For many, the idea of a major energy company partnering with a university might suggest a transactional relationship focused on solving immediate, industry-specific problems.
But according to Amos Ben-Zvi, senior manager of strategic technology with Cenovus Energy, much of the value lies elsewhere. “It's about having exposure to different ideas, and not being in a bubble.”
Ben-Zvi likens the dynamic to a biological ecosystem, where “genetic diversity is critical for long-term success of any species.”
“It’s good to know that people are thinking differently about problems, not only for Cenovus, but it's good for society to have different approaches for any given problem,” he says.
Cenovus Energy’s investment in the 伊人直播 dates back to the university’s centennial year in 2008, when the energy giant first endowed $3 million toward student scholarships and for the establishment of a research chair to look at developing future energy systems and ways to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is back when there wasn’t a lot of uptake in this sort of research,” says , professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Cenovus Energy Endowed Chair in Environmental Engineering, a post he has held across multiple iterations since 2012.
“That original endowment was key in galvanizing other partners to come onboard, including Suncor, NRCan, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Alberta Energy and Minerals, Alberta Innovates and NSERC.”
This forward-thinking approach is a direct result of Cenovus Energy’s commitment to its sustainability and . Though research in areas like nanotechnology, water treatment or hydrogen might not have a clear, immediate application, Ben-Zvi says Cenovus recognizes that these seemingly disparate threads can tie together in unexpected ways, fostering a healthy innovation ecosystem that benefits everyone.
He points to the rise of artificial intelligence as a prime example, recalling a time when AI researchers were seen as having a niche interest.
"You have to remember it took a lot of leadership and foresight by the province to provide critical support for AI and machine learning in the early 2000s, with much of the payoff coming years or decades later," he says.
“Now, the 伊人直播 is a global leader in the field, and Alberta has the potential to build a thriving AI ecosystem.”
Ben-Zvi adds the endowed chair held by Kumar is a tangible manifestation of this philosophy. “For us, whether it's for industry or society, we want to have this broad skill set and research areas because you just don't know what will be a critical skill in the future.”
With leading expertise in modelling energy and environmental systems — including the development of Alberta’s Hydrogen Roadmap — Kumar’s lab develops a crucial knowledge base for policy-makers and industry, helping to inform decisions on everything from energy policy to environmental impact.
“We have trained more than 250 researchers specifically in energy systems,” explains Kumar. “This is the future that we play a key role in training.”
Ultimately, the partnership is a symbiotic relationship. Ben-Zvi says Cenovus gains access to world-class research and a diverse talent pool, while the university benefits from industry engagement and the opportunity for its research to have real-world impact that benefits all of society.
