How much funding can be received?

Alberta Innovates offers a structured funding approach for the Industry Commercialization Associate Program to support Alberta's SMEs in commercializing innovative technologies. This funding framework ensures the financial risk is minimized while achieving key project outcomes.

Up to $120,000 in non-dilutive funding can be granted per year for up to two years, depending on the Associate's experience and education level.
The applicant must provide a minimum of 25% of the Associate’s salary in cash, marking the total eligible salary at a minimum of $160,000 per year if the maximum grant amount is received.
Funds are dispersed directly to the applicant after the Investment Agreement is signed, ensuring alignment with project milestones and objectives.
A stacking limit is enforced, where the total government assistance cannot exceed 75% of the eligible project costs, integrating different levels of funding.
Eligible costs are only those incurred after the signing of the Investment Agreement and must reflect market prices between arm's-length entities.
Continued funding relies on the successful completion and reporting of specific project milestones through Progress and Final Reports.

grant_single_labels|projects

The by Alberta Innovates grant is designed to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies and products. It supports activities that enhance business readiness, de-risk technology commercialization, and build in-house professional capabilities within Alberta-based SMEs.

Commercialization of new technology and innovative products that have a clear product-market fit.
Creation of jobs by employing business professionals with expertise critical for scaling SMEs.
Implementation of projects that progress commercialization and scale-up of operations.
Advancement of business readiness levels towards achieving rapid market entry.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 120,000

Hiring a marketing professional to develop export strategies for AI-driven software solutions

$ 97,500

Appointing a financial consultant to improve access to funding for a biotech startup

$ 116,250

Hiring a commercialization strategist to promote smart home technology

$ 112,500

Recruiting a commercialization expert to launch zero-emission electric bicycles in regional markets

$ 105,000

Engaging a business development manager to increase sales of organic health products in the Canadian market

$ 120,000

Employing an investment officer to attract venture capital for a renewable energy project

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a small to medium enterprise with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
The applicant must have less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
The business must be Alberta-based and owned, with a significant physical and operational presence in Alberta.
The applicant must not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded associates simultaneously.
The applicant must contribute a minimum of 25% of the associate's total annual base salary in cash.
The company must be a for-profit organization or SME registered in Alberta or extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
The applicant must be authorized to execute a grant agreement with Alberta Innovates on standard terms and must be in good financial standing without past bad debt with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
The applicant must not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to any legal or financial standing issues.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is specifically designed to support Alberta-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in advancing the commercialization of innovative technologies and products. Eligible entities must satisfy specific criteria to qualify for this funding.

Alberta-based and owned, demonstrating a significant physical and operational presence in the province.
Small to Medium Enterprises with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50 million in annual gross revenue.
Must provide a minimum of 25% cash contribution towards the employee's annual base salary.
Incorporated in Alberta, or registered as an extra-provincial corporation or partnership.
Must not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded associates concurrently.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Industry Commercialization Associates Program has certain restrictions and eligibility criteria that may render some companies ineligible. These criteria are primarily focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the fund disbursement.

The company must be a for-profit organization or SME (Small to Medium Enterprise).
Companies must not have more than two Industry Commercialization Associates already funded by Alberta Innovates simultaneously.
Firms should be incorporated in Alberta and have a significant physical and operational presence in the province.
Organizations must not be post-secondary institutions or prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to past financial issues such as bad debt.
The applicant entity cannot have more than 500 full-time employees or over $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Industry Commercialization Associates Program offers financial support for activities that enhance the commercialization capabilities of Alberta-based SMEs. Eligible projects are designed to accelerate the transition from research to market for new technologies and products.

Projects that involve hiring an Industry Associate to facilitate the commercialization of business innovations.
Initiatives to accelerate new technology commercialization through structured project plans and industry research.
Activities aimed at the progression of product-market fit for novel technologies.
Implementation of commercialization strategies and scaling plans in line with predetermined milestones.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available to companies that are Alberta-based, aligning with the goals to nurture local innovation and commercialization capabilities. Eligible geographical areas emphasize a significant operational presence within Alberta.

Companies incorporated in Alberta.
Organizations registered extra-provincially in Alberta with a substantial operational presence in the province.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Industry Commercialization Associates Program focus on several key business and technical factors to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

Assessment of the management team and their ability to execute the project.
Analysis of market conditions and the competitive landscape.
Evaluation of the product/market fit and the uniqueness of the offering.
Strategic approach and feasibility of the go-to-market plan.
Financial assessments, including budgeting and projected financial outcomes.
Evaluation of technical feasibility and readiness levels.
Potential for export and overall marketability.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for the Industry Commercialization Associates Program:

Step 1: Pre-Application Connection
- Engage with a Technology Development Advisor to assess program readiness and receive guidance.
Step 2: Application Submission
- Access the online application portal to submit your application at any time.
- Complete and submit the application form detailing the Applicant’s management, project team, innovation and market opportunity, activities and outcomes, and financial state.
Step 3: Project Management and Follow-up
- Upon approval, execute the Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates.
- Engage with a Technology Development Advisor for ongoing project monitoring and support.
- Submit required reports, including a Progress Report and a Final Report, to demonstrate project milestones and progress.
- Discuss potential second-year funding with a TDA, if applicable.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum level of total government assistance, including federal, provincial, and municipal sources, cannot exceed 75% of the eligible project costs.
Funds are dispersed directly to the applicant upon agreement signing, and reasonable costs incurred only after the Investment Agreement is signed are eligible.
Applicants are encouraged to co-fund projects with other funding agencies, but must adhere to the stacking limit.
Applicants must engage with a Technology Development Advisor prior to applying to ensure readiness.
All applications are evaluated by both Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers.
Performance will be measured on a milestone basis, requiring progress and final reports submitted throughout the project duration.
Project outcomes may be monitored for up to five years post-completion to evaluate economic and other impacts on Alberta.