At UCalgary, it’s time to Start something

Calgary, AB – The University of Calgary is taking the next step in its evolution as a globally impactful institution, a place where anyone can come and start something transformational in health, the arts, public policy, energy and technology, amongst many others.

UCalgary is the place where learners, researchers, teachers and budding entrepreneurs come to expand their potential through innovative learning experiences, bold discoveries and lifelong connections. This year, UCalgary created more start-up companies than any other Canadian university and is the youngest institution to join Canada’s top-five ranked research universities. And UCalgary is a vital talent creator with 93.5 per cent of graduates going on to find employment.   

“The University of Calgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university. We don’t wait for change. We drive change. Whether it’s a new solution for a problem, a new creative composition, a new look for a downtown block or a new technology to transform the marketplace – we’re here to help Calgary grow, prosper and diversify in the years ahead. UCalgary is where people come to start something.”

Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, president and vice-chancellor, UCalgary

UCalgary has the capacity to do big things or fine tune solutions to smaller scale challenges. We have researchers developing robots for search and rescue operations too dangerous for human rescuers. With the price of gasoline skyrocketing, UCalgary researchers at the Kluane Lake Research Station in the Yukon are working with a solar powered electric ATV for use in remote, hard to access locations.

On a grander scale, last year, UCalgary and the Government of Alberta, in partnership with global tech company Mphasis, announced the Quantum City Centre of Excellence, solidifying the university’s leadership position in quantum technologies. Calgary will also become Mphasis’ Canadian hub, creating up to 1,000 jobs to start.

Through community partnerships, innovative research at UCalgary is having impacts far beyond campus. Earlier this year, the Azrieli Accelerator was launched, a $25 million partnership with the Azrieli Foundation aimed at taking a holistic and revolutionary approach to investigating brain development and making life easier for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs), which include autism and ADHD.

Each one of these projects has a student learning component. Attracting community partnerships and exploring important research opportunities enhance the experience for all students, as UCalgary strives to provide an environment where they draw on their own strengths, imagination and creativity.

“The University of Calgary is committed to transformation and reimagining the student experience. We are a place where students can discover their greatness in a world-class environment for learning. Here, learners of all kinds have a chance to draw on their strengths, imagination, and creativity to reach their full potential and start something that helps make the world a better place.”

Dr. Teri Balser, PhD, provost and vice-president (academic), UCalgary

UCalgary is built for entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. It currently has an estimated $16.5 billion economic impact that grows each year by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and fostering companies, products, and solutions that help Calgary’s economy grow and diversify. 

Existing UCalgary hubs, including Creative Destruction Lab – Rockies, Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking and the UCeed program, act as innovation incubators by advancing ideas and research into real world solutions that benefit our community. Let’s find your starting line.

Media inquiries

Dean Parthenis
Director, Media, Issues and Outreach
Office of Advancement
403-629-6806
dparthen@ucalgary.ca

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top-five research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 35,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with UCalgary news headlines on Twitter @UCalgary. For access to news releases, details on faculties and how to reach experts, go to our newsroom at ucalgary.ca/newsroom.