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May 2, 2025

UCalgary’s FutureFWD features advancements in research, technology and entrepreneurship

Showcase on May 20 will unveil cutting-edge technologies, announce new Parex Innovation Fellows, and kick off a week of discovery
A man stands behind a podium while speaking to a crowd
Pierre Kennepohl speaks at the 2024 Parex Innovation Fellowships Award Celebration. Adrian Shellard

An upcoming event will showcase the University of Calgary’s most exciting advancements in research, technology and entrepreneurship.

Dubbed , it will offer an afternoon of discovery, connection and bold ideas.

“We’re excited to enable discussions about how industry engagement connects with technology development, the challenges and opportunities of early-stage investment, and providing a platform for innovators to present new products in different developmental phases,” says PhD, who’s a chemist and associate dean (community and innovation) in the .

“We’ve got some excellent innovations from UCalgary contributors for this showcase.”

The , which will be held on May 20, includes a first look at emerging technologies, leading researchers and innovation leaders.

Later in the afternoon, Kennepohl says the 2025 Parex Resources Innovation Fellows will be revealed —&Բ;potlighting some amazing UCalgary faculty members developing new opportunities for knowledge mobilization and creating societal impact through innovation.

They include scholars from across campus who will receive funding for innovations that could improve care models for premature babies, facilitate rapid detection of toxic chemicals, and enable better record-keeping systems in disasters.

This year’s celebration will be held at Hunter Hub on campus.

Register to attend the .

Kennepohl says it’s a great event to “get your innovation engine started in anticipation for the rest of the week at .”

The three-day Inventures conference runs from May 21-23 and will see industry leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries meet at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park in Calgary.

ɫֱ the Parex Innovation Fellowships

The  are made possible by a $3.24-million endowment by alumnus Wayne Foo and Parex Resources Inc., a Calgary-based company involved in oil exploration, development, and production in Colombia. They are designed to: encourage diverse innovation by supporting researchers across the university to explore new ideas and insights that drive innovation and facilitate innovation transfer from concepts into practical solutions.