Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging?

You can contact Alberta Innovates by email at bindi.ferguson@albertainnovates.ca or by phone at 780-306-1099.

Q: Where is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging available?

The Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging program is available the province of AB.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

AB, Canada

Accelerates the commercialization of innovative technologies to enhance healthy aging

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $300,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : October 12, 2024
Closing date : November 8, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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.

Financing terms and conditions

The AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging grant provides financial support with specific terms and conditions to facilitate the development and commercialization of technologies benefiting older adults. The funding modalities support diverse project needs while promoting accountability and strategic use of resources.

Funding of up to $200,000 CAD for AICE – Concepts projects and up to $300,000 CAD for AICE – Validate projects.
Projects receive 50% co-funding from both Alberta Innovates and AGE-WELL.
The project term is limited to 24 months, with AGE-WELL's funding required to be spent by March 31, 2026.
No matching requirements are imposed; however, cash or in-kind contributions from the applicant and collaborators are encouraged.
Separate funding agreements with both Alberta Innovates and AGE-WELL are necessary for successful applicants.
Eligible costs for AGE-WELL funding include incremental research and knowledge mobilization costs, such as salaries, equipment, and professional services.
Ineligible costs include construction or major renovations, flat-rate overheads, and certain large equipment purchases.

Activities funded

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 115,000

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

$ 60,000

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

$ 90,000

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

$ 50,000

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

$ 150,000

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

$ 70,000

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

Eligibility

To be eligible for the AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

The applicant must be based in Alberta, Canada.
Eligible organization types are Academic Institutions, Researchers, and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Who is eligible?

This grant is targeted at Alberta-based academic institutions and researchers, as well as small to medium enterprises (SMEs), that are involved in the development and commercialization of technologies for healthy aging. Applicants should have projects that align with Alberta Innovates’ AICE Concepts or AICE Validate programs and address the Healthy Aging priority area. The projects must also meet the needs of populations at risk and equity-deserving groups of older adults and care partners, and align with at least one of AGE-WELL’s Challenge Areas such as Supportive Homes & Communities, Mobility & Transportation, Health Care & Health Service Delivery, among others.

Who is not eligible

This grant does not provide specific exclusions or restrictions for industries or companies based on the given information. Eligibility focuses on Alberta-based academic institutions and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Eligible expenses

Eligible projects for this grant are those that leverage technology to improve the health and quality of life for older adults. These projects focus on technological advancement in areas crucial for aging well and independently.

Advancement of digital health tools to monitor and manage health conditions.
Development of assistive devices for increased autonomy and independence.
Implementation of telehealth technologies to enhance healthcare accessibility.
Creation of fall detection and prevention systems for increased safety.
Development of social connectivity platforms to reduce isolation among older adults.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is exclusively available to organizations that are based in Alberta, as stipulated by the funding criteria. This geographical requirement is aligned with the goals of Alberta Innovates, a key partner in this funding initiative.

Organizations must be based in Alberta, Canada.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging grant rely on specific criteria to ensure projects meet the strategic objectives related to advancing technologies in healthy aging.

Alignment with AGE-WELL Challenge Areas, ensuring the project addresses identified real-world challenges faced by older adults and caregivers.
Involvement of older adults and/or caregivers in the project, highlighting the engagement methodology in the research and development process.
Consideration of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles within the project design and execution, including the integration of sex and gender considerations where applicable.
Collaboration between sectors and engagement with community-based organizations or industry partners, if applicable, to enhance the reach and impact of the project.

How to apply

Preliminary Registration

Visit the Alberta Innovates website to access the AICE – Concepts or AICE – Validate program pages.
Utilize the SmartSimple online application portal to register your intent to apply by completing the non-confidential summary section of your application draft.
Ensure registration is completed within the specified window (open early April 2024) and before the registration deadline of May 10, 2024.

Submit Intake Form

Complete the AICE Intake form and submit it at least 4 weeks in advance of the full application deadline.
Contact Alberta Innovates to discuss the best fit for your project and ensure alignment with program objectives.

Full Application Preparation

Prepare the Full Application, ensuring you indicate if you want to be considered for the Healthy Aging priority call.
Attach the AICE – Tech for Healthy Aging Supplementary Application and Self-Identification forms.
Consult the AICE program web pages for guidelines and align your application with eligibility criteria and program objectives.

Submit Full Application

Log into the Alberta Innovates portal and finalize the Full Application submission.
Ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded accurately, including the supplementary forms.
Submit your completed application by the deadline of November 8, 2024, at 4 p.m. MST.

Application Confirmation

Receive confirmation of your application submission from Alberta Innovates.
Keep this confirmation for your records and further communication.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

bindi.ferguson@albertainnovates.ca

780-306-1099

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging?

Who is eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging program?

To be eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Tech for Healthy Aging program, you must: The applicant must be based in Alberta. Eligible organization types include academic institutions, researchers, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Projects must align with the Healthy Aging priority, demonstrating potential for real-world impact and addressing relevant challenge areas.