Alberta Innovates is a collection of Alberta small business grants and vouchers designed to support the research and development of advanced technologies. These programs provide a dynamic solution for businesses struggling with internal technical challenges.
These research funding programs provide small business grants and loans to enhance and accelerate innovative technology-focused projects. Suitable projects may receive Alberta small business funding to perform technology research, development, and commercialization activities.
Not only will businesses have access to government funding programs, but applicants will also have access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities. InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies are research subsidiaries that can be accessed to enhance and accelerate projects, while connecting companies with top Alberta researchers. Businesses often benefit from these services since they provide access to technologies and talent that were previously unavailable.
Alberta Innovates: Small Business Research and Development Funding
Alberta Innovates provides small business funding to innovative projects that focus on:
- Developing new technologies that solve common industry challenges or enhance productivity;
- Testing and commercializing products in collaboration with multiple organizations or end-users; and
- Improving Alberta’s economy in terms of job creation, export growth, and knowledge-sharing.
Alberta Innovates Research Funding Programs
Alberta-based SMEs can access research grants for innovative technology development projects through the following Alberta Innovates funding programs:
Alberta Innovates Funding Stream |
Purpose/Projects |
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Up to 50% of project expenses to a maximum $100,000-$300,000 in grants. |
Commercialization collaborations that test or pilot innovative technologies. |
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Industry R&D Associates Program Level 1 – Up to $52,500 in hiring grants. * Up to $7,000 in an annual |
Technology research and development projects where an Alberta Innovates associate is hired to provide expertise on the development process. |
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Industry Commercialization Associates Program Level 1 – Up to $52,500 in hiring grants. * Up to $7,000 in an annual |
Technology commercialization projects where an Alberta Innovates associate is hired to provide expertise on the manufacturing or distribution process. |
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The Alberta Small Business Innovation and Research Initiative Funding contribution determined on a case-by-case basis. |
The matching of technology developers with potential end-users who can test and provide feedback on innovation prototypes. |
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Alberta-Ontario Innovation Program Up to 50% to cover project expenses to a maximum $500,000 in vouchers. |
Conducting collaborative research and development projects with a business entity from another province. Companies will also engage with research institutions in both provinces to enhance R&D capabilities. |
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Accelerating Innovations Into Care (AICE) Up to 50% of project costs to a maximum $150,000 in grants. |
Collaborative projects to execute clinical testing and validate the impacts of innovative healthcare technologies. Projects should have an emphasis on disease pathways or workflow, with the intent of forming adoption and improving the health care system. |
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Up to $10,000-$100,000 in vouchers to cover project expenses. |
Offsets the costs of supplies needed for mid-to-late stage research and development projects. |
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Micro-Voucher Program Up to $10,000 in vouchers to cover project expenses. |
Assisting early-stage technology developers to finance market and technology assessments, in addition to training. |
Apply Now for Alberta Innovates Research Funding
Small and mid-sized business performing technology development projects are encouraged to apply for research funding through Alberta Innovates.
Each funding stream has its own unique application, review, and approval process. For greater insight into each program, please contact Mentor Works.