing successful interdisciplinary initiatives and rewarding collaboration."
Naomi Azrieli
Chair and CEO, The Azrieli Foundation Canada
Collaboration leads to real impact
Through transdisciplinary collaboration, the Azrieli Accelerator is committed to improving the lives of all people living with neurodevelopmental conditions. It builds upon the university's more than 50-year history of advancing related research, which has been supported by transformative investments by government, community partners and generous philanthropists, including the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, the Owerko, Cumming, Hotchkiss, Snyder, Mathison, and Fenwick families and many others.