A new partnership aimed at advancing energy innovation and economic diversification in southeast Saskatchewan was officially launched Wednesday at the Critical Resources, Innovation and Technology Conference in Estevan.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed between Southeast Techhub (SETH), Southeast College and the University of Regina, establishes the Innovation Centre for Energy Development (ICED). The initiative will focus on applied research, workforce development, and support for startups in Estevan, Coronach and surrounding communities.
The agreement outlines a five-year commitment to explore opportunities in energy generation and storage, small modular reactor (SMR) and battery supply chains, and advanced manufacturing. It also aims to attract investment and equip the region’s workforce with hands-on, industry-relevant skills.
“This partnership is about creating space for new ideas and new businesses to take root in southeast Saskatchewan,” said Gordon More, executive director of Southeast Techhub. “We’re bringing together industry, education and research in a way that’s focused on real outcomes—jobs, innovation, and long-term economic growth.”
The ICED initiative is designed to bridge academic research with industry needs. Students will have opportunities to participate in applied research projects while businesses can collaborate on the development of new technologies.
Jody Holzmiller, president and CEO of Southeast College, called the initiative a natural extension of the college’s role in the region.
“Through enhanced trades training and innovation, Southeast College is committed to helping grow the skills and talent needed to support a changing energy landscape,” she said. “This partnership will strengthen our participation in applied research and give rural students the chance to work on specific, practical problems.”
The University of Regina’s involvement will help connect regional efforts to national and international innovation networks.
“This is a meaningful step toward strengthening innovation in Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, president and vice-chancellor. “We’re pleased to be part of a partnership that supports applied research, regional development and opportunities for both students and faculty.”
Tania Andrist, executive director of innovation and applied research at Southeast College’s Centre of Sustainable Innovation, said ICED goes beyond a traditional collaboration. It lays the foundation for future growth by providing a platform for discussion, funding applications and aligned efforts between institutions and industry.
“It opens the door for us to really put a vision of what an innovation centre for energy development could look like in this region,” she said. “It lays the groundwork for us to talk about it, to get funding, to make grant applications, and to really join forces... so we can really help this region thrive.”
Andrist said the timing of the announcement, during the Quick Conference, reinforces the momentum building in the area. “People should be watching what’s going on.”
For More, the creation of ICED aligns with one of his first strategic goals after taking on the role with SETH: building on the energy technology already present in the community.
“We’ve always struggled with access to advanced education—people with PhDs and the like,” he said. “That is what the University of Regina is going to be bringing.”
He added that the partnership will help ensure new educational programs are created in response to industry demand.
“We can’t just say, ‘Here’s a bachelor’s degree in X,’ if there’s no industry for that,” More said. “This agreement will drive the reason for new programs at Southeast College.”
He hopes the initiative will put Estevan on the map for innovation and energy development.
“I want to create such a noise about our community that people from around the world go, ‘What? That is happening in Estevan?’” he said.