Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate
Last Update: January 24, 2025
AB, Canada
Supports Alberta SMEs to validate health tech innovations
Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $300,000
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 8, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Grant Providers
- Alberta Innovates
Status
Closed
Overview of the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate program
The AICE-Validate program offers up to $300,000 to Alberta researchers and SMEs to validate their product, market fit, business model, and regulatory path, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of health technologies into care. Eligible activities include demonstrating the feasibility of new ventures and advancing emerging technologies towards a market-ready state.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides substantial financial support to assist with the commercialization of health technologies in Alberta. It offers a flexible financial framework dependent on project needs and contributions.
- Funding of up to $300,000 CAD is available to successful applicants.
- A minimum of 25% of the total eligible project costs must be provided by the applicant, either in cash or through in-kind contributions.
- The term of funding support extends up to 24 months, allowing for thorough project validation.
Eligible projects & activities
The AICE – Validate program offers funding to support projects that validate health technologies and accelerate their commercialization in Alberta. The eligible activities focus on assessing product feasibility, market fit, business model viability, and regulatory compliance, providing a pathway for technological innovations to move towards market readiness.
- Validation of health technology products to confirm their feasibility and market fit.
- Development and refinement of business models for health technology ventures.
- Assessment and alignment of health technologies with regulatory requirements.
- Preparation of emerging health technologies for market entry.
- Activities aimed at attracting external investments to health technology SMEs in Alberta.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 60,000
Establishing an organic waste composting site
$ 50,000
Developing a digital literacy program for seniors
$ 100,000
Implementing a solar energy project for schools
$ 80,000
Launching an eco-friendly packaging line for local products
$ 70,000
Creating a mobile app for mental health support services
$ 45,000
Organizing a cultural festival to promote local artists
Eligibility criteria of the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate program
Eligibility for the AICE-Validate program requires meeting specific criteria related to company location and operational presence in Alberta.
- The applicant must be an Alberta-based for-profit small to medium enterprise (SME) with a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta.
- The applicant must have appropriate ownership situated in Alberta.
- There must be a discernable intent that operational benefits from the project will primarily flow within the province of Alberta.
Who is eligible?
The AICE-Validate program is open to Alberta-based post-secondary institutions and government entities with a clear intent of creating a for-profit company to commercialize the technology. Additionally, Alberta-based for-profit SMEs with significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta, appropriate Alberta ownership, and a discernible intent that operational benefits will flow primarily within Alberta are eligible to apply. Ideal applicants should have strong proof-of-concept data, a technology that outperforms its competitors, ownership or exclusive rights to the technology, an experienced and well-rounded management team, completed an accelerator or business coaching program, and an emerging technology with potential for beneficial health outcomes.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available exclusively to companies that are based in Alberta, Canada. The focus is on supporting the growth of health technology innovations within the province.
- Alberta, Canada
Eligibility criteria of the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate program
The evaluation and selection of projects for the AICE - Validate grant are based on the strength of the market opportunity, competitiveness, advance-to-market plan, and potential economic impact for Alberta.
- Strength of the market opportunity.
- Competitiveness of the technology or service.
- Advance-to-market plan including regulatory strategies.
- Potential economic impact for Alberta, including indicators such as investment attraction and employment growth.
How to apply to the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate program
1
Self Assess Fit
- Review the AICE - Validate Program Guide and support resources.
- Confirm your project's fit with the detailed eligibility requirements and program objectives.
2
Complete Intake Form
- Create an account on the SmartSimple online application portal.
- Complete and submit the AICE Market Access/Validate Intake Form.
- Ensure submission at least 4 weeks before the full application deadline.
3
Attend Intake Meeting
- Wait for Alberta Innovates to schedule an intake meeting with you.
- Discuss the program fit and receive support for the application.
4
Submit Full Application
- Complete the full application via the online application portal.
- Ensure you apply by 4:00 pm on one of the specified submission dates: April 19, 2024; August 16, 2024; or November 8, 2024.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applicants are required to provide at least 25% of total eligible project costs as cash or in-kind contributions.
- The maximum funding available per project is $300,000 CAD.
- Projects should be completed within a 24-month period.
- Applications are reviewed by both Alberta Innovates employees and external expert reviewers, ensuring diverse perspectives during the evaluation process.
- The program supports Alberta-based SMEs and researchers in health technology innovation, specifically geared towards accelerating market entry and attracting investments.
- An additional call for "Tech for Healthy Aging" is available for applications related to improving health for older adults and their caregivers, with a specific submission deadline.
- Applicants who are declined can re-apply following a six-month cooling-off period.
Contact Alberta Innovates
Jose.Raez@albertainnovates.ca
780-306-3086
Apply to this program
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