不良研究所

Seven entrepreneurs innovating in everything from zero-emission approaches to construction and fertilizer production, and from improved drone technology to cancer screening, are now part of a program that aims to bring their ideas to life.

The innovators are the fourth cohort of the Innovation Catalyst Grant 鈥� a pan-Alberta entrepreneurial fellowship for STEM master鈥檚 and PhD graduates that provides entrepreneurs with two years of support to develop and commercialize science-based products and services that contain a hardware component. It is managed by , the University of 不良研究所鈥檚 central innovation hub, with participation and oversight by the Alberta Ministry of Technology and Innovation

"Alberta is full of brilliant people with ideas worth backing. The Innovation Catalyst Grant exists to make sure those founders can build their companies here, hire here, and keep their intellectual property here,鈥� says , Minister of Technology and Innovation. 鈥淭his cohort is proof the model is working. Twelve early stage ventures, 12 reasons for the next generation of Alberta innovators to bet on this province."

The fellowship provides recipients with access to a workspace, mentorship, and networking opportunities in U不良研究所鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. Through institutional support, founders have resources and support they need to generate new jobs, solve complex problems, and uplift the province with their ventures.

鈥淐ongratulations to the seven U不良研究所 recipients of this pan-Alberta grant who will be supported by our robust innovation ecosystem,鈥� says , MD'90, vice-president (research) with U不良研究所. 鈥淭his success underscores how we are Canada鈥檚 entrepreneurial university and are attracting and retaining top talent here in 不良研究所.鈥�

The new cohort will support the Alberta economy with their diverse range of ventures:

Dr. Narges Atrak, PhD 鈥� : Developing a clean technology that produces green ammonia using electricity instead of fossil fuels, enabling near-zero-emission fertilizer and energy production whenever and wherever it is needed. 

Aleisha Reese Cerny 鈥� : Clean, affordable, and reliable power 鈥� enabled by next-generation solid oxide fuel cell technology. 

Uzma Ahmed Din 鈥� : Real-time 3D vision system with movable cameras that enables drones and robots to see farther and wider without blind spots, with built-in detection for safer, faster and smarter operations. (Din will receive a PhD from U不良研究所 in 2026.)

Nathan Meulenbroek, BSc鈥�20 鈥� Azimus Imaging: Screening and diagnosis of breast cancer using innovative ultrasound sensors and imaging techniques. (Meulenbroek will receive a PhD from U不良研究所 in 2026.)

Nick Fylstra 鈥� Bringing the next generation of CO2 recovery systems to breweries to create new sustainable processing systems in the food and beverage industry. (Fylstra will receive a PhD from U不良研究所 in 2026.)

Dr. Sanoop Kammampata, MSc'14, PhD鈥�21 鈥� : Safe, high-performance, sustainable solid-state sodium batteries for clean technologies.

Sabrina Scott, BSc鈥�19 鈥� : Decarbonizing cement with electrochemical solutions that remove up to 85 per cent of CO2 emissions from cement production. 

Learn more about the Innovation Catalyst Grant .