“Building Alberta’s presence in the global nanotechnology market means we have to build talent,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “Alberta has had success attracting world class researchers. Now we are training a next generation that will contribute to research, go on to develop products, and even start their own nanotechnology companies.”

The $30 million investment will allow expansion of undergraduate BSc seats by nearly 600 full-load-equivalents by the end of the five-year investment. Undergraduate nanotechnology programming at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary begins in 2008.

In addition, the universities will receive one-time grant funding to enhance facilities and develop curriculum for nanotechnology programming. This can include new laboratories and equipment and new staff with nanotechnology expertise. The University of Alberta will receive $5.7 million in one-time funding and the University of Calgary will receive $3.0 million.

On May 2, 2007 the Alberta government announced $130 million towards its nanotechnology strategy, of which $30 million was dedicated to build, attract and retain quality talent as described in the document “Alberta Nanotechnology Strategy, Unleashing Alberta’s Potential.”

Developing highly qualified people in nanotechnology is one way Advanced Education and Technology is meeting Premier Stelmach’s mandate to enhance value-added activity, increase innovation, and build a skilled workforce to improve the long-run sustainability of Alberta’s economy.