How much funding can be received?

The Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program provides funding of up to $500,000 per project, supporting the development of innovative technologies, processes, and products that enhance Alberta's agri-food, forestry, and bioindustrial sectors. Eligible activities include projects focusing on data and digital solutions, autonomous systems, agricultural biotechnology, food processing innovation, biofibre utilization, value-added biomass, and green construction.

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The Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program provides funding for projects aimed at developing innovative technologies for the agri-food and bioindustrial sectors. Eligible activities focus on data solutions, biotechnology, and sustainable construction, among others.

Development of data and digital solutions, including AI and blockchain technology, for enhancing supply chain functionality.
Creation of autonomous systems for optimized agri-food and biomaterial processing.
Advancement of agricultural biotechnology to improve farm productivity and environmental sustainability.
Innovation in food processing, including waste reduction and smart packaging technologies.
Utilization of biofibres from agriculture and forestry residues.
Enhancement of biomass value through bio-based products and processes.
Development of sustainable building practices and green construction innovations.

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Eligibility for this grant is based on specific requirements related to the applicant's profile, project focus, and its benefits to Alberta.

The applicant must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), industry organization, research and development organization, post-secondary institution, or government research laboratory.
SMEs must have fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
Applicants do not need to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta.
Projects should be researched, piloted, demonstrated, and/or implemented in Alberta with long-term impacts on the province.
Applicants must exist as a corporate person with up-to-date corporate filings.
Applicants must be authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant agreement with Alberta Innovates.
Applicants must not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding, such as having a past bad debt or not being in good financial standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
Collaboration with Alberta-based partners is strongly encouraged.
Engagement with Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions is encouraged where appropriate.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant targets a diverse group of potential applicants across various sectors who are aiming to address challenges in Alberta's agri-food and bioindustrial sectors. Successful projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to Alberta and ideally involve collaboration with local entities.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50 million in annual gross revenue.
Industry organizations involved in agri-food and bioindustrial innovations.
Research and development organizations, including those outside of Alberta, if they demonstrate benefits for the province.
Post-secondary institutions and government research laboratories.

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This grant excludes certain companies and activities that fall outside the program's focus areas. Primarily, applications related to marketing and biofuels do not meet the funding criteria.

Companies seeking funding for bioenergy, biofuel, and biochar applications.
Businesses focused on marketing and/or new agri-food product development.

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The program provides funding for eligible project costs incurred post-agreement, directly related to the advancement of technologies within the agri-food and bioindustrial sectors.

Personnel salaries dedicated to project work.
Consulting and contractor fees necessary for project activities.
Equipment and supplies essential for project implementation.
Travel expenses directly related to project activities.
Costs associated with field trials and demonstrations.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program are based on several broad criteria designed to assess the fit with the program's objectives and potential impact on Alberta's agri-food and bioindustrial sectors.

Innovation Opportunity: Assessment of relevance to the target industry, competitive market advantage, alignment to Alberta Innovates priorities, and Technology Readiness Level advancement during the project.
Proposed Commercialization Pathway: Evaluation of the realistic plan to achieve market readiness within the project timelines and potential risk mitigation strategies.
Project Overview: Clarity of project design and methodology, novelty of the proposed technology or intervention, and clearly identified objectives and deliverables.
Impact: Assessment of the environmental, economic, social, and other proposed impacts to Alberta.
Market Opportunity: Evaluation of the potential for the proposed work to be adopted by end-users in Alberta's agri-food or bioindustrial sectors.
Project Work Plan, Budget, and Team: Evaluation of the clarity and feasibility of the budget, capacity of the project team, and the involvement of relevant partners.
Project Risk Analysis and Mitigation: Identification of risks that could affect the project's success and the adequacy of mitigation strategies.
Overall Impacts: Evaluation of potential significant, sustained, and measurable environmental, economic, and social impacts of the work to Alberta.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Initial Engagement

Contact the program to discuss your project and ensure it aligns with the program priorities.
Assess the project scope and alignment with Alberta Innovates priorities.

Step 2: Register on the Portal

Create an account on the Alberta Innovates Online Application Portal, Smart Simple.

Step 3: Submit Intake Form

Access the portal and find the Funding Opportunities tab on the dashboard.
Complete the online Intake Form with project details.
Submit the Intake Form for review.

Step 4: Invitation to Full Proposal

Receive an invitation to submit a Full Proposal upon successful review of the Intake Form.
Prepare a detailed project proposal if invited.

Step 5: Full Proposal Submission

Submit the Full Proposal through the portal, including detailed plans and documentation as requested.

Step 6: Evaluation and Agreement

If selected, enter into an agreement with Alberta Innovates outlining milestones and reporting timelines.
Proceed with project execution once the agreement is signed.

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Here are additional relevant details for this program:

The program provides up to 75% of total project costs, capped at $500,000 per project, meaning co-funding is necessary from the applicant or partners.
Investment Agreements must be signed before any costs are considered eligible, with expenses incurred before this point deemed ineligible.
Projects not based in Alberta need to articulate clear benefits for the province, and having Alberta-based partners is advantageous.
Formal partnerships are encouraged, which can provide additional favorable consideration during evaluation.
Intellectual property generated during the project must be managed appropriately with strategies in place, as this forms part of the evaluation criteria.
Milestone completion is integral for funding and progress, requiring regular updates to Alberta Innovates.
Successful projects may be monitored for impact over five years post-completion, to evaluate benefits achieved.
The program allows for stacking of funds from other sources, but any reliance on uncommitted funding may delay or complicate contracting.
Letters of support and/or confirmation of contributions from partners should accompany the application.

grant_single_labels|contact

Virginia.Mulligan@albertainnovates.ca

1-780-868-7414

Apply to this program

Funding Innovation in Alberta's Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Sectors

The Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program offers financial support to projects that advance technological solutions within Alberta's key sectors. This continuous intake program seeks to bolster the province's competitiveness, sustainability, and productivity on a global stage.

Detailed Overview of the Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program

In an era where the global population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the demand for innovative solutions in agriculture and forestry is becoming more critical. Alberta Innovates, through its Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program, is addressing these challenges head-on by offering targeted funding to strategic projects that align with critical provincial priorities. The program's ultimate goal is to nurture and elevate technological advancements that will sustain and boost Alberta's agri-food and bioindustrial sectors while maximizing environmental, economic, and social benefits for the province.

The program specifically supports projects aiming to develop new technologies, processes, or products, focusing on digital solutions, autonomous systems, agricultural biotechnology, food processing innovations, biofibre utilization, value-added biomass, and green construction. By doing so, it fosters an environment for innovation that encourages the melding of agriculture and technology in ways that optimize productivity, reduce production costs, and enhance commodity value without compromising the planet's ecological balance.

With a strong market and commercialization focus, the program encourages collaboration between SMEs, industry organizations, academic institutions, and government research facilities. This collaborative approach not only enhances Alberta's innovation capacity but also ensures that the projects have practical applications and a clear pathway to market adoption. Successful projects can receive up to $500,000, covering a substantial portion of project costs while necessitating additional funding from applicants or their partners, promoting shared responsibility and investment.

To maintain transparency and alignment with the Alberta Innovates' strategic goals, projects undergo a rigorous evaluation process. They must demonstrate potential benefits to the province, from boosting economic prosperity and social well-being to mitigating environmental impacts and carving pathways towards more sustainable futures. The emphasis on achieving technology readiness levels between 3 and 7 ensures that funded projects are at viable stages for meaningful development and subsequent commercialization, facilitating the journey from concept to impactful reality.

Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with Alberta-based entities, further anchoring their projects within the local economy and maximizing the long-term gains for the province. This integration is particularly pivotal for out-of-province applicants, who must clearly articulate their project's value proposition for Alberta. Through partnership and collaboration, the program reinforces Alberta Innovates' commitment to building a robust, diverse, and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem that champions forward-thinking solutions to today's pressing challenges.

Overall, the Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program not only provides critical financial support but serves as a catalyst for technological transformation in Alberta's primary sectors. By aligning funding with strategic goals and fostering partnerships, the program seeks to secure Alberta's position as a leader in sustainable industrial innovation, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more prosperous future for its residents and beyond.