How much funding can be received?

The AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging grant, powered by AGE-WELL and Alberta Innovates, seeks to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technology solutions that improve the health and quality of life for older adults in Alberta. Eligible projects must align with Alberta Innovates’ AICE Concepts or AICE Validate programs and focus on addressing key challenges such as supportive homes, healthcare delivery, cognitive health, and more, with funding available up to CAD 200,000 or 300,000 based on the project's stage.

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grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$115,000

Vancouver

Launching an eco-friendly packaging product line in partnership with Green Innovators.

$90,000

Toronto

Developing an online platform for sustainable agriculture training in collaboration with AgriTech Canada.

$50,000

Calgary

Creating an art therapy program for mental health support in collaboration with local health centers.

$150,000

Ottawa

Implementing a renewable energy program for low-income households with EcoPower Group.

$60,000

Halifax

Establishing a community kitchen to tackle food insecurity with Community Food Network.

$70,000

Montréal

Developing a mobile app to promote urban biking routes with Smart City Solutions.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Applications for this grant must support projects that align with Alberta Innovates' AICE Concepts or AICE Validate programs to advance and validate technologies for healthy aging.

The organization must be Alberta-based.
Eligible organization types include academic institutions, researchers, and small to medium enterprises.
Projects must align with at least one of AGE-WELL’s Challenge Areas.
Projects should consider and meet the needs of populations at risk and equity-deserving groups of older adults and caregivers.
All project members must agree to engage older adults and/or caregivers and involve them in all aspects of the research.
The project must integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in its design and execution.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging program is targeted at Alberta-based organizations, particularly academic institutions, researchers, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), aiming to support projects that develop and commercialize technologies for healthy aging.

Alberta-based academic institutions
Researchers in Alberta
Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) based in Alberta

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant specifically targets Alberta-based academic institutions, researchers, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). No specific types of companies are mentioned as ineligible, focusing instead on the eligibility of Alberta-based entities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include costs directly required for the completion of the project, such as incremental research expenses and equipment. These expenses must align with the program guidelines and include salaries, professional services, and materials.

Incremental research and knowledge mobilization costs, including salaries for highly qualified personnel (HQP)
Professional and technical services or contracts
Equipment
Materials and supplies
Project-related travel

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zone for the AICE - Tech for Healthy Aging grant is Alberta, Canada. Applicants must be Alberta-based as part of the eligibility criteria.

Eligible geographic zone: Alberta, Canada
Applicants must be based in Alberta

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Submit Intake Form - Applicants must submit an Intake Form through Alberta Innovates' AICE – Concepts or AICE – Validate program. This signifies the intent to apply and determines best program fit.
Step 2: Indicate Interest in Healthy Aging Priority - In the Full Application form, indicate if you would like to be considered for the Healthy Aging priority call and attach the AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging Supplementary Application and Self Identification forms.
Step 3: Consult Program Guidelines - Review the relevant AICE program web pages and posted program guidelines for complete instructions and details on eligibility and program objectives. Consult the supplemental guide for specific requirements for the AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging priority.
Step 4: Submit Full Application - Complete and submit the Full Application by November 8, 2024, at 4 p.m. MST.
Step 5: Evaluation - Applications are reviewed based on alignment with the Healthy Aging priority call and the standard AICE program criteria, including market opportunity, competitiveness, and potential economic impact for Alberta.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging grant focuses on advancing and validating technologies that support healthy aging, specifically aligning with AGE-WELL's challenge areas. The program emphasizes projects from underrepresented groups and requires compliance with equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.

The grant is available for projects with a technology readiness level (TRL) of 2 to 6.
Successful projects will be co-funded by Alberta Innovates and AGE-WELL, with separate funding agreements required.
AGE-WELL funding must be used by March 31, 2026, and cannot be sub-granted by the applicant.
Eligible project costs for AGE-WELL funding include salaries for highly qualified personnel, professional services, equipment, materials, and travel.
Applicants from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Peoples and members of LGBTQ2+ communities, are strongly encouraged.
Projects must engage older adults and caregivers, incorporating their involvement in all research stages.

grant_single_labels|contact

bindi.ferguson@albertainnovates.ca

780-306-1099

Apply to this program

AICE - Tech for Healthy Aging Grant Overview

The AICE - Tech for Healthy Aging grant, supported by AGE-WELL and Alberta Innovates, focuses on accelerating the development and commercialization of innovative technologies that promote healthy aging. This program targets Alberta-based academic researchers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), providing up to $200,000 CAD for Concept projects and up to $300,000 CAD for Validate projects over a 24-month term, supporting solutions that enhance the lives of older adults and caregivers.

Understanding the AICE - Tech for Healthy Aging Grant: A Comprehensive Guide

The AICE - Tech for Healthy Aging grant is a remarkable opportunity for innovators and researchers in Alberta who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults through technological advancements. This grant, co-managed by AGE-WELL, a Canadian network focusing on technology and aging, and Alberta Innovates, aims to propel the commercialization of tech solutions that address the unique needs of the older population. Through this initiative, the partners seek to harness the power of innovative technology to promote health, independence, and well-being for older adults, enabling them to age in their preferred environment confidently.

Program Objectives and Strategic Vision

The program's core mission is to leverage AGE-WELL and Alberta Innovates' combined expertise to fast-track the development of health technologies that specifically cater to the aging population in Alberta. By facilitating the development of tech-driven solutions, the program addresses critical challenges faced by older adults and their caregivers, ranging from health monitoring and cognitive support to mobility enhancements and reducing social isolation.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

Open to organizations based in Alberta, the AICE - Tech for Healthy Aging grant encourages applications from both academic institutions and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The program welcomes applications for projects that either focus on establishing a proof of concept (AICE - Concepts) or refining and validating an existing concept (AICE - Validate). Applicants interested in the grant should submit an Intake form by October 11, 2024, to be considered for the Full Application, which is due by November 8, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. MST. Priority is given to projects that align with at least one of AGE-WELL's Challenge Areas and demonstrate inclusivity by addressing the needs of underrepresented and equity-deserving groups.

Financial Aspects and Funding Allocation

The grant provides significant financial support, offering up to $200,000 CAD for AICE - Concepts projects and up to $300,000 CAD for AICE - Validate projects. The funding is structured as a co-investment between Alberta Innovates and AGE-WELL, with an emphasis on ensuring that AGE-WELL’s portion is utilized by March 31, 2026. There are no mandatory matching requirements, though cash or in-kind contributions are encouraged. Eligible funding expenses cover a wide range of project needs, including salaries for Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP), professional services, equipment, materials, project-related travel, and more. AGE-WELL funding specifically supports costs related to incremental research and knowledge mobilization, ensuring projects have the resources necessary to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Additional Program Benefits

Beyond financial support, the grant offers additional benefits, including access to AGE-WELL's EPIC program—an extensive network and training platform for HQPs. Successful grant recipients gain entry into a vibrant community of experts, including researchers, older adults, caregivers, industry partners, and policymakers.

Review and Evaluation Process

Applications are evaluated by a panel comprising personnel from Alberta Innovates, AGE-WELL, and external experts with business and clinical expertise. The evaluation focuses on alignment with the Healthy Aging priority call, market potential, the innovation's competitiveness, and the anticipated economic impact on Alberta.

Highlights and Focus Areas for Projects

The program is particularly invested in projects that align with its Challenge Areas. These eight focus areas include: 1. Supportive Homes & Communities 2. Health Care & Health Service Delivery 3. Autonomy & Independence 4. Cognitive Health & Dementia 5. Mobility & Transportation 6. Healthy Lifestyles & Wellness 7. Staying Connected 8. Financial Wellness & Employment Projects are encouraged to address these areas with a user-centered approach, incorporating feedback and involvement from older adults and caregivers throughout the project's lifecycle. This participatory model ensures that the technology solutions developed are both relevant and impactful, addressing genuine needs faced by the aging population.

Ensuring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The grant application process emphasizes the importance of integrating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles in project design and execution. Applicants are required to demonstrate how they will incorporate these principles, including the integration of sex and gender considerations where applicable. Moreover, projects that involve Indigenous populations must include team members with appropriate expertise and experience in such engagements.

Conclusion

The AICE - Tech for Healthy Aging grant represents a unique and impactful opportunity for researchers and innovators in Alberta to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults. By fostering the development and scalability of technology solutions, the program not only seeks to improve health and quality of life for older adults but also aims to position Alberta as a leader in AgeTech innovation. Those interested in applying are encouraged to carefully align their projects with the program's goals and securely position themselves to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of healthy aging technologies.