- The Goals
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good health and well-being
- SDG 4: Quality education
- SDG 5: Gender equality
- SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
- SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
- SDG 13: Climate action
- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 15: Life on land
- SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
- About
- Contact
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
A functioning and resilient infrastructure is the foundation of every successful community. To meet future challenges, our industries and infrastructure must be upgraded. For this, we need to promote innovative sustainable technologies and ensure equal and universal access to information and financial markets. This will bring prosperity, create jobs and make sure that we build stable and prosperous societies across the globe.
How SFU is contributing
SFU Ranked Canada’s Top University for Innovation in 2023 WURI Rankings
Simon Fraser University (SFU) has been named Canada’s top university for innovation and industrial application, and second globally for entrepreneurial spirit in the 2023 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). This is SFU’s third consecutive year at the top in Canada, and it rose to 13th globally. SFU’s innovation strategy, SFU Innovates, supports research commercialization and partnerships, with success stories like clean-tech spinoff Ionomr Innovations, which highlights SFU’s strong innovation ecosystem.
SFU Partners with Wageningen University to Drive Agritech Innovation
Simon Fraser University (SFU) has partnered with Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the world’s top agritech university, to address global challenges like food security and climate change. The collaboration, formalized through a Letter of Intent, aims to advance research, knowledge sharing, and innovation in agritech. This partnership, part of B.C.'s broader agritech action plan, will focus on joint research, student exchanges, and industry collaboration. Through the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), supported by government funding, the initiative aims to enhance food systems, create jobs, and strengthen B.C.'s role in agritech.
Urban Resilient Futures City of Burnaby Program
Cities that depend on the fossil fuel economy face an uncertain future as Canada transitions towards its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Yet cities have an extensive toolkit to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change—from building codes to land use planning to active transportation infrastructure—and are essential partners if Canada is to meet its international emissions reductions commitments. Beginning this transition early will reduce the cost of stranded infrastructure, help cities to establish their competitive advantage in the global marketplace and increase the chance that Canada will meet its 2030 targets under the Paris Accord.
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Research, teaching & Learning
SFU Professor Leads Global Roadmap to Advance Printable Sensors for Sustainability
Summary: SFU professor Vincenzo Pecunia, alongside over 100 experts from 57 institutions worldwide, has developed a global roadmap for next-generation printable sensor technologies. These low-cost, energy-efficient sensors can be integrated into everyday objects and environments to enhance sustainability and improve quality of life by providing real-time data for better decision-making. Printable sensors offer applications in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, food waste reduction, and environmental protection. Pecunia advocates for homegrown production of these sensors, which could reduce the carbon footprint compared to conventional sensors and drive innovation in clean technology sectors.
SFU Climate Innovation
Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) critical research priority—community-centred climate innovation—moves the dial on climate action and innovation research with and for communities across Canada and beyond.
SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH INNOVATION AT SFU
- Innovation at SFU
- SFU Climate Innovation
- Big Data at SFU
- 4D LABS
- Technology Licensing Office
- SFU Partnerships Hub
- SFU VentureLabs
- Coast Capital Venture Connection
- SFU Sustainability
FACTS AND FIGURES
- 272 publications related to SDG 9, 2019-2023 (source: SciVal)
- 93 active research projects related to SDG 9 funded from 2019 - 2023
- 8 courses relating to SDG 9, representing 1,196 students, offered between the 2018/19 and 2020/21 academic year
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate
SFU Beedie School of Business' Innovation and Entrepreneurship program's training develops renewable competencies such as creativity and adaptability, team work and collaboration skills, communication and implementation—which prepare students for an employment landscape that is rapidly changing.
I2i graduate certificate in science & technology commercialization
Invention to Innovation (i2I) is a unique and rewarding entrepreneurship program offered by the Beedie School of Business that helps scientists and engineers commercialize their inventions and overcome marketplace challenges.
Operations
Significant Dining Expansion Unveiled at SFU Burnaby
Designed to LEED Gold specifications, the Dining Commons features 28,000 sq ft of sustainable dining space, including 500 indoor seats and large skylights that make use of natural light. The building further boasts a large outdoor patio and a mezzanine with a variety of seating configurations, including family-style tables, bistro, and bar seating. Combined with ample access to electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi, the Dining Commons is an ideal location for students to eat, socialize and study alone or in groups.
SFU Launches State-of-the-Art Smart Manufacturing Hub in Surrey
Simon Fraser University (SFU) has opened a new Smart Manufacturing Hub at its Surrey campus, the first of its kind in Western Canada. Equipped with cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI, robotics, and IoT, the hub aims to revolutionize traditional manufacturing and foster collaboration with industry. It will also provide specialized training for the next generation of professionals through SFU’s Master of Engineering in Smart Manufacturing and Systems program. The hub is set to position Canada as a leader in smart manufacturing by addressing the demand for digitally skilled labor in the sector.