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Source verified June 19, 2026
Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate
Funding for Alberta health tech validation
Latest source updateLast Update: July 12, 2026Latest change: The AICE page now shows new 2026–2027 intake and full-application deadlines, along with updated intake steps and portal access.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 12, 2026
Latest change: The AICE page now shows new 2026–2027 intake and full-application deadlines, along with updated intake steps and portal access.
AICE deadlines and intake process updated
The AICE page now shows updated intake and full-application deadlines for 2026–2027: September 2, 2026 and January 15, 2027, with intake submissions due 5 weeks before each deadline. The intake details also now point to an Apply Now portal link, and the intake-form and intake-meeting wording has been revised.
Funding available
$ 300,000
Deadline
January 16, 2026
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
AICE – Validate provides up to CAD 300,000 to help Alberta health technology SMEs validate product-market fit, business readiness, regulatory compliance, and technical development. The program supports technology refinement, early validation, and commercialization of health innovations into care.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Technology refinement and early validation
- Validation of technology safety, efficacy, and value proposition
- Validation of product-market fit, business model, and regulatory path
- Evidence generation needed for commercialization and market access
Documents Needed
- Intake form
- Full application form
- Business plan
- Financial statements and financial projections
- Work plan and budget workbook
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Alberta-based for-profit SMEs
- Alberta-based post-secondary institutions
- Alberta-based government entities planning commercialization
Who is not eligible
- Businesses without an Alberta footprint
- Non-profit organizations
- Companies focused on unregulated products or consumer wellness apps
- Businesses focused on clinic or hospital backend software
Eligible expenses
- Project labour and salaries at reasonable market rates
- Materials, subcontractors, and basic professional services directly tied to the project
- Eligible software, equipment, and other direct operating costs
- Pre-approved travel and related accommodation and meals at reasonable rates
- Unrecoverable GST on eligible costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before the project start date without written approval
- Interest, fines, penalties, bad debts, and losses on unrelated projects
- Advertising, training, commuting, entertainment, alcohol, and gifts
- Routine testing, maintenance, and general overhead
- Land, buildings, and unrelated business software or consumer wellness products
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Selection criteria
- Strength of the market opportunity
- Competitiveness of the technology
- Advance-to-market plan and project plan
- Potential economic impact for Alberta
- Risk profile and return to Alberta
How to apply
- Step 1
- Review the program guide and support resources to confirm fit.
- Step 2
- Complete and submit the intake form through SmartSimple.
- Create an account in the online portal if needed.
- Submit the intake form at least 6 weeks before the full application deadline.
- Step 3
- Attend the intake meeting if scheduled by Alberta Innovates.
- Applicants meeting basic eligibility may be invited to apply.
- Step 4
- Complete and submit the full application through the portal by the posted deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first screened through an intake meeting and fit assessment.
- Full applications are reviewed by Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers.
- Funding decisions are made at Alberta Innovates’ sole discretion.
- Successful applicants must sign a standard Investment Agreement before funds are released.
- Progress and milestone reporting are required during the project.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed in multiple cohorts throughout the year.
- Applicants who are declined may re-apply after a six-month cooling-off period.
- The program uses a standard Investment Agreement before funding is advanced.
- Alberta Innovates may contact listed customers or project partners during evaluation.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate Program
What is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate?
AICE – Validate provides up to CAD 300,000 to help Alberta health technology SMEs validate product-market fit, business readiness, regulatory compliance, and technical development. The program supports technology refinement, early validation, and commercialization of health innovations into care.
How much funding can be received?
Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $300,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate program?
To be eligible for the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate program, you must:
Alberta-based for-profit SME
Owns or controls the technology
Health technology validation project
What expenses are eligible under Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate?
Technology refinement and early validation
Validation of technology safety, efficacy, and value proposition
Validation of product-market fit, business model, and regulatory path
Evidence generation needed for commercialization and market access
Who can I contact for more information about the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate?
You can contact Alberta Innovates by email at Markian.Bahniuk@albertainnovates.ca or by phone at 780-984-0245.
Where is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate available?
The Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate is a Researchers And Facilities