How much funding can be received?

The Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program, under Alberta Innovates, is designed to develop technologies that convert Alberta oil sands components into high-value, non-combustion products such as carbon fibres, asphalts, activated carbon, and graphene. This program aims to diversify the uses of oil sands constituents and offset potential declines in the demand for combustion-based products. Eligible activities include projects focusing on technology development within Technology Readiness Levels 3-7, which must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta.

grant_single_labels|projects

Projects undertaken as part of the Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program must provide a clear value proposition for Alberta. While applicants do not need to be based in Alberta, projects should address key challenges and opportunities significant to the province.

Projects piloted, demonstrated, or implemented in Alberta are prioritized.
Technology solutions can originate globally but must benefit Alberta specifically.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$420,000

Technology to convert oil sands into carbon-based nanomaterials for medical research

$380,000

Developing novel oil sands-based construction materials

$320,000

Researching activated carbon production from oil sands for water purification

$400,000

Creating graphene from oil sands for electronics

$400,000

Pilot project to produce high-quality asphalt from oil sands

$400,000

Developing carbon fibres from oil sands for advanced manufacturing

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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

The applicant must be a technology developer, industry participant, or part of an industrial association, small and medium-sized enterprise, research and development (R&D) organization, post-secondary institution, municipality, not-for-profit organization, government research lab, or an individual.
The applicant is not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the Province of Alberta.
Applicants must be advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
The proposed project must align with the program's area priorities and objectives.
The applicant must be legally able to execute the Investment Agreement.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligibility for the Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program is broad, allowing various types of organizations to apply. Applicants do not need to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province. The funding is open to:- Academic Institutions & Researchers- Government or Public Entities- Individuals or Sole Proprietors- Multi-National Enterprises- Not-for-Profit Organizations- Post-Secondary Students- Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)Additionally, technology developers, industry entities, industrial associations, research and development (R&D) organizations, municipalities, and government research labs can also apply, provided they are advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports innovative projects focusing on advancing technologies to transform oil sands components into non-combustion products. The eligible activities are centered on research, development, and demonstration efforts to create high-value products from bitumen.

Research and development of carbon fibre from oil sands components.
Conversion of oil sands materials into high-quality asphalt binders.
Production and testing of activated carbon derived from bitumen.
Development of carbon nanotubes and graphene from oil sands resources.
Creation of polyurethanes and polycarbonates from bitumen derivatives.
Demonstration projects showcasing controlled-release fertilizers from bitumen.
Studying the economic feasibility of producing alternative products from bitumen.
Identifying technology and market gaps for non-combustion bitumen products.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible expenses for this grant include those directly attributable to the performance of agreed-upon projects.

Salary and benefits for individuals who are specifically working on the project.
Reasonable material costs.
Capital improvements, capital equipment, and software or information databases pro-rated to the project time frame.
Travel, including mileage, low economy airfare, meals, and accommodation for the purposes of executing the project.
Services or products of another entity.
Other costs which Alberta Innovates pre-approves in writing as an eligible expense.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program are conducted based on specific criteria, which evaluate the proposed projects' alignment with innovation, execution, and impact objectives.

Innovation: Evaluation of the originality and level of technological advancement of the proposed project.
Execution: Assessment of the feasibility and the robustness of the implementation plan, including project management and the capabilities of the project team.
Impacts: Consideration of the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts, including alignment with the province's strategic priorities and contribution towards reducing GHG emissions.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Initial Contact
- Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to determine if your project scope meets the program requirements.
Step 2: Online Registration
- Register on the SmartSimple online application portal.
Step 3: Intake Form Submission
- Complete and submit the Intake Form on the SmartSimple portal.
- Wait for the review of your Intake Form to determine if your project is invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
Step 4: Detailed Proposal Submission
- If invited, prepare a Detailed Proposal as instructed by the Project Advisor.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program aims to convert Alberta oil sands components into non-combustion products, opening opportunities for high-value materials and diversifying market applications.

Funding is open to a wide range of applicants including technology developers, industry, SMEs, R&D organizations, academic institutions, and more.
There are no restrictions on the number of applications an applicant can submit, but projects must align with Alberta's 2030 Innovation Targets and Alberta Innovates' strategic priorities.
The continuous intake process means proposals are evaluated on an ongoing basis, encouraging timely submissions.
The program supports projects across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-7.
Discretionary collaboration with Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions is encouraged, especially if the applicant is not based in Alberta.
The funding typically covers 25-50% of total project costs, with a maximum funding up to $2 million per project.
Successful applicants enter into an investment agreement and must provide progress reporting tied to milestone achievements.
External expert reviewers are engaged for the evaluation process, maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.
Project management is active and includes regular progress meetings with Alberta Innovates.
There is a comprehensive support for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the application process.
Applicants are expected to delineate project scope and associated economic, environmental, GHG reduction, and innovation potential in their application.

grant_single_labels|contact

Paolo.Bomben@albertainnovates.ca

587-779-2917

Apply to this program

Unlocking Potential with the Bitumen Beyond Combustion Program

The Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) program offers funding to innovators developing technologies that transform oil sands components into non-combustion products. This initiative seeks to enhance the economic value of Alberta's oil sands by diversifying potential applications beyond traditional fuel uses.

Diving Deeper into the Bitumen Beyond Combustion Opportunity

The Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) program, an initiative under Alberta Innovates, aims to revolutionize how the oil sands' vast resources are utilized. By focusing on converting bitumen into non-combustion products, this program opens up a wealth of opportunities for both economic growth and environmental sustainability. Unlike conventional approaches that emphasize fossil fuels as primary energy sources, the BBC program explores alternative uses such as the production of carbon fibre, activated carbon, and advanced asphalt binders.

The program actively supports a wide range of applicants, from academic institutions and researchers to multinational enterprises and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This inclusive approach invites a diverse array of perspectives and fosters innovative collaborations across sectors. The goal is to capitalize on Alberta's rich bitumen reserves in a way that aligns with contemporary environmental goals and the province’s economic diversification strategy.

One of the BBC program’s critical objectives is identifying economically viable markets for these non-combustion products. By establishing a clear market demand and feasibility, the program seeks to enhance Alberta's competitiveness in the global market. For example, carbon fibres derived from bitumen present a lower-emission alternative to traditional carbon fibre sources, reflecting the program's alignment with global sustainability trends.

The adoption of a continuous intake model for applications ensures that innovative ideas can be submitted and reviewed at any time, allowing for flexibility and timely response to emerging technologies and market changes. With available funding up to $2 million per project, the BBC program provides substantial support for projects that address its strategic goals, particularly in advancing technology readiness and market readiness levels from the research and development stage through to commercialization.

In addition to funding, participants benefit from a robust support network facilitated by Alberta Innovates. This includes access to technical guidance, partnership opportunities, and insights into emerging market trends. The multifaceted support system helps ensure that projects not only receive funding but also the strategic and technical backing required to bring innovative ideas to fruition.

At its core, the BBC program is aligned with broader environmental objectives such as Canada's net-zero carbon emissions goals. By actively funding projects that explore alternative, sustainable uses for bitumen, the program contributes to reducing the reliance on carbon-heavy fuel products. This approach not only offsets the potential decline in demand for traditional combustion products but also spearheads Alberta’s transition into a leader in sustainable technologies.

In conclusion, the Bitumen Beyond Combustion program represents a strategic investment in the future of Alberta's economy and environment. By encouraging the development of non-combustion products from bitumen, it not only diversifies market opportunities but also aligns with global climate goals. For innovators and businesses, this program offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of transforming a pivotal industry, ensuring it remains competitive and sustainable in the decades to come.