Schulich Dean Rosehart to help guide new Rogers THINKLab Advisory Council

The Schulich School of Engineering will have a major hand in the development of a new proposed National Centre of Technology and Engineering Excellence in Calgary.

Schulich Dean Bill Rosehart, PhD, has been named one of the first members of the new Rogers THINKLab Advisory Council, which is expected to oversee the new centre.

The panel is made up of leaders of academic institutions, developers and research partners in hopes of fostering Canadian-made technology solutions.

“Schulich is always at the leading edge of research and innovation in engineering and technology,” Rosehart says. “This is another way for us to contribute to the betterment of our community and the entire world.”

Building a talent pipeline

The THINKLab is being built following the close of Rogers’ proposed merger with Shaw Communications.

Machine learning, artificial intelligence, digital and cloud technologies, 5G and cybersecurity are among the focuses of the centre, promoting solutions that will benefit consumers and businesses while fueling Canadian competitiveness.

It is also expected to create 500 information technology and engineering jobs.

“Rogers’ THINKLab is a vote of confidence in Alberta and showcases our strengths as an innovative province,” says Alberta premier Jason Kenney. “These 500 new jobs will build on our momentum as a global destination for investment and jobs in our flourishing technology sector.”

Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek adds it is another signal of confidence to the city’s own tech industry.

“As the sector continues to gain momentum, it’s critical that we build a talent pipeline of skilled workers to fuel the growth,” she says. “This innovative collaboration will help boost Calgary’s competitiveness by producing and attracting even more qualified professionals to satisfy the demand of industry.”

Opportunities and solutions

The company hopes the new centre will not only create more business opportunities, but also address issues like the technological gaps between urban and rural Canadians.

“We’re excited to establish THINKLab in Calgary to leverage the incredible talent pool in Western Canada, while bringing together the brightest academic talent across Canada to research, develop and deliver leading technology infrastructure and services to Canadians,” says Jorge Fernandes, Rogers’ chief technology officer and THINKLab head.

Having UCalgary’s voice at the table will be important, according to Rosehart, in showcasing its multidisciplinary approach to innovation and development.

“From our faculty and staff to our researchers and students, we take pride in helping solve society’s biggest problems,” he says. “We are excited about our role we have taken as leaders and I look forward to communicating that as part of this new advisory council.”