Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access

Q: How much funding can be received?

Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $600000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access?

Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access is funded by Alberta Innovates

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

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) – Market Access available?

The Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access program is available the province of AB.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

AB, Canada

Funding for Alberta health tech market access

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $600,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : August 17, 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-Market Access Program provides Alberta-based emerging health technology companies with up to $600,000 to conduct real-world implementation projects, feasibility studies, or clinical trials, facilitating the acceleration of market access and commercialization into care. The program focuses on supporting later validation and scaling stages for innovations that require significant clinical or user evidence prior to reaching the marketplace.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant facilitates collaboration between Alberta-based SMEs and clinical testing sites by providing financial support under specified conditions. It also requires that projects benefit the Alberta economy substantially.

Funding supports up to 75% of the total eligible project costs.
A maximum of $600,000 CAD is available per approved project.
Projects must span no more than 24 months to qualify for funding.

Activities funded

The AICE-Market Access program supports Alberta SMEs in health technology sectors by funding projects that advance the commercialization process through evidence generation. Eligible activities focus on real-world applications, feasibility studies, and clinical trials with third-party partners.

Real-world implementation projects of innovative health technologies.
Feasibility studies for health technology innovations.
Conducting clinical trials in partnership with independent testing sites.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 250,000

Initiating a renewable energy project for local businesses

$ 45,000

Creating a digital literacy program for seniors

$ 60,000

Establishing a community hydroponic farm for fresh produce

$ 100,000

Building an arts center for youth engagement and development

$ 80,000

Developing an eco-friendly packaging line for local products

$ 150,000

Launching a mobile health clinic for remote communities

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and project structure.

The applicant must be a for-profit, small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) located in Alberta.
The company must have a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta.
There must be appropriate Alberta ownership of the company.
There should be a discernable intent that operational benefits will primarily flow within the province of Alberta.
Projects must include a third-party independent clinical/user testing site as a co-applicant.

Who is eligible?

Alberta-based, for-profit, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are eligible to apply for the AICE-Market Access Program. These enterprises must have a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta, appropriate Alberta ownership, and a clear intent that operational benefits will primarily benefit the province of Alberta. Additionally, projects must include a third-party independent clinical/user testing site as a co-applicant.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available exclusively to companies with a significant presence in a specific geographical area. Eligibility is determined based on the company's location and operational influence.

Alberta-based companies.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the AICE-Market Access Program objectives.

Strength of the market opportunity.
Competitiveness of the proposal in the health innovation sector.
Quality and realism of the advance to market plan.
Comprehensiveness and viability of the project plan.
Potential economic impact for Alberta.

How to apply

Self Assess Fit

Review the AICE - Market Access Program Guide and Support Resources.
Confirm your fit to the detailed eligibility requirements and program objectives.

Complete Intake Form

Access the SmartSimple online application portal.
Create an account if necessary to access the portal.
Complete and submit the "AICE Intake Form."
Ensure the form is submitted at least 4 weeks before any full application deadline.

Attend Intake Meeting

Wait for Alberta Innovates to schedule an intake meeting.
Participate in the meeting to discuss program fit and receive application support.

Submit Full Application

Complete the Full Application via the online application portal.
Submit your full application by the specified submission dates:
Prior to March 31, 2024 - applications are accepted on a continual basis.
April 1, 2024 and Beyond - applications will be reviewed in batches on specific dates.
Ensure applications are submitted by 4:00 pm (MT) on these dates:
April 19, 2024
August 16, 2024
November 8, 2024

Evaluation Process

Await notification from Alberta Innovates regarding the status of your application.
Understand that applications are reviewed for market opportunity, competitiveness, project plan, and the potential economic impact for Alberta.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Alberta Innovates offers additional support through their Technology Development Advisors who provide business coaching and advice.
There are partnered ecosystem offerings available that provide resources such as diagnostic expertise and health economics analysis.
Applicants are eligible to reapply six months after their application has been declined.
The application process includes an intake meeting to ensure program fit and support.
Full applications are reviewed in multiple cohorts throughout the year, with specific submission dates.

Contacts

bindi.ferguson@albertainnovates.ca

780-306-1099

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access. 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) – Market Access?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access?

Who is eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access program?

To be eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Market Access program, you must: The company must be an Alberta-based, for-profit, small to medium-sized enterprise (SME). The company must have a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta, with appropriate Alberta ownership. Projects must include a third-party independent clinical/user testing site as a co-applicant.