TECTERRA is pleased to announce the selection of four Alberta-based post-secondary education institutions for its new academic program aimed at furthering the growth of the geomatics industry in Alberta and Canada. After more than a decade of successful collaboration with technology companies to expedite innovation, TECTERRA is directing its focus toward academia to foster the next generation of geospatial experts and entrepreneurs.

In 2022, TECTERRA underwent a significant shift in operations, transitioning away from government funding to embrace a new era of programming and support. However, one thing remains unchanged—the organization’s steadfast commitment to advancing the geospatial industry. This paradigm shift marks an exciting chapter for TECTERRA as it invests $5.2M in academic institutions to develop cutting-edge geomatics technology programs, fortify the geomatics workforce, and pioneer advancements in location-based technology.Through a comprehensive RFP process, marked by thorough due diligence and a comprehensive internal review conducted by the TECTERRA board, four academic institutions have been carefully chosen to partake in the program and receive funding. Specifically, the Schulich School of Engineering at University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) have been singled out to engage in the academia-focused program.

The program offers financial aid for geomatics undergraduates, helps geomatics graduates commercialize technologies within the university, attracts aspiring geomatics enthusiasts, offers co-op and internship opportunities for job placement, and invests in advanced technology to enhance geomatics education. Its main goals are:

• Development of Highly Qualified Individuals: Nurture the next generation of geomatics and geospatial experts by providing funding for academic programs and initiatives that empower students to excel in this dynamic field.
• Advance Innovation and Commercialization: Stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship in the geomatics industry by assisting graduates in commercializing groundbreaking technologies and fostering a thriving ecosystem for geospatial innovation.
• Connect the Industry with Emerging Talent: Bridge the gap between academic excellence and industry needs by creating co-op and internship programs that enable geomatics students to seamlessly transition into full-time employment.
• Elevating Academic Excellence: Empower universities to procure cutting-edge technology hardware and software for their laboratories, ensuring they can deliver education at the forefront of modern standards.

“TECTERRA is excited to embark on this new journey of collaboration with Alberta’s post-secondary institutions. Our aim is to fuel the geomatics industry’s growth by nurturing the talents of young minds, fostering innovation, and bridging academia with industry. Together, we’ll shape a brighter future for geospatial technology in Alberta and Canada.” – Monty Carter, Board Chair

The chosen academic organizations will be recipients of financial support and expert guidance from TECTERRA, enabling them to actualize their inventive geomatics projects. This collaboration will have a substantial impact on molding the future of the geomatics sector in Alberta and beyond. TECTERRA extends its warm congratulations to these universities and eagerly anticipates working in partnership with them to propel the geomatics field forward, forge pathways for highly skilled professionals, and ignite innovation throughout the industry.