Closed
Source verified September 18, 2026
Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program
Funding for bitumen upgrading technologies
Get notified when Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 18, 2026Latest change: The Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program is now shown as inactive with intake closed, and the grant-specific contact section and linked guides were removed from the page.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 18, 2026
Latest change: The Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program is now shown as inactive with intake closed, and the grant-specific contact section and linked guides were removed from the page.
Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program intake closed
The Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program page now shows Program Status: Inactive and Intake Status: Closed. The previously linked program guide and application guide are no longer shown, and the grant-specific intake email/contact section was removed while the general application portal remains linked. The page still presents the program overview and eligibility text, but the intake information is no longer presented as open.
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Deadline
Unspecified
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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 or by phone at 780-423-5727.
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