Alberta Innovates — Clean Resources
AB, Canada
Fosters economic growth, environmental sustainability, and innovation
grant_single_labels|summary
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
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grant_card_status|open
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The Clean Resources Program administered by Alberta Innovates aims to support the development and deployment of clean technology innovations that drive economic growth, enhance environmental performance, and improve social well-being. The program is open to various applicants, including technology developers and research organizations, and focuses on projects related to advanced hydrocarbons, renewable energy, energy storage, and environmental innovation. Eligible activities include technology development advancing between Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 7 and knowledge generation that contributes to improved practices, processes, or policy innovation.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Clean Resources continuous intake process supports technology or knowledge development projects that are aligned with the Government of Alberta’s 2030 Innovation Targets, focusing on areas such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, clean technology, and sustainable water management.
- Development of emerging technologies
- Energy and GHG mitigation projects
- Environmental and climate adaptation initiatives
- Advancements in agriculture, food, and fiber production
- Cleaner hydrocarbon production
- Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects
- Projects focusing on renewable and alternative energy
- Water innovation and management solutions
- Land and biodiversity conservation projects
- Projects improving oil sands efficiency
- Technology validation and commercialization initiatives
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The grant is open to technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other eligible entities that demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta. Projects must align with Government of Alberta’s priorities and Alberta Innovates’ strategic priorities, and involve participation from Alberta-based partners if the applicant is not based in the province.
- Open to technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Open to research and development (R&D) organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, and individuals.
- Applicants do not need to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province.
- Projects must align with Government of Alberta’s priorities, including the 2030 Innovation Targets, and Alberta Innovates’ strategic and business priorities.
- Collaboration between multiple organizations is encouraged, particularly involving Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions.
- Technology projects should demonstrate advancement along Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and are typically within TRL 3 – 7.
- Projects must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta, particularly if researched, piloted, or implemented in Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Clean Resources Program is open to a broad range of lead applicants, including various types of companies and organizations. These applicants must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province of Alberta.
- Technology developers
- Industry players
- 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
Eligible expenses for this grant include labor, materials, capital assets and software, travel, sub-contractors, and other pre-approved costs. These expenses are specifically attributable to the execution of the project and must be justified as necessary for its performance.
- Labour: Salary and benefits for individuals working on the project.
- Materials: Reasonable material costs.
- Capital Assets & Software: Capital improvements, capital equipment, and software costs pro-rated to the project timeframe.
- Travel: Expenses for travel, including mileage, airfare, meals, and accommodation for project purposes.
- Sub-contractors: Services or products provided by another entity.
- Other: Costs pre-approved in writing by Alberta Innovates as eligible expenses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
All projects supported through this Process must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta. Technology solutions can originate globally but must address challenges and opportunities of importance to Alberta.
- Projects researched, piloted, demonstrated, and/or implemented in Alberta
- Projects with long-term Alberta-based infrastructure/resources
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant involve assessing the merit and potential impacts of the project, ensuring alignment with program focus areas, strategic priorities, and contribution towards 2030 Innovation Targets. The process employs internal staff with subject-matter and business expertise and external expert reviewers to evaluate applications.
- Alignment with program focus areas and 2030 Innovation Targets.
- Potential for significant economic, environmental, and social impacts.
- Quality and feasibility of the project plan and milestones.
- Strength of the project team and collaboration with partners.
- Technological readiness and innovation potential.
- Clear demonstration of a market or end-user need.
- Contribution to Alberta's strategic and business priorities.
- Engagement with Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Clean Resources continuous intake process by Alberta Innovates is focused on innovation-commercialization and knowledge generation projects. It prioritizes projects aligned with Alberta's strategic priorities and 2030 Innovation Targets, emphasizing the significance of projects within Alberta.
- Projects must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta, although applicants do not need to be based in the province.
- Applicant categories include technology developers, industry, post-secondary institutions, and more.
- Successful projects typically receive funding covering 25-50% of total project costs, up to $2 million per project.
- Eligible expenses include salaries, materials, capital improvements, and project-related travel.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion principles are integrated into the application process to support diverse demographics.
- Projects should ideally demonstrate advancement along Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-7 for technology projects.
- The program encourages collaborations, partnerships, and leveraging support from other funding agencies.
Apply to this program
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Overview of the Alberta Innovates Clean Resources Program
The Alberta Innovates Clean Resources Program is aimed at supporting technology development and deployment in Alberta's resource sector, enhancing economic diversification, and achieving environmental goals through strategic funding opportunities.
In-depth Analysis of the Alberta Innovates Clean Resources Program
The Alberta Innovates Clean Resources Program is a paramount initiative designed by Alberta Innovates, a government corporation, with the objective of fostering innovation, economic growth, and diversification within the province of Alberta. The program acts as a nurturing ground for technology developers and industry stakeholders to enhance the competitiveness of Alberta’s profligate resource sector. By offering financial support and technical insights, the program plays a pivotal role in driving forward technologies that promise economic sustainability and superior environmental performance. Core Components of the Clean Resources Program The Clean Resources Program concentrates on three major portfolios, which are Advanced Hydrocarbons, Clean Technology, and Environmental Innovation. Each of these portfolios is crafted to tackle the dynamic challenges and opportunities prevalent in the resource sector. Let's delve deeper into these crucial areas: 1. **Advanced Hydrocarbons**: This portfolio is quintessential for capitalizing on economic, environmental, and diversification prospects within Alberta's oil and gas sector. It is subdivided into programs such as Cleaner Hydrocarbon Production and Innovative Hydrocarbon Products, focusing on recovery technologies, methane emission reductions, partial upgrading, and more. 2. **Clean Technology**: Aimed at diversifying Alberta’s economy, this portfolio emphasizes the significance of renewable and alternative energy solutions, energy storage innovations, as well as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. By supporting sectors that are evolving due to clean technologies, Alberta Innovates aids in shaping a more sustainable economic landscape. 3. **Environmental Innovation**: This portfolio marries economic development with environmental performance through the Water Innovation Program and Land and Biodiversity initiatives. It pays close attention to water conservation, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and reclamation projects. Each of these portfolios is meticulously designed to not only enhance Alberta’s industrial sectors but also to ensure environmental sustainability by supporting projects that contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources. Key Strategic Directions and Innovation Targets The Clean Resources Program aligns its initiatives with the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy, with clear 2030 Innovation Targets that underscore the strategic focus areas. These targets are designed to inspire transformation by promoting emerging technologies and bolstering energy efficiency, environmental adaptation, and agricultural productivity. The 2030 goals emphasize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing market value and resource efficiency, boosting renewable energy contribution, and enhancing the province’s bioindustrial sector. Moreover, these targets advocate for sustainable agriculture, improved water management, and the restoration of natural landscapes, all of which are pivotal for maintaining Alberta’s ecological balance. A Streamlined Continuous Intake Process The Clean Resources Program adopts a continuous intake process, structured to facilitate ongoing project proposals throughout the year. This process comprises three pivotal phases - engagement and intake, detailed proposal, and project management. 1. **Engagement and Intake**: In this initial phase, Project Advisors work closely with applicants to ensure the project aligns with Alberta Innovates and government priorities. Interested parties need to submit a Clean Resources Continuous Intake Form which is reviewed to determine proposal invitations. 2. **Detailed Proposal**: This is an invitation-only phase, where selected applications undergo a competitive review. Proposals need to meet high-quality standards with two application types segregated by funding thresholds: Low Dollar (under $250K) and High Dollar ($250K and above). 3. **Project Management**: Upon approval, successful applicants enter into an agreement with Alberta Innovates. This involves participation in project management activities, progress reporting, and milestone achievements to ensure alignment with outlined objectives. Applicant and Project Eligibility Criteria The program is inclusive in terms of lead applicant categories, open to technology developers, industry, R&D organizations, municipalities, and more. A key requirement is to demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province of Alberta, preferably engaging end-users in the project for enhanced credibility. Projects are expected to bridge innovation-commercialization or yield knowledge generation, contributing substantially to the 2030 Innovation Targets. Alongside, technology projects ought to demonstrate advancement along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), signifying readiness for commercial deployment. Funding and Financial Considerations The funding provided through the Clean Resources Program can go up to $2 million per project, generally covering 25-50% of the project costs. It encourages applicants to secure co-funding from other organizations, thereby enhancing the project's value proposition. Eligible expenses under the program range across labor, materials, capital assets, travel, and sub-contractor services essential for project success. Performance Management and Evaluation Alberta Innovates adheres to a performance-driven management approach, monitoring project outcomes, and ensuring the achievement of intended benefits. Funding is contingent on milestone completion, with the program collecting data post-project to measure continued benefits. In addition, the program emphasizes the need for transparency and confidentiality, safeguarding applicant information while also fostering trusted partnerships with other funding organizations. Conclusion: Promoting Innovation Through Strategic Support In essence, the Alberta Innovates Clean Resources Program represents an indispensable tool for driving technological and environmental progress across Alberta. By fostering innovation through targeted funding, the program not only addresses existing sectoral challenges but also paves the way for sustainable economic growth in the province. This strategic support fuels the transition towards a more diversified and resilient economic structure, aligning with Alberta’s overarching developmental goals. As Alberta continues to harness its natural resources and human capacity under this program, the potential for substantial long-term benefits—both economically and environmentally—remains immense. ```
