Sask Polytech receives top ranking in multiple categories on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges list
December 5, 2024 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic has once again topped the Re$earch InfoSource Inc.’s latest Top 50 Research Colleges list. For the second year in a row Sask Polytech ranks first in Canada for the number of completed research projects, with 498 research projects completed in 2022-23. This is a 30 per cent increase from 2021-22. Sask Polytech also secured first place for number of research partnerships, with 249 collaborations.
Sask Polytech also received second place for industry research income growth, with a 130 per cent increase from the previous year. These rankings demonstrate Sask Polytech's ability to secure financial support from industry and government, transforming ideas into practical solutions.
"Achieving first place for number of research projects completed and number of research partnerships is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire applied research team,” says Dr. Ian McWilliams, Applied Research and Innovation associate vice-president (interim). “We are passionate about the research we conduct for our industry partners, to help them achieve their business and community goals. The applied research work we conduct is innovative, creative, creates meaningful internships for students and benefits local, provincial and national economies. A heartfelt thank you to our applied research team—your commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence is what makes this success possible.”
Among the standout projects from the 2022-23 academic year is a collaboration with Ground Truth Agriculture Inc., an innovative agtech company specializing in real-time grain quality data. This project focuses on refining their advanced artificial intelligence systems to enhance grain quality assessment. It's part of Sask Polytech's Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE).
Sask Polytech also started a collaboration with NWC Wild Rice Company to develop an improved wild rice harvester. This project focuses on creating an efficient and easily repairable propulsion system for wild rice harvesters in northern Saskatchewan. Additionally, the project developed a complementary community-based training program for maintenance and repair. This project is part of Sask Polytech’s Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE).
In 2022-23 Sask Polytech continued to expand the Virtual Interventions and Community Connections for Indigenous Youth (VICCIY) initiative, which began with the community of La Loche and now includes 15 rural and remote communities across the province. This partnership, which began in 2020, focuses on addressing disparities in mental health care access and support experienced by Indigenous youth. This project is part of Sask Polytech’s Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS).
“Congratulations to our Office of Applied Research and Innovation and our applied research centres on their continued success and well-deserved national recognition,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO. “Our applied research team is leading the rise of polytechnic education across Canada. We are committed to expanding our research initiatives and partnerships, further amplifying the exceptional value we bring to our stakeholders. This work is critical as it identifies and solves real-world challenges leading directly to the development of innovative new products and services.”
Sask Polytech Re$earch InfoSource rankings at a glance:
| Area | Rank | Value |
| Completed research projects | 1 | 498 projects |
| Research partnerships | 1 | 249 partnerships |
| Industry research income growth (percentage change 2022-23) |
2 | 130 per cent |
| Granting council research income as per cent of total college research income |
2 | 38.6 per cent |
| Industry research income as per cent of total college research income |
3 | 40 per cent |
| Granting council research income growth (percentage change 2019-23) |
3 | 132.7 per cent |
Employers continue to seek out Sask Polytech as a provider of real-world solutions to market challenges. Sask Polytech is a trusted applied research partner to industry across a wide range of sectors. Using technology and innovation, we help capture opportunities that contribute to economic growth while solving today’s challenges. To learn more visit saskpolytech.ca/research.