Geomatics technologies measure, analyse, and display spatial information describing geological features and manmade structures. These innovations are used across many of Canada’s top industries like agriculture, energy, mining and energy. Refining commonly used technologies can drive even greater profitability among these industries, which makes geomatics technology research and development so important in Canada.
TECTERRA is an Alberta-based non-profit organization that assists startups and small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) develop and commercialize innovative geomatics technologies. From 2009 to 2017, TECTERRA has committed over $40M in investments toward technology innovation and commercialization projects.
Through TECTERRA’s suite of Alberta government funding programs, businesses may receive up to 50%-100% coverage of project expenses.
To access TECTERRA funding, businesses must first complete an application process which varies from one program to the next. Each funding stream focuses on a specific type of project; applicants should further review the program to learn which stream provides the best fit for upcoming strategic projects.
TECTERRA Funding: How the Program Works
TECTERRA is a non-profit organization funded through the Canadian federal and Alberta provincial governments. It’s a source of non-dilutive funding and business expansion resources for Alberta-based SMEs working in the development of geospatial technologies. By accessing TECTERRA funding support, technology developers can achieve commercial success faster without giving up control, equity, or intellectual property (IP).
There are currently five programs/streams of Alberta small business funding offered through TECTERRA. These include:
1. TECTERRA BUILD Funding
The TECTERRA BUILD program provides Alberta government funding to assist the development and commercialization of new geomatics technologies. This is ideal for pre-revenue innovations where funding is needed to overcome late-stage development hurdles.
- Amount: Up to 50% of eligible expenses for a total contribution ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 in repayable funding. Offered as a 0% interest loan.
- Projects: Development of innovative products that include geospatial technology. Projects must have a well-defined target market or user and commercialization plan.
- Eligibility: Alberta for-profit businesses with 1-499 full-time employees and less than $50M in annual revenues. Must build a project budget with at least $300,000 in eligible costs. Must create at least one new full-time job for Highly Qualified Personnel.
- Timeline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Projects should last between 12-24 months.
2. TECTERRA LAUNCH Funding
The TECTERRA LAUNCH program offers Alberta technology funding to help commercialize innovative geospatial technologies for the first time, or to introduce existing technologies into new markets.
- Amount: Up to 50% of eligible expenses for a total contribution ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 in repayable funding. Offered as a 0% interest loan.
- Projects: Commercialization of late-stage geospatial technologies that are ready to launch, or expanding existing and proven technologies into new markets.
- Eligibility: Alberta for-profit businesses with 1-499 full-time employees and less than $50M in annual revenues. Must build a project budget with at least $50,000 in eligible costs.
- Timeline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Projects should last a maximum of 12 months.
3. TECTERRA HIRE Grants
The TECTERRA HIRE program supports the hiring of highly qualified business or technical personnel. This wage subsidy offsets a portion of the new employee’s salary for the first 12 months of employment.
- Amount: Up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum $50,000 in Alberta small business grants. Can provide an additional $10,000 to relocate the employee from outside Alberta.
- Projects: Hiring a highly-qualified business or technology employee to help drive the growth of geomatics technology companies.
- Eligibility: Alberta for-profit businesses with 1-499 full-time employees and less than $50M in annual revenues. Highly qualified personnel must have graduated with a Bachelors degree or higher from a recognized university program.
- Timeline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed within two weeks of submission.
4. TECTERRA SHOW Grants
The TECTERRA SHOW program provides market development grants designed to help businesses attend or participate in leading industry events outside of Alberta. The program covers travel and event registration costs to help startups and SMEs access new markets.
- Amount: Up to 100% of eligible expenses to a maximum $100,000 Alberta small business grant.
- Projects: Attending or participating in relevant industry events, trade shows and conferences.
- Eligibility: Alberta for-profit businesses with 1-100 full-time employees and less than $15M in annual revenues. Can include up to two separate events within 12-months.
- Timeline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed within two weeks of submission. Businesses should apply a minimum 45 days before an event.
5. TECTERRA GROW Grants
The TECTERRA GROW program helps startups and small businesses access third-party training programs in support of skills development. Training topics can cover a variety of topics related to business and technical skills, as well as adopting business best-practices.
- Amount: Up to 75% of eligible expenses to a maximum $50,000 in training grants.
- Training Themes: Entrepreneurial coaching, human resources development and management, project management, sales mentorship, marketing strategies, supply chain management, etc.
- Eligibility: Alberta for-profit, incorporated businesses with 1-50 full-time employees and less than $15M in annual revenues.
- Timeline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed within two weeks of submission.
Successful Projects Awarded with TECTERRA Funding
Many Alberta-based technology developers have accessed TECTERRA funding in the past to accelerate projects. Some of these companies include:
How to Apply for TECTERRA Funding
Each TECTERRA program has its own unique set of documentation and application process. While some of the streams have a one-stage application process, others have a two-stage process involving an Expression of Intent (EOI) and a full application.
Fortunately, all TECTERRA funding streams operate on an open call for applications; this means businesses can apply at any time. Business leaders should pay close attention to each stream’s application review timelines to ensure projects can move ahead efficiently.
To discuss whether your project or company qualifies for TECTERRA funding, or to learn about ways to optimize the application process, please contact Mentor Works.