How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $2000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program?

Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program is funded by Alberta Innovates

What are Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program's eligibility criterias?

Applicant can be a technology developer, industry, industrial association, small or medium-sized enterprise, R&D organization, post-secondary institution, municipality, not-for-profit organization, government research lab, or individual. Project must advance technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7. Applicants are not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the Province and alignment with program priorities.

Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program

Last Update: January 24, 2025

AB, Canada

Unlock Alberta's innovation potential with the Clean Resources Program!

Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $2,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Grant Providers

Alberta Innovates

Status

Open

Overview of the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program program

The Bitumen Partial Upgrading program supports technologies aimed at enhancing the value of processed bitumen while reducing associated emissions. Eligible activities include advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7, and applicants can range from technology developers and industry associations to post-secondary institutions and not-for-profit organizations. This program aims to reduce diluent requirements and create better feedstocks for non-combustion products.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant program supports the development of technologies for bitumen partial upgrading, yet specific financing modalities are not detailed in the provided context. Generally, the program enables beneficial collaborations but does not specify financial support structures.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports the partial upgrading of bitumen technologies meant to enhance the value of processed bitumen and reduce emissions. The focus is on advancing development within a specific technology readiness range to mitigate the challenges faced by Alberta’s oil sands producers.

Advancement of partial upgrading technologies that reduce or eliminate the need for diluent in bitumen transportation.
Development of enhanced feedstocks for non-combustion products such as carbon fibre and asphalt binders.
Collaboration projects involving stakeholders with common interests, such as those facilitated by the Bitumen Value Enhancement Committee.
Projects aimed at technological advancements within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 400,000

Creating an education program for bitumen upgrading technologies in partnership with local universities

$ 500,000

Upgrading raw bitumen through a microporous filtration system to reduce environmental impact

$ 900,000

Developing a novel bitumen upgrading process to reduce emissions and enhance feedstock quality

$ 280,000

Conducting market analysis for commercialization of advanced bitumen upgrading technology

$ 700,000

Establishing a bitumen upgrading research lab focusing on emission reductions

$ 600,000

Implementing a pilot project for low-emission bitumen slurry preparation

Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program program

The grant eligibility criteria determine if a lead applicant is qualified to apply based on specific organizational and project requirements.

The Process is open to all categories of lead applicants, including 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, and individuals.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta.
Technology development projects must clearly demonstrate a market exists for commercialization of the technology.
Knowledge generation projects must clearly demonstrate the value proposition for the end-user of the knowledge solution.
Applicants with strong end-user partnerships and/or funding from other organizations are preferred.
Collaboration between multiple organizations is encouraged to enhance and leverage the value proposition.
Projects must be aligned with Government of Alberta’s priorities, including the 2030 Innovation Targets.
Projects must have clear objectives, milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
The Clean Resources continuous intake process prioritizes technology development projects within Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 – 7.
Projects must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta.

Who is eligible?

The Clean Resources Program under Alberta Innovates allows a wide range of applicants to participate and apply for funding, targeting entities that can demonstrate valuable contributions to Alberta's innovation ecosystem.

Technology developers seeking to advance innovation.
Industry and industrial associations engaged in relevant sectors.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on technological advancement.
Research and development (R&D) organizations contributing scientific insights.
Post-secondary institutions conducting applicable research.
Municipalities involved in projects benefiting local communities.
Not-for-profit organizations with innovative project proposals.
Government research labs seeking to transform scientific findings into actionable technologies.
Individuals with innovative ideas that align with specific provincial objectives.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports innovative projects and activities that drive clean resources development and commercialization in Alberta. The eligible projects must align with Alberta Innovates' strategic focus areas, contributing significantly towards economic, environmental, and technological advancements.

Projects focusing on cleaner hydrocarbon production and methane emission reductions.
Initiatives aimed at developing innovative hydrocarbon products such as bitumen beyond combustion.
Development of renewable and alternative energy sources like grid modernization and energy storage.
Research in bioenergy and circular economy including waste conversion and renewable fuels.
Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies, alongside hydrogen production projects.
Efforts in critical minerals extraction and leveraging emerging technologies in mining.
Environmental innovation projects targeting water supply management and climate change adaptation.
Projects centered around biodiversity conservation and remediation of abandoned well sites.
Enhancing agriculture productivity and market access through innovative technologies.
Knowledge generation projects addressing gaps in technology deployment or policy advancement.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is open to applicants regardless of their geographical location, provided they demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta. Therefore, it is not limited to a specific region.

Companies and organizations located outside of Alberta that can demonstrate value for the province.
Entities operating in Alberta.

Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program program

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Clean Resources Program through Alberta Innovates are designed to assess proposals against distinct phases and strategic criteria, focusing on their alignment with program goals and potential impact.

Alignment with Government of Alberta’s priorities and Clean Resources’ strategic priorities.
Contribution towards the 2030 Innovation Targets.
Demonstration of clear economic, environmental, and innovation potential.
Ability to achieve well-defined objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
Potential to provide transformative solutions in key focus areas such as emerging technologies and GHG mitigation.
Strength and engagement of partnerships, including end-user involvement and contributions.
Clarity and justification of the project's value proposition for Alberta.
Feasibility and clarity of the proposed project plan and methodology.

How to apply to the Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program program

Engagement with Project Advisor

Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to assess if your project aligns with Alberta Innovates and Government of Alberta priorities.
Use program links to find contact information for the appropriate Project Advisor.

Registration on Application Portal

Submission of Intake Form

Access and complete the Clean Resources Continuous Intake Form within the Funding Opportunities tab on the Portal dashboard.
Submit the Intake Form for review.

Invitation to Submit Detailed Proposal

If your Intake Form is approved, you will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.

Submission of Detailed Proposal

Prepare and submit a Detailed Proposal, ensuring that it is of high quality to compete for funding.
Note that this process can take 3 to 6 months depending on the funding request size.

Application Review

Project Advisors and external reviewers evaluate the proposal based on program focus areas and strategic priorities.

Agreement Execution of Successful Applications