The Alberta Innovates Product Demonstration Program (PDP) provides small business grants to support the testing and commercialization of innovative technologies. Alberta tech developers can access funding to collaborate with for-profit or non-profit organizations to address a specific product commercialization gap. This funding is intended to accelerate the growth of new and competitive tech-focused companies so they can expand their customer base into international markets.
Through the program, businesses can receive up to 50% of project expenses to a maximum $100,000–$300,000 in Alberta technology grants. Ideal projects should focus on increasing a product’s and/or prepare for launch.
Interested technology developers should deepen their understanding by reviewing the program’s overview. If you still have questions regarding your eligibility, this article should help you determine whether your business and project are a strong fit for the program.
Product Demonstration Program Eligibility for Businesses
To apply to the Product Demonstration Program, for-profit businesses must:
- Be a federal or provincial corporation, partnership, or a sole proprietorship within Alberta;
- Have less than 50 full-time employees on payroll;
- Not exceed $5,000,000 in revenues for the preceding fiscal year;
- Be a technology-driven business developing innovative new products or services;
- Serve Alberta’s priority areas including energy, nanotechnology, environment, health, life sciences, and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors;
- Not possess an outstanding balance with any Alberta Innovates organization, subsidiary, or partner; and
- Not have received PDP contributions in the past, even if the funding was used to support a different project.
Project Partner Eligibility Criteria
Project partners are responsible for helping the applicant assess new technologies while conducting the demonstration project. Applicants may collaborate with up to two non-profit partners to complete project deliverables.
Eligible project partners must:
- Be a non-profit incorporated organization, academic institution, or government agency;
- Not have any legal relationship with the applicant;
- Demonstrate the qualifications, capabilities, and capacity to perform project activities in a timely manner;
- Provide services and/or products to the applicant business at a reasonable market rate;
- Exhibit a strong influence on a relevant target market; and
- Not have an outstanding balance with any Alberta Innovates organization, subsidiary, or partner.
Technology Projects Eligible to Receive Alberta Government Grants
The Product Demonstration Program provides Alberta government funding to support innovations with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7-9. Applicants must ensure that their projects are completed within two years of the project’s official start date.
Eligible projects should focus on:
- Optimizing new and competitive technologies;
- Developing prototypes necessary for demonstration;
- Testing prototypes in an operational environment;
- Receiving regulatory approval and certifications to gain market acceptance;
- Evaluating and verifying technical data; and
Please Note: Alberta Innovates will not fund any projects that have received past contributions from the Voucher Program, Micro-Voucher Program, and/or the Product Demonstration Program.
What Expenses Does the Product Demonstration Program Cover?
PDP will provide up to 50% of eligible project expenses to a maximum $100,000-$300,000 in Alberta government grants. Innovative tech developers can access funding to help offset:
- Direct labour costs for employees or contractors directly involved with the project;
- Equipment, materials, and supplies costs; and
- Any additional overhead costs necessary to complete project activities.
Ineligible Expenses
Alberta government funding cannot be used to offset:
- Grant application fees;
- Technology development costs;
- Sales and promotional activities;
- Design and creation of marketing materials;
- Academic internships or student wages;
- Product testing and maintenance costs;
- Travel and entertainment expenses; and
- Professional services and financial fees (unless directly associated with the project).
Please Note: Any project costs incurred prior to being accepted into the program will not be eligible for funding.
Alberta Innovates’ Government Funding Stacking Rules
Alberta Innovates encourages businesses to leverage multiple funding opportunities to help reduce project expenses. “Stacking” allows businesses to access government grants and loans to cover different expenses for the same project.
Businesses that access the Product Demonstration Program may stack up to 75% of total project costs with other government funding programs. PDP applicants must disclose whether they have or will receive any other government funding assistance throughout the duration of the project.
Related Post: Small Business Grants & Loans: “Double-Dipping” & “Stacking”
Apply to the Alberta Innovates Product Demonstration Program
The Alberta Innovates Product Demonstration Program offers a continuous application intake. Eligible businesses can apply to the program by submitting an online application package (approximately 25 pages in total). Once submitted, application review can take up to 6-8 weeks on average.
Contact Mentor Works to confirm your eligibility for the Product Demonstration Program. We can also provide comprehensive application support to accelerate the process.