News
& Media
Press Release
August 20, 2024
Calgary’s University Innovation Quarter Joins The Global Institute on Innovation District
This membership will give UIQ access to a global network of innovations district, helping expand their network and attract new development to Calgary.
University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG), created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development and management of university land projects, is proud to announce that University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) is now a member of The Global Institute on Innovation Districts (GIID), a leading global network of innovation districts from across the world.
University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) is an innovation district currently under revitalization that will complement research and business activities of the University of Calgary, while building on the city’s economic strengths and opportunities. UIQ encompasses 76 acres immediately north of the University of Calgary’s main campus. The site today features existing buildings totalling approximately 1.24 million square feet of office, lab and supporting spaces.
UIQ has an existing ecosystem of innovative tenants with prime opportunities to modernize the area, matching Calgary’s bright future in technology and innovation. As a member of GIID, UIQ will have an expanded network to help attract new development to the area. Further, the revitalization of UIQ will align with the University of Calgary’s trans-disciplinary research areas of focus, including energy transformation, social innovation, health and life sciences, quantum digital worlds, agricultural technology and advanced manufacturing.
The GIID is a not-for-profit organization designed to support and advance innovation districts worldwide. It is an initiative that addresses the growing demand for specialized support in these areas, providing highly detailed strategies and information to help them develop and implement effective practices. Through a collective partnership, the research-driven, network-focused institute focuses on creating norms around growth, finance and governance to foster sustainable development.
Says Novy Cheema, President and CEO of University of Calgary Properties Group, “UIQ is proud to join the Global Network of Innovation Districts, combining local ingenuity, global partnerships, and cutting-edge research to help accelerate the growth and revitalization of UIQ in Calgary. This partnership will further advance UIQ’s development as a key driver for economic impact.”
As a member of GIID, UIQ joins the ranks of other leading global innovation districts, including the Pittsburgh Innovation District, MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Westmead Health and Innovation District in Sydney, the Central Innovation District in the Netherlands and many more. This partnership contributes to networking, mentoring, growth, identifying challenges, and highlighting successes, promoting shared learning and communication among districts worldwide.
Being a member of GIID allows UIQ to connect with innovation districts worldwide, facilitating the exchange of insights and ideas. This sought-after membership enhances collaboration, driving innovation and entrepreneurship and helping shape the future of business and innovation within Calgary.
To learn more about GIID and their extensive network of Innovation Districts worldwide, visit https://www.giid.org/.
About University of Calgary Properties Group
University of Calgary Properties Group Ltd. (UCPG) was created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development and management of university land projects. With a financial model that provides an innovative approach to land development, residual profits from UCPG are directed back to the University to fuel its academic mission. Setting a high standard for sustainable and progressive neighbourhood design, UCPG’s team and 14-member board of directors are dedicated to creating, developing and managing premier communities. With the Development Framework for University District underway and portfolio diversification with University Innovation Quarter, UCPG is delivering on creating amazing places where people can thrive.
About University Innovation Quarter (UIQ)
UIQ will provide added value to Calgary’s innovation sector through job growth, economic diversification, cross-disciplinary collaboration, walkable community design and new residential living spaces. The six research hubs planned for UIQ upon completion include a Health and Life Sciences Hub, Social Innovation Hub, Advanced Manufacturing Hub, Energy Transformation Hub, Agricultural Technology Hub and this Quantum Hub. At the centre of the hubs will be the heart; a collision space with shared resources and amenities that tie the innovation hubs together.
Media Contacts:
Lorna Prediger
Director, Marketing
University of Calgary Properties Group
lprediger@ucpg.ca
(587) 747-5289
Jacqueline Tran
Manager, Marketing and Communications
University of Calgary Properties Group
jtran@ucpg.ca
(403) 903-6024
Paula Worthington
Worthington PR & Story
paula@worthingtonpr.com
(403) 585-2429