Not enough time to dedicate to networks and projects? No problem – Get free access to PTAC’s short webinars, technology information sessions, and workshops which focus on practical field applications and innovative technologies that improve operations by reducing costs, educating field staff, lowering the environmental footprint, and developing smart regulations. Members also receive significant discounts to forums and conferences led by PTAC members and our partners.
PTAC works with SMEs to understand their innovative technology ideas and provides a conceptual analysis of the competitive landscape and market-fit feedback. PTAC also assists SMEs by introducing them to other industry stakeholders through events, such as a Technology Information Session (TIS). A TIS is an event held over noon hour which provides SMEs with an opportunity to increase the pace of development of their technology and make other industry stakeholders aware of what service they are offering, what they require from partners, and where they are planning to take their technology. More information on hosting a TIS can be found here.
Securing funding and sites to field test technologies are the biggest challenges faced by SMEs in an effort to commercialize their technologies. PTAC, through the formation of consortia, helps SMEs address both of these challenges by securing both field testing sites and funding. PTAC also works in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), which has a long history of providing technical and business advisory services related to R&D, including strategic intelligence and customized solutions to fit your business needs. NRC-IRAP also provides financial support to qualified SMEs in Canada to help them undertake technology innovation. Firms working with NRC-IRAP are better equipped to perform applied R&D, commercialize new products and services for global markets, and access new markets. NRC-IRAP is delivered across Canada through a network of over 260 ITAs located in more than 100 communities. The IRAP Calgary and Edmonton offices provide a window for the energy industry to new technologies from across the country. In addition, SMEs can submit proposals to the more than 40 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) issued by PTAC every year.
PTAC, in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), has continued to develop the SME program for nearly a decade. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are prevalent in the Canadian hydrocarbon energy sector. Agile and adaptable, these small companies are often at the forefront of innovation and technology solutions. Their small size allows them to take greater risks to accomplish initial goals, but a large gap exists between the SME entrepreneur and the oil and gas exploration and production companies with whom they hope to connect. SMEs frequently build their business from limited technology development work and may offer products with acknowledged uncertainties and risks. The large-scale oil and gas operations of major producers and explorers are capital-intensive endeavours regularly scrutinized by shareholders and the public, so these companies often take a very conservative approach to technology risk.
PTAC strives to provide critical information for SMEs that are both new to the Canadian oil and gas industry and provides supplementary support to SMEs. PTAC welcomes memberships for SMEs on an “as-needed” basis. We recognize that SMEs may benefit the most from PTAC membership when they have a specific need to move technology into demonstration or commercialization stages, and our goal is to provide SMEs with solid value for their membership at the appropriate time.
One of the most popular and effective avenues SMEs choose to take with PTAC is the hosting of a Technology Information Session or (TIS). A TIS is an opportunity to increase the pace of development of your technology and make other industry stakeholders aware of what you are offering, what you need, and where you are planning to take your technology. More information on hosting a TIS can be found here.
Overall, PTAC’s work with SMEs, investors, producers and explorers has continued to gain momentum, and is effectively shifting prevailing attitudes. There is a growing atmosphere of trust in which explorers and producers feel comfortable discussing challenges and collaborating with SMEs on innovative technology solutions.
PTAC also works in collaboration with the NRC-IRAP (National Research Council Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program, http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/irap/index.html) on the SME Innovation Program. NRC-IRAP has a long history of providing technical and business advisory services related to R&D, including strategic intelligence and customized solutions to fit your business needs. NRC-IRAP also provides financial support to qualified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada to help them undertake technology innovation. Firms working with NRC-IRAP are better equipped to perform applied R&D, commercialize new products and services for global markets, and access new markets. NRC-IRAP is delivered across Canada through a network of over 260 ITAs located in more than 100 communities. The IRAP Calgary and Edmonton offices provide a window for the energy industry to new technologies from across the country.
If you represent an SME and are interested in discussing your project or innovation with PTAC, we ask that you please fill out this online preliminary intake form and submit it or alternatively, download this PTAC Preliminary Intake Form and return as directed. Upon receipt we will then reach out to you to schedule a meeting.
PTAC Membership provides Midstream companies with a voice in initiatives which aim to improve regulatory development, as well as the safety, financial, and environmental performance of the Canadian oil and gas industry through PTAC led networks and projects. Our Steering Committees, which are comprised of PTAC members, lead initiatives which address industry challenges and improve performance. In tackling these challenges, it is critical that all stakeholders collaborate in active research and technology development projects. As a PTAC member you are entitled to participate in select PTAC R&D initiatives which not only tackle current challenges, but also provide direction and input for future initiatives through collaboration with all stakeholders, including regulators, government bodies, service and supply companies, producers, and other midstream companies. Not enough time or resources to dedicate to networks and projects? No problem – Get free access to PTAC’s short webinars and information sessions which focus on practical field applications and innovative technologies which progress operations by improving safety performance, developing smart regulations, lowering costs, educating field staff, and reducing the environmental footprint.