Dr. Hamid Rajani, the Research Chair for the Centre for Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM) at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), is spearheading a revolution in Calgary’s innovation ecosystem. His work, supported by the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), is transforming the city into a global hub for advanced manufacturing, materials science, and aerospace innovation. This transformation is not just about technological advancements; it’s about fostering a dynamic ecosystem that drives Calgary’s diversification and global competitiveness.
Dr. Rajani’s journey into academia and applied research is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia and extensive industry experience in Alberta, he brought a unique perspective to SAIT. When approached to establish a new research centre, he saw an opportunity to build something transformative. “I remember my first visit to SAIT in November 2020,” he recalls. “The facility was just four large storage rooms. But what I saw was potential — an opportunity to build something transformative.”
Today, CIRAMM is emerging as a state-of-the-art research centre dedicated to advancing innovation in manufacturing and materials science. The centre has already engaged numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and innovators, and is expected to lead to substantial impacts on real-world processes and industries.
One of the most significant achievements is the creation of the Alternative Construction Technology (ACT) Hub, a first-of-its-kind platform dedicated to revolutionizing the construction industry. Housing affordability and sustainable construction are global challenges, and the ACT Hub is at the forefront of tackling them. By integrating robotics, 3D printing, and advanced materials, the hub is pioneering new ways to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and drive economic growth. “Innovation in construction is key,” said Dr. Rajani. “From using locally sourced sustainable materials to leveraging digital technologies, our goal is to make construction smarter, faster, and more sustainable.”
The ACT Hub’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration. Supported by OCIF and other funding agencies, it is already providing invaluable resources to entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to disrupt the traditional construction landscape. The hub’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with the broader global trend towards green construction. As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, the ACT Hub’s approach to construction offers a blueprint for a more sustainable future.
Beyond construction, Dr. Rajani has been a key player in establishing the Alberta Aerospace Research Centre (AARC), a strategic initiative designed to position Alberta as a leader in aerospace and defence innovation. Within this initiative, the Aerospace Composite Materials Lab (ACML) is a crucial component. Innovation is the driving force behind aerospace and defence, industries that collectively invest billions in R&D each year. To attract major players to Calgary, it is essential to develop a robust ecosystem with world-class testing and manufacturing capabilities. OCIF has already made strategic investments in the Aerospace Innovation Hub and Lufthansa Technik’s test facility to foster the growth of the ecosystem. ACML, supported by OCIF, is another piece of the puzzle required to build Calgary into a global aerospace innovation hub by offering specialized research manufacturing and testing equipment at its facility that were previously unavailable in the region. “Our work at ACML is helping to position Calgary as a key player in aerospace innovation,” said Dr. Rajani. “We’ve already engaged with major industry leaders like De Havilland Canada, and we’re on track to achieve ISO certification, making us a certified aerospace testing centre. This is a game-changer for Alberta’s aerospace sector.”
The progress made at CIRAMM, ACT Hub, and ACML would not have been possible without the strategic investments and support from OCIF. By providing funding and resources, OCIF has enabled Dr. Rajani and his team to build the infrastructure needed to foster applied research and industry collaboration. OCIF’s role extends beyond financial support. It is actively shaping Calgary’s transition into an innovation-driven economy. By backing initiatives like these, OCIF is helping to create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs, SMEs, and researchers can collaborate to develop transformative solutions.
Looking ahead, Dr. Rajani is excited about the future of advanced manufacturing and materials science in Calgary. CIRAMM is on track to be fully operational by 2025, and with continued support from the innovation community, its impact will only grow. One of the most promising new initiatives is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into manufacturing and material science. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, CIRAMM is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this technological shift. “AI is going to change everything in the next five to ten years,” said Dr.
