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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
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading 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 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 none.
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