U of C buys Shell Technology Centre to enhance innovation, diversification
The University of Calgary’s purchase of a Shell Canada research centre will boost economic diversification in the city, says the head of the U of C.
The U of C is acquiring the Shell Technology Centre Calgary, located in University Research Park near its northwest campus, in a move that will allow educators and students to drive innovation and diversification, university president Elizabeth Cannon said Tuesday.
“This acquisition is a critical next step in our vision of a revitalized University Research Park,” she said.
“It also reinforces our commitment to fostering the next generation of talented thought leaders through innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.”
The centre will become the U of C’s Life Sciences Innovation Hub, a nexus of excellence for researchers, students and business startups where new concepts can be explored, said Cannon.
It’ll include a wet lab, office space and other facilities used by Shell Canada to make research breakthroughs in such areas as oilsands processing and fuel-chemical innovations.
The U of C’s acquisition, made partly by Shell Canada as a gift-inkind donation, makes abundant sense, said Michael Crothers, the company’s president and country chair.
“For more than 30 years our teams at the site led energy sector innovation and it’s fitting the building ’s legacy of spurring innovation in Alberta will continue as part of the University of Calgary,” he said.
He noted Shell has a history of collaboration with and supporting the U of C dating back to 1969.
With its latest gift, Shell Canada becomes the largest donor to the U of C’s fundraising effort, called Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High. In honour of that, the building’s atrium will bear the Shell name. The purchase price of the building isn’t being disclosed.