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.

Activities funded

The Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program funds projects that leverage Alberta's oil sands by transforming their components into high-value, non-combustion products, aligning with innovation and environmental goals. These projects emphasize the development of new technologies and market opportunities for the resulting materials.

Research and development of technologies to produce carbon fibres from oil sands components.
Projects focusing on the creation of high-quality asphalt binders using oil sands.
Innovation in producing activated carbon and other carbon-based materials from bitumen.
Development of controlled-release fertilizers utilizing oil sands constituents.
Advancement of polyurethanes and polycarbonates derived from oil sands.
Exploration of carbon nanotubes and graphene production from oil sands feedstocks.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to applicants from any geographical area, as long as they can demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta. The program does not restrict applications based on the applicant's location.

No geographical restrictions; open to applicants worldwide.

Selection 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.

How to apply

Initial Contact

Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to determine if your project scope meets the program requirements.

Online Registration

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.

Detailed Proposal Submission

If invited, prepare a Detailed Proposal as instructed by the Project Advisor.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

Paolo.Bomben@albertainnovates.ca

587-779-2917

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program. 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 Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program?

Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program program?

To be eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program program, you must: Open to technology developers, industry, industrial associations, SMEs, R&D organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profits, government research labs, individuals, and others advancing technology development within TRL range of 3-7. Applicants must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta and alignment to program priorities. Applicants must be legally able to execute the Investment Agreement.