Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program
AB, Canada
Transform Alberta's oil sands into high-value, non-combustion products, enhancing economic potential and sustainability
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant.
- Innovation-commercialization (Technology Development)
- Knowledge Generation
- Advancement of technology along Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-7
- Research, pilot, demonstration, and/or implementation in Alberta
- Development or advancement of technology/innovation solutions
- Address challenges and opportunities of importance to Alberta
- Generate economic, environmental, and social benefits
- Involve Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions for training highly qualified personnel
- Development of high-value carbon materials such as carbon fibres, high-quality asphalts, activated carbon, and more
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$420,000
Ottawa
Technology to convert oil sands into carbon-based nanomaterials for medical research
$380,000
Quebec City
Developing novel oil sands-based construction materials
$320,000
Edmonton
Researching activated carbon production from oil sands for water purification
$400,000
Vancouver
Creating graphene from oil sands for electronics
$400,000
Toronto
Pilot project to produce high-quality asphalt from oil sands
$400,000
Calgary
Developing carbon fibres from oil sands for advanced manufacturing
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program includes various lead applicant categories and requires a clear value proposition for Alberta.
- Technology developers
- Industry
- Industrial associations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Research and development (R&D) organizations
- Post-secondary institutions
- Municipalities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Government research labs
- Individuals
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The process is open to all categories of lead applicants, including various types of organizations that are advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
- Technology Developers
- Industry
- Industrial Associations
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
- Research and Development (R&D) Organizations
- Post-Secondary Institutions
- Municipalities
- Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Government Research Labs
- Individuals
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. The following is a list of eligible expenses that can be covered under the program.
- Labour: Salary and benefits for individuals specifically working on the project
- Materials: Reasonable material costs
- Capital Assets & Software: Capital improvements, equipment, software or information databases (pro-rated to project time frame)
- Travel: Travel costs for project execution, including mileage, low economy airfare, meals, and accommodation
- Sub-contractors: Services or products of another entity specifically for the project
- Other: Costs pre-approved in writing by Alberta Innovates
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
All projects supported through the Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta. Projects that will be researched, piloted, demonstrated, and/or implemented in Alberta with long-term Alberta-based infrastructure/resources will be prioritized.
- Projects likely to be researched, piloted, demonstrated in Alberta
- Projects with a long-term Alberta-based infrastructure/resources
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Proposed projects will be evaluated against criteria in three major categories: Innovation, Execution, and Impacts.
- Innovation
- Execution
- Impacts
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to determine if project scope meets the requirements.
- Step 2: Register on SmartSimple, the online application portal.
- Step 3: Complete and submit the Intake Form on SmartSimple.
- Step 4: Wait for your Intake Form to be reviewed to determine if the proposed project will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
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
Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program Overview
The Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program, initiated by Alberta Innovates, aims to develop technologies that convert oil sands components into high-value, non-combustion products such as carbon fibers, asphalt binder, activated carbon, and other advanced materials. This initiative seeks to enhance the value of Alberta’s oil sands, diversify product markets, and contribute to net-zero goals.
In-Depth Exploration of the Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program
The Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program, under the stewardship of Alberta Innovates, is a forward-thinking initiative designed to transform the traditional uses of oil sands components. Moving beyond conventional combustion products like gasoline, diesel, and heating oil, the program seeks to harness the preeminent potential of bitumen by developing innovative, high-value, non-combustion products. This strategic pivot not only aligns with the global shift towards sustainability but also enhances Alberta’s economic resilience by diversifying its product offerings derived from oil sands.
Objectives and Goals
The primary objectives of the BBC program are multifaceted. Firstly, the program aims to determine the global market potential of organic constituents derived from oil sands as feedstocks for non-combustion products. This involves a meticulous assessment of both economic feasibility and market viability for products such as carbon fibers, high-quality asphalts, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and controlled-release fertilizers. By identifying the existing knowledge, technology, and market gaps, the BBC program endeavors to spearhead projects from the research and development (R&D) phase through to demonstration and ultimately, commercialization.
Eligibility Requirements
To foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, the BBC program is open to a broad spectrum of applicants. Eligible candidates include technology developers, industry entities, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, and even individuals. Importantly, applicants are not required to be based in Alberta; however, they must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province and show explicit alignment with the program area priorities.
The eligibility criteria further specify that projects should advance through a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7, emphasizing the development phase rather than the ideation or full commercialization stages. This bar ensures that the proposals are mature enough to benefit from the program's support and are on a clear trajectory towards market readiness.
Funding and Financial Aspects
The BBC program offers substantial financial support to approved projects with funding typically covering 25-50% of the total project costs. The maximum funding allocation for a single project can reach up to $2 million. However, projects must demonstrate additional funding from other partners or agencies, including in-kind contributions.
Applications are continuously accepted, making it an ongoing opportunity for innovators and researchers. The evaluation process is rigorous, with Alberta Innovates leveraging both internal subject-matter expertise and external reviewers to assess applications against criteria in three major categories: innovation, execution, and impacts. Projects that exemplify high standards in these areas, coupled with a clear alignment to both provincial and program priorities, stand the highest chance of securing funding.
Focus Areas and Strategic Priorities
The BBC program is particularly focused on several core areas aligning with Alberta's broader innovation and economic goals. These include:
- Carbon Fibers and Advanced Materials: Developing products like carbon fibers, nanotubes, and advanced polymers that have a wide range of industrial applications.
- Asphalt and Construction Materials: Enhancing the quality and performance of asphalt binders for road construction, contributing to infrastructure improvements.
- Environmental Sustainability: Through the development of products like activated carbon, the BBC program contributes to environmental purification efforts.
These focus areas not only facilitate market diversification but also aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create sustainable economic value from oil sands.Application Process
The application process for the BBC program is structured in three key phases:
- Engagement and Intake: Prospective applicants must first engage with a Clean Resources Project Advisor to assess the project's fit with the program's priorities. Following this, applicants register on the Alberta Innovates SmartSimple online portal and complete the Continuous Intake Form. This phase culminates in an initial review to determine if the project will be invited for a more detailed proposal submission.
- Detailed Proposal: By invitation, applicants submit a comprehensive proposal detailing the project's scope, objectives, milestones, and budget. This phase may involve a competitive review process, especially for projects requesting over $200,000 in funding. Proposals are meticulously reviewed for alignment with program criteria and the potential for significant impact.
- Project Management: Upon successful approval and funding allocation, projects enter a management phase where agreements are executed, and regular progress reporting is mandated. This phase ensures that the project stays on track and achieves the desired outcomes, with funding dispersed based on milestone achievements.
Performance Metrics and Reporting
Performance management is a cornerstone of the BBC program. Alberta Innovates employs an active project management approach, with continuous monitoring and support throughout the project's life cycle. Key performance metrics might include:
- Investment in eligible technology areas.
- Number of patents filed or technologies commercialized.
- Training and development of highly qualified personnel.
- Environmental impact metrics, such as greenhouse gas reduction.
These metrics are tracked during the project and for up to five years post-completion to assess long-term benefits and impacts.Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The BBC program promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Alberta research and innovation ecosystem. The objective is to ensure that underrepresented groups, such as women, indigenous peoples, and remote communities, have equitable access to participate in and benefit from innovation opportunities. This commitment is reflected in the program’s application process, decision-making, and ongoing project support.
Ultimately, the Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program represents a transformative initiative aimed at redefining the economic landscape of Alberta’s oil sands industry. By fostering innovation and supporting groundbreaking projects that turn bitumen into high-value products, the program is well-positioned to contribute significantly to Alberta's economic diversification and environmental sustainability goals.
