How much funding can be received?

The Industry Commercialization Associates Program provides Alberta-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with up to $120,000 per year to cover employee salaries aimed at advancing the commercialization of new technology and innovative products. Eligible activities include attracting and retaining business talent, de-risking commercialization efforts, and promoting revenue, export growth, and investment positioning. The program requires a minimum 25% cash contribution from the SME and supports a one-year term with a possibility of extension for a second year based on project performance.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available exclusively to companies that are located in the province of Alberta. The program is designed to support businesses with a significant operational presence in this Canadian region.

Companies incorporated in Alberta.
Businesses that are extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
Organizations with a substantial operational and physical presence in Alberta.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$102,000

Commercialization of eco-friendly water filtration systems

$120,000

Development of AI-driven marketing analytics platform

$120,000

Implementation of a blockchain-based supply chain management system

$108,000

Development of a mobile app for health and wellness tracking

$97,500

Launch of a sustainable packaging solution for food products

$97,500

Creation of an online platform for local artisans to sell their products

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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

The applicant must be a for-profit organization or a small to medium-sized enterprise.
The applicant must not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded associates simultaneously.
The applicant must exist as a corporate person with up-to-date corporate filings.
The applicant must be authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant with Alberta Innovates on standard terms.
The applicant must not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding, such as due to a past bad debt or financial instability with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
The applicant must be incorporated in Alberta, or incorporated in another jurisdiction and extra-provincially registered in Alberta, or be a registered partnership in Alberta.
The applicant must have fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
The applicant must be Alberta-based with a significant physical and corporate operational presence, appropriate Alberta ownership, and a discernible intent for operational benefits to primarily flow within Alberta.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This program is designed for Alberta-based, high-growth, and high-potential small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that are focused on commercializing innovative technology and knowledge-based products. Eligible organizations must adhere to specific criteria outlined by Alberta Innovates, including:- SMEs with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.- Companies incorporated in Alberta or extra-provincially registered and operational in Alberta.- Businesses that can provide a minimum of 25% cash contribution towards the salary of the proposed Associate.- Applicants should not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates at any given time.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not specify ineligible companies and industries explicitly apart from noting financial standing and arms-length relationships. However, the focus is on Alberta-based, small to medium enterprises leveraging innovation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Industry Commercialization Associates Program provides funding support to projects that promote the commercialization of innovation and technology in Alberta. Eligible activities revolve around building a strong team, advancing product development, and expanding business opportunities.

Attracting and retaining talented business professionals to enhance commercialization efforts.
Accelerating the commercialization of new technology and innovative products.
Accessing financial resources to de-risk the commercialization of technology or innovation-based products.
Promoting growth in revenue, exports, and investment positioning.
Creating jobs to support start-up and scaling SMEs in Alberta.
Developing and implementing strategic market positioning and go-to-market plans.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant provides funding specifically towards the salary of an Industry Commercialization Associate to support the commercialization efforts of the business.

Salary costs for the Industry Commercialization Associate.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Industry Commercialization Associate Program grant are based on specific criteria to ensure projects align with the program's objectives and intended outcomes.

Assessment of the management team and their capability to execute the project.
Evaluation of market conditions, identifying competitive advantage and product/market fit.
Assessment of the go-to-market plan and financial feasibility of the project.
Analysis of technical feasibility and potential for export.
For second-year funding, evaluation of the successful completion of year one milestones and suitability of the second-year project opportunity and plan.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Pre-Application Connection
- Engage with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) before applying online for guidance and to assess readiness.
Step 2: Application Submission
- Access and complete the application form on the SmartSimple online portal.
- Submit application continually as there is a continuous intake process.
- Include detailed information on the management and project team, innovation and market opportunity, and current financial state.
Step 3: Evaluation Process
- Applications are reviewed and evaluated against the program objectives and criteria by Alberta Innovates staff and external reviewers.
Step 4: Project Management and Follow-up
- If approved, execute an Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with project activities.
- Submit progress and final reports as required after starting the project.
Step 5: Second Year Funding Option (if applicable)
- If the project is eligible and approved for the second year, there is an option for continued funding with the same associate.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Industry Commercialization Associates Program is managed by the Entrepreneurial Investments unit within Alberta Innovates to support innovation in Alberta through coaching, community, and capital. The program runs on a continuous intake basis and offers a structured evaluation process for applicants.

All applications must be submitted through the SmartSimple online application portal.
Applicants must engage with a Technology Development Advisor before applying online.
The program provides funding on a milestone completion basis requiring a mid-point Progress Report and Final Report.
Alberta Innovates evaluates applications based on management team, market conditions, competitive advantage, product/market fit, financials, technical feasibility, and export potential.
Eligible projects must align with the objectives of the program and be completed within a 1-year term, with possible eligibility for a second year of funding.
Projects may be monitored for up to five years after completion for Alberta Innovates to evaluate the economic, social, health, and/or environmental benefits.

grant_single_labels|contact

intake@albertainnovates.ca

403-210-5229

Apply to this program

Fostering Innovation and Commercialization in Alberta SMEs

The Industry Commercialization Associates Program provides Alberta-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with up to $120,000 per year in funding to support the commercialization of innovative technologies. This program is designed to enhance the growth of Alberta’s economy by facilitating the recruitment and retention of skilled business professionals.

Detailed Insights into the Industry Commercialization Associates Program

The Industry Commercialization Associates Program is an integral initiative by Alberta Innovates aimed at boosting Alberta's competitive edge in the global market through the accelerated commercialization of innovative technologies and products. By providing significant financial support, this program plays a crucial role in enabling SMEs to attract top-tier talent who are pivotal in transforming research and development efforts into viable market offerings. Funded projects must demonstrate their contribution to key economic goals, including job creation, export growth, and economic diversification, thereby aligning with the broader objectives of Alberta Innovates.

A key feature of the program is its provision of non-dilutive funding, meaning the finances provided do not require giving up equity, which is particularly beneficial for SMEs that need capital to grow without diluting their ownership. This funding is capped at $120,000 annually per employee for up to two years, contingent on the applicant contributing at least 25% of the employee's base salary. Such financial arrangements de-risk the commercialization process, allowing SMEs to focus on scaling their operations and developing robust market strategies.

The program operates on a continuous intake basis, meaning it is perpetually open for applications, allowing businesses to apply when they identify suitable candidates for an Industry Commercialization Associate role. This flexibility ensures that SMEs can respond swiftly to new opportunities or shifts in the market landscape without being constrained by funding cycles. Furthermore, Alberta Innovates supports applicants throughout the process, from the initial stages of application through to the project's completion, providing coaching and guidance via Technology Development Advisors.

Successful applicants of this program are expected to establish clear, actionable project milestones that align with the program's objectives. Progress is monitored regularly with a structured reporting system to ensure accountability and track the project's impact over time. This rigorous assessment supports the strategic distribution of resources, ensuring that public funds are invested in projects with tangible outcomes that drive Alberta's economic development.

Moreover, the program emphasizes creating sustainable employment opportunities within Alberta by funding roles that are expected to contribute significantly to the commercialization journey. This not only bolsters the individual businesses involved but also enhances the overall innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

In summary, the Industry Commercialization Associates Program is a strategic investment in Alberta's future, ensuring that local enterprises have the necessary resources to succeed and innovate in a rapidly evolving market. By prioritizing projects that exhibit strong market potential and alignment with Alberta's economic priorities, the program fosters a thriving, diversified economy, positioning Alberta as a leader in technological innovation and commercialization.