Rural Student Spotlight Program

The Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) and Technology Alberta have joined forces to offer a second iteration of the Rural Student Spotlight Program, aimed at matching post-secondary students with rural entrepreneurs to help them overcome technology adoption and commercialization road blocks.

Initially launched as a successful pilot project last year, this in-demand program will support 10 regional businesses and 10 student internships across two institutions, Olds College and Red Deer Polytechnic.  Students will contribute 50 hours of paid time and expertise funded by CARIN to help entrepreneurs and SMEs with technology adoption and innovation projects.  Employers have the option to extend student internships to 100 hours by self-funding the second 50 hours. Participating employers receive additional benefits including annual memberships in Technology Alberta.

Take a look at the 2026 Student Success Stories.

We are looking for Central Alberta businesses and RDP and Olds College students who would like to participate in the program!  The program starts on October 19^th.  For additional information, please contact:  Karen Vavrek, CARIN Manager at karen.vavrek@rdpolytech.ca.