Driving Calgary’s innovation ecosystem
Calgary is growing into a thriving hub for advanced manufacturing and materials science. At the forefront of this transformation is Dr. Hamid Rajani, the Research Chair for the Centre for Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM)— a division of the Applied Research and Innovation Services Hub at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). With a distinguished background in engineering and materials science, Dr. Rajani is spearheading groundbreaking research shaping the future of aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and materials science.
Thanks to support from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), Dr. Rajani’s work at the Aerospace Composite Materials Lab (ACML) and the Alternative Construction Technology (ACT) Hub is setting a new standard for applied research in Canada. His efforts are not just advancing technology but also fostering a dynamic ecosystem that fuels Calgary’s diversification and global competitiveness.
A vision for change
Dr. Rajani’s journey into academia and applied research is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia in mechanical engineering, his career path led him through industry roles in Alberta, where he worked as a Research and Development (R&D) manager and director. However, he soon realized that his greatest strength was in pioneering new advancements and challenging the status quo.
When SAIT approached him with the opportunity to establish a new research centre, Dr. Rajani embraced the challenge.
“I remember my first visit to SAIT in November 2020,” he recalls. “The facility was just four large storage rooms. But what I saw was potential — an opportunity to build something transformative,” said Dr. Rajani.
Fast forward four years, and that vision has become a reality. Today, CIRAMM is emerging as a state-of-the-art research centre dedicated to advancing innovation in manufacturing and materials science. Despite not yet being fully operational, the centre has already engaged numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and innovators, and is expected to lead to substantial impacts on real-world processes and industries.
Building an innovation powerhouse
Dr. Rajani and his team have been instrumental in establishing five high-tech laboratories, each focused on addressing critical gaps in the Calgary innovation ecosystem. One of the most significant achievements is the creation of the ACT Hub, a first-of-its-kind platform dedicated to revolutionizing the construction industry.
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund's announcement of funding for SAIT's Alternative Construction Technology Hub on July 25, 2024.
Housing affordability and sustainable construction are global challenges, and the ACT Hub is at the forefront of tackling them. By integrating robotics, 3D printing, and advanced materials, the hub is pioneering new ways to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and drive economic growth.
“Innovation in construction is key,” said Dr. Rajani. “From using locally sourced sustainable materials to leveraging digital technologies, our goal is to make construction smarter, faster, and more sustainable.”
The ACT Hub’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration. Supported by OCIF and other funding agencies, it is already providing invaluable resources to entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to disrupt the traditional construction landscape.
Elevating aerospace and defense in Alberta
Beyond construction, Dr. Rajani has been a key player in establishing the Alberta Aerospace Research Centre (AARC), a strategic initiative designed to position Alberta as a leader in aerospace and defence innovation. Within this initiative, the Aerospace Composite Materials Lab (ACML) is a crucial component.
Innovation is the driving force behind aerospace and defence, industries that collectively invest billions in R&D each year. To attract major players to Calgary, it is essential to develop a robust ecosystem with world-class testing and manufacturing capabilities. OCIF has already made strategic investments in the Aerospace Innovation Hub and Lufthansa Technik’s test facility to foster the growth of the ecosystem. ACML, supported by OCIF, is another piece of the puzzle required to build Calgary into a global aerospace innovation hub by offering specialized research manufacturing and testing equipment at its facility that were previously unavailable in the region.
“Our work at ACML is helping to position Calgary as a key player in aerospace innovation,” said Dr. Rajani. “We’ve already engaged with major industry leaders like De Havilland Canada, and we’re on track to achieve ISO certification, making us a certified aerospace testing centre. This is a game-changer for Alberta’s aerospace sector.”
The role of OCIF in driving innovation
The progress made at CIRAMM, ACT Hub, and ACML would not have been possible without the strategic investments and support from OCIF. By providing funding and resources, OCIF has enabled Dr. Rajani and his team to build the infrastructure needed to foster applied research and industry collaboration.
OCIF’s role extends beyond financial support. It is actively shaping Calgary’s transition into an innovation-driven economy. By backing initiatives like these, OCIF is helping to create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs, SMEs, and researchers can collaborate to develop transformative solutions.
A glimpse into Calgary’s future
Looking ahead, Dr. Rajani is excited about the future of advanced manufacturing and materials science in Calgary. CIRAMM is on track to be fully operational by 2025, and with continued support from the innovation community, its impact will only grow.
One of the most promising new initiatives is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into manufacturing and material science. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, CIRAMM is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this technological shift.
“AI is going to change everything in the next five to ten years,” said Dr. Rajani. “We want to ensure that Calgary is prepared to lead in this space.”
Words of advice for aspiring Calgary innovators
For those looking to make an impact in Calgary’s evolving innovation landscape, Dr. Rajani offers some sage advice: “Understand the problem before jumping into solutions. Too often, people get excited about ideas without fully grasping the challenges they aim to solve.”
He also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning. “The moment you stop learning; your career starts to stagnate. Stay curious, embrace new knowledge, and be open to change.”
Lastly, he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers to dream big.
“If I hadn’t believed in my vision for CIRAMM, I wouldn’t be here today. Calgary has the support system and the resources — you just have to take the leap,” said Dr. Rajani.
Calgary, home to global innovation
With continued support from OCIF and the broader innovation community, Calgary is on the path to becoming a world-class destination for research, technology, and entrepreneurship. The future is bright, and thanks to leaders like Dr. Rajani, the city’s potential is limitless.