Alberta Innovates — Commercialization Associates Program

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

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.