InnoTech Alberta forges a connection with Austrian University in new MOU

On September 22, InnoTech Alberta forged an international partnership with Montanuniversität, also referred to as the University of Leoben, Austria, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  

Tom Whalen, Robert Obenaus-Emler, and Bonnie Drozdowski sign the MOU on the advancement of hydrogen technology.

This MOU is centered on the collaboration between the University of Leoben and InnoTech Alberta on the advancement of hydrogen technology, specifically methane pyrolysis – a process in which hydrogen and elemental carbon are produced from natural gas with minimal emissions.

Additionally, the MOU includes the promotion of technology development, performing applied research and, the applications of carbon product processing. 

Tom Whalen, Vice President, Applied Research, Engineering & Specialized Test at Alberta Innovates, and Bonnie Drozdowski, Executive Director, Environment, Bio-Industrial, and Clean Technologies at InnoTech Alberta, signed the MOU with Robert Obenaus-Emler, Senior Researcher and Head of Resources Innovation Center at the University of Leoben and were presented a gift of traditional Austrian chocolate called Mozartkugeln (more commonly referred to as Mozart Balls).  

The Austrian delegation then toured InnoTech’s facilities, led by Martin Huard, Hydrogen Lead at InnoTech Alberta, where they had the opportunity to see their expertise in action.  

Robert Obenaus-Emler presents a gift of traditional Austrian chocolate "Mozart Balls" to Tom Whalen and Bonnie Drozdowski.

Please join us in congratulating InnoTech Alberta on this new collaborative venture; One that supports building strong international partnerships that strengthen cross-sectoral innovation priority areas, attracting both investment and talent.

Left to right: Tom Whalen, Vice President, Applied Research, Engineering & Specialized Testing; Emily Herdman, Director, Environmental Services, InnoTech Alberta; Bonnie Drozdowski, Executive Director, Environment, Bio-Industrial, and Clean Technologies, InnoTech Alberta; Robert Obenaus-Emler, Head of Resources Innovation Center at Montanuniversitaet Leoben , Susanne Knobloch, Trade Commissioner at Embassy of Canada in Austria, Susanne Hochmeister, Scientific Assistant and PhD Candidate at Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Thomas Kienberger , Professor for Energy Systems at Montanuniversitaet Leoben; Martin Huard, Hydrogen Lead, InnoTech Alberta.