Research & Innovation

Areas of Focus

The College’s primary research areas of focus include field crop production, livestock production, environmental stewardship, barley and triticale variety development, and smart agriculture technologies and practices. The College collaborates with industry, academics and government to support applied research, innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.

Each area of focus within OCCI demonstrates excellence as measured by the connection to student learning, industry partnerships, government investment, and the expertise and facilities that we offer. Olds College is committed to using innovative partnerships to sustain and enhance the ability of the institution to achieve its established outcomes. OCCI actively pursues involvement in applied research that advances innovation-based rural economic development in Alberta.

View All Areas of Focus

Our Commitment

Our commitment has resulted in a profound impact on the ability for hundreds of small and medium sized companies in the agriculture sector to explore new ideas, test innovative products and processes and incubate technologies prior to full commercialization. OCCI offers entrepreneurs access to expertise, equipment, unique facilities and funding leverage. We demonstrate excellence, as measured by the connection to student learning, industry partnerships, government investment and our unique facilities and expertise we offer.

OCCI collaborates on applied research projects with numerous government agencies, Campus Alberta members, and institutions across Canada and around the world. Research supports and informs the curriculum through exposing learners to the most innovative and up-to-date information available in a variety of disciplines. OCCI builds project teams on a case by case basis to provide industry with the resources and solutions necessary for success. Facilities also include spacious office, lecture and meeting space for research scientists, staff and clients.

Services

OCCI  provides research services for industry partners on a fee for service basis, and will assist industry in leveraging research funding from alternate sources and funding agencies. Services offered at OCCI include:

Turfgrass Research

Turgrass research delves into all aspects of turf and it’s ecological needs in order to best meet the needs of the industry and develop it further for a sustainable future. The Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) is a non-profit organization whose directors represent each sector of our turfgrass industry. Distributing 100% of its profits through membership investment, the foundation fuels operations of the Prairie Turfgrass Research Center at Olds College.

Student And Faculty Involvement

The applied research activities at OCCI have led to huge successes for industry, but also for Olds College faculty and students, who have had a unique opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in their field of expertise. Students are exposed to research opportunities through year round employment as student research assistants. Faculty are contracted directly to provide expertise on a project, or play a mentorship role for student researchers.

Funding Model

Since 1999, applied research activities have expanded significantly at Olds College Centre of Innovation, through increased support and involvement from Olds College, learners, staff, industry partners and funding organizations. We have received support from many organizations, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Prairies Economic Development Canada and the Government of Alberta. The Olds College Centre for Innovation provides research services for industry partners on a fee for service basis, and will assist industry in leveraging research funding from alternate sources and funding agencies.

Research Data Management Institutional Strategy at Olds College

Research Data Management Institutional Strategy at Olds College

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

Your organization’s intellectual property is yours and working with the Olds College Centre for Innovation will not compromise or change that. Whether we are hosting a trial for you, organizing a focus group, or supporting your business under a grant, you can think of the Olds College Centre for Innovation as part of your organization's research and development team. As is often the case with early-stage product development, intellectual property is not yet formally protected with patents, and must therefore be protected with confidentiality. Our staff, researchers and partners take confidentiality seriously and understands the importance of keeping your intellectual property safe.