Closed
Source verified August 11, 2026
Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program
Support for Alberta SMEs hiring R&D expertise
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: The program page now shows a closed continuous intake with registration closed May 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm MST, and the contact/application details shown on the page have changed.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: The program page now shows a closed continuous intake with registration closed May 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm MST, and the contact/application details shown on the page have changed.
Industry R&D Associates Program intake and contacts updated
The Industry R&D Associates Program page now shows a closed continuous intake instead of an open one, and the visible intake deadline is registration closed May 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm MST. The application/contact information shown on the page also changed, with the contact email now shown as smeprograms@albertainnovates.ca and the application portal presented through SmartSimple. A large portion of the program overview, eligibility, funding, and intake detail text that was previously visible is no longer shown on the page, while the core funding amount of up to $105,000 and the 25% cash contribution requirement remain visible elsewhere in the current content.
Funding available
$ 105,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Industry r&D Associates Program offers up to $105,000 to Alberta for-profit SMEs seeking in-house research and development support. It helps fund an Associate to accelerate new product commercialization, cover salary costs, and strengthen technical expertise over a one-year term.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 105,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Employ in-house professional research and developmental expertise
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Letter indicating the Associate’s intention to participate in the Project
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit organizations
- High potential, high growth technology and knowledge-based SMEs
- Corporations incorporated in Alberta or extra-provincially registered in Alberta
- General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships or Limited Liability Partnerships registered in Alberta
Who is not eligible
- Applicants prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding because of a past bad debt or otherwise not being in good financial standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries, InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies
- Applicants with more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded associates simultaneously
Eligible expenses
- Salary costs of an Associate over a one-year term
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Any costs incurred before the signing of the Investment Agreement
- Costs greater than market prices
- Payments to a US based vendor without prior written consent
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Selection criteria
- Fit with the Industry r&D Associate Program objectives and intended outcomes.
- Technology, business opportunity, applicant risks, and overall potential size of the return to Alberta against the performance outcomes.
- Management team, market conditions, competitive advantage, and product/market fit.
- Go to market plan, financials, technical feasibility, and export potential.
- For Stage 2, the Associate’s suitability and the project work plan.
How to apply
- Engage with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) prior to applying online.
- Access and submit the application form on the online application portal at any time.
- Stage 1 applicants not yet identified an Associate have six months to submit the Associate and Project sections of the Application.
- Stage 2 applicants identify the Associate at the time of application.
Processing and Agreement
- Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers evaluate applications.
- Approved applications require an Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates before the activities of the Project can proceed.
- TDAs will monitor the progress of the project and provide coaching to the Applicant.
- Reporting includes Progress Report (6 months) and Final Report (12 months).
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program Program
What is the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program?
The Industry r&D Associates Program offers up to $105,000 to Alberta for-profit SMEs seeking in-house research and development support. It helps fund an Associate to accelerate new product commercialization, cover salary costs, and strengthen technical expertise over a one-year term.
How much funding can be received?
Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $105,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program program, you must:
For-profit SME registered in Alberta
Alberta-based with Alberta footprint
Minimum 25% cash contribution
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program?
Employ in-house professional research and developmental expertise
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program?
You can contact Alberta Innovates by email at smeprograms@albertainnovates.ca or by phone at 403-826-0224.
Where is the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program available?
The Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program is a Grant and Funding