SPARK 2017 Conference

Emissions Reduction Alberta and Alberta Innovates are proud to host this conference that will inspire, motivate and support researchers and innovators by connecting them with others working to advance innovative technology—including bioindustrial solutions. We are providing opportunities for knowledge extension, with a “complete solutions” approach to accelerating the development of new products and technologies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or advance Alberta’s bioindustrial sector along the path to commercialization.

Conference Features

The conference will include:

• Innovation showcase: An interactive display area that highlights projects, technology advances and research across the innovation spectrum.
• Plenary and breakout sessions: Featuring panel discussions on timely topics, including how Alberta is advancing clean technology through policy and regulation, how other jurisdictions have succeeded in advancing innovation, innovators who have successfully accessed funding and what they learned along their journey toward commercialization, what the market is demanding today, and next-gen products and technologies. The conference will also feature expert and inspirational keynotes that enlighten and inspire the audience.
• Plenary sessions:

  Advancing innovation around the world
  What solutions have been effective in driving clean technology innovation around the world? Can we apply lessons from other jurisdictions to find complete solutions that will advance technology more quickly in Alberta and Canada?

  What does the marketplace want?
  What cleantech challenges are confronting Alberta’s biggest industry sectors? How can the research and innovation community better understand and address market needs?

  Where money and ideas meet
  What are the new, innovative funding approaches under development and how we can leverage global efforts to fund cleantech in Alberta?

• Access to supporting organizations: Supporting organizations will be on-site with staffed displays to respond to innovator questions and to connect them with the tools they need.
• Networking opportunities: Provided formally or informally over breaks, lunches and receptions.
• Legacy Report: Launch of the 2018 Cleantech Directions research report that will provide a conditional outlook for both innovators and technology adopters.
• Post-conference site tours