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Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program
Funding for bitumen upgrading technologies
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Supports technologies that enhance the value of processed bitumen while reducing associated emissions. Funding can be up to $2 million per project for partial upgrading technology development and related knowledge-generation work.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of bitumen partial upgrading technologies
- Innovation or commercialization projects for bitumen value enhancement
- Knowledge-generation projects related to partial upgrading
- Projects that reduce or eliminate the need for diluent in bitumen transport
Documents Needed
- Completed Intake Form in SmartSimple
- Detailed Proposal, if invited
- Supporting information showing project scope and alignment
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Technology developers
- Industry and industrial associations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Research and development organizations
- Post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, and individuals
Eligible expenses
- Project-specific labour and benefits
- Reasonable materials and supplies
- Capital equipment, software, and capital improvements
- Project travel, including mileage, airfare, meals, and accommodation
- Subcontractor services or products directly tied to the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land or building acquisitions
- Overhead charged to employee labour rates
- Routine testing and maintenance
- Costs outside the approved project scope
- Taxes, interest, fines, penalties, and contingency allowances
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta projects are prioritized
- Applicants do not need to be based in Alberta
Selection criteria
- Innovation
- Execution
- Impacts
How to apply
- Step 1
- Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to confirm project scope.
- Step 2
- Register on the SmartSimple online portal.
- Step 3
- Complete and submit the Intake Form on SmartSimple.
- Step 4
- Wait for the intake review and, if invited, submit a Detailed Proposal.
Processing and Agreement
- Initial intake is reviewed by a Project Advisor and program staff.
- Applications are assessed by internal experts and external reviewers.
- Only shortlisted projects are invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
- If approved, a funding recommendation is made and an Investment Agreement is signed.
- Funding is released against milestones, with ongoing progress reporting during the project.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
- Detailed proposals are by invitation only.
- Successful applicants must be legally able to execute the Investment Agreement.
- Alberta Innovates may share applications with trusted funding partners for funding interest review.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program Program
What is the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program?
Supports technologies that enhance the value of processed bitumen while reducing associated emissions. Funding can be up to $2 million per project for partial upgrading technology development and related knowledge-generation work.
How much funding can be received?
Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program Funds up to $2,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program program, you must:
TRL 3-7 technology development
Clear value for Alberta
Must sign Investment Agreement
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program?
Development of bitumen partial upgrading technologies
Innovation or commercialization projects for bitumen value enhancement
Knowledge-generation projects related to partial upgrading
Projects that reduce or eliminate the need for diluent in bitumen transport
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program?
You can contact Alberta Innovates by email at CleanEnergyIntake@AlbertaInnovates.ca.
Where is the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program available?
The Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program is a Grant and Funding