Agriculture tech pushing new horizons
2024年7月30日 - 4:56AM
New research funding from Alberta Innovates is helping develop
technologies that could benefit food producers and open new markets
for cannabis in skincare and medicine.
Three grants have been awarded to research teams at the
University of Alberta, University of Calgary and Calgary-based
private company LWR Technologies to sponsor unique research
supporting Alberta’s vital agricultural sector. Each project is
designed to open new markets or develop technologies that will save
producers money and increase crop yields.
Alberta has 52 million acres of farmland and Canada has
agriculture-related trade agreements with 51 countries giving the
province’s producers market access to 1.5 billion people. Since
2019 Alberta Innovates has provided $17.9 million in funding for
agriculture and food innovation research to 67 recipients to
support the science and development of new technologies in this
sector. These projects have a current value of $57.6 million.
“Alberta has long been and will continue to be an agriculture
powerhouse. Finding innovative approaches and technology to improve
yield, product quality, and environmental stewardship is both
deeply embedded in the culture of the industry, and critical to
maintaining and enhancing our competitiveness. By funding research
and development in Alberta, we’re supporting technology development
that will benefit communities within the province, across the
country, and around the world.”
- Mark Summers, Associate Vice President, Agriculture and
Environment, Alberta Innovates
“This is yet another example of Alberta being the most
innovative jurisdiction in Canada. In working with our
post-secondary institutions and local experts, we’re invigorating
Alberta’s agricultural sector by bringing about new, efficient
solutions and expanding into untapped markets.”
- Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Government
of Alberta
“Our agriculture industry has been and continues to be one of
the most innovative in the world. Our producers continue to lead
the way, breaking new ground on pioneering approaches to make the
sector more competitive. We will work together to continue
attracting investment to our ag sector and making Alberta the best
place to do business, and that includes trying new technologies and
new crops.”
- RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation,
Government of Alberta
PROJECT DETAILSResearchers at the University of
Alberta are developing better ways to incorporate cannabidiol
(CBD), into products such lotions or water-based products including
food and beverages. Using nanotechnology for encapsulation, the
research aims to make oils more soluble in water, preventing
separation. The project uses CBD oils as a framework, due to its
nutritional and health benefits. The research aims to develop new
formulations for food and skin applications, helping the cannabis
sector grow by tapping into new markets and demand. The research
has received $317,000 in funding.
"We are excited to collaborate with PGB BioPharma on this
groundbreaking research project thanks to the funding support from
Alberta Innovates. By developing a new way natural nanoemulsion to
encapsulate cannabidiol (CBD), we aim to address the significant
challenge of oils having poor water solubility and bioavailability,
including CBD. This innovative nanotechnology has the potential to
revolutionize the incorporation of CBD into aqueous-based food and
skincare formulations, making it more accessible and effective for
consumers. Our work will not only advance scientific understanding
but also create new market opportunities and drive economic growth
within the cannabis industries."
- Professor Lingyun Chen, University of Alberta
Quantum dot technology research at the University of Calgary is
developing new light-filtering films that can be applied to outdoor
greenhouse exteriors. These films filter sunlight to block harmful
UV wavelengths and focus more visible light waves to reach plants
growing inside at all times of the year. By filtering light, it
boosts growing conditions and plant production. Early research with
tomato plants has shown a 19 percent increase in yield and 15
percent faster growth. The research has received $350,000 in
funding.
“Scaling quantum dot technology could revolutionize greenhouse
operations by reducing reliance on artificial lighting, improving
energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. The
technology aims to bolster economic viability by boosting yields
and accelerating harvest cycles. This could not only meet growing
consumer demand for fresh produce but also enhance food security on
a local and national scale. Securing the Alberta Innovates grant is
crucial for advancing this technology. It will provide vital
funding to expand trials across diverse crops, optimize QDs
technology, and ensure its safety and efficacy.”
- Dr. Jianguang Hu, Associate Professor, University of
Calgary
LWR Technologies, based in Calgary, with research support from
the University of Calgary Senor Lab, has received funding to
continue its development of real-time wireless fertilizer
monitoring through RF-microwave sensors. The senor is designed to
measure nutrients in water and fertilizer distribution systems in
real time eliminating the need for lab-based testing. This would
allow farmers to optimize fertilization and irrigation practices
for improved crop growth. LWR has received $500,000 in funding.
"We are thrilled to receive the Agri-Food and Bio-Industrial
Innovation Program (ABIP) grant from Alberta Innovates to develop a
new, innovative nutrient sensor. This support will allow us to
leverage cutting-edge sensor technology to provide farmers with
real-time nutrient data, enhancing both productivity and
sustainability. By tracking nutrients, we can digitize the manure
hoofprint, maximize organic fertilizer spreading, and deliver the
added benefits of increasing farmers' revenue and reducing GHG
emissions. With Alberta Innovates' backing, we are one step closer
to revolutionizing nutrient management in the agriculture sector.
We look forward to working with Alberta Innovates and the
University of Calgary to bring this sensor to life."
- Hailey Poole LWR Senior Environmental Chemist
"The grant awarded in collaboration with LWR enables us to
develop RF/microwave sensing platforms for nutrient monitoring. By
delivering precise nutrient measurements, the system enhances crop
yields, reduces costs, and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Additionally, the real-time monitoring capabilities offer an
environmental safeguard, ensuring that nutrient levels remain
within regulatory guidelines and minimizing nutrient pollution.
This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in
agricultural technology."
- Zahra Abbasi, Director Calgary Sensor Lab
The funding for these three projects comes from Alberta
Innovates Agrifood and Bioindustrial Innovation (ABI) intake. ABI
supports the development of technologies that provide solutions to
the challenges faced by the agri-food and bioindustrial sectors in
Alberta. The intake accepts applications for funding year-round.
For more information visit albertainnovates.ca.
Alberta Innovates manages nearly 1,300 projects
in a portfolio valued at $1.33 billion. We work with innovators in
all sectors of the economy and all corners of the province to drive
entrepreneurship, applied research and industry development. With
our impact-based funding programs and services, we are transforming
energy systems for a net-zero world, promoting the responsible use
of land and water, leveraging provincial strengths in agriculture,
and contributing to improved health and well-being by harnessing
digital tech and data. We are also advancing emerging technologies
and strengthening entrepreneurship for a strong and diversified
economy. We operate in 11 locations with more than one million sq.
ft. of industrial testing and lab facilities, and 600 acres of
farmland. We employ nearly 600 highly skilled scientists, business
and technical professionals. From funding to commercialization, we
are Alberta’s innovation engine! See what entrepreneurs say about
our coaching and support programs. Learn how Alberta Innovates.
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