Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program
AB, Canada
Funds Alberta tech firms for in-house research expertise
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Industry R&D Associates Program provides Alberta-based small to medium tech enterprises with up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to employ in-house professional research and development expertise. This funding supports the acceleration of new technology development, the attraction and retention of technical expertise, and the de-risking of innovative product scaling.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Industry r&D Associates Program provides structured financial support designed to enhance the research and development capabilities of Alberta-based tech companies. Funding is allocated to assist these companies in covering part of the salary costs associated with hiring professional research and development personnel for innovative projects.
- Offers up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to cover salary costs for an Associate.
- Requires a minimum 25 per cent cash contribution of the total annual base salary by the applicant.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Industry r&D Associates Program is designed to accelerate the development of new technology and innovative solutions within Alberta's tech sector. The funding focuses on various activities that enhance research and development capabilities and de-risk product scaling.
- Hiring in-house professional research and development expertise to aid in technology advancement.
- Facilitating the development and scaling of innovative solutions that provide a competitive edge in the market.
- Supporting the integration of technical expertise to bolster innovative product development.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, companies must meet specific criteria related to location, size, financial capacity, and project nature.
- The company must have fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- The company must be able to contribute a minimum of 25% cash contribution of the total annual base salary of the Associate.
- The company must have an innovative solution that offers a significant competitive advantage over existing solutions.
- The company must be based and owned in Alberta.
- The company cannot have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates simultaneously.
- The entity must be a for-profit Corporation, General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership registered in Alberta.
- The company must have a significant physical and corporate operations footprint in Alberta, with appropriate Alberta ownership and intentions for operational benefits to primarily flow within the Province of Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant program is targeted at Alberta-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the technology sector that are looking to employ in-house professional research and developmental expertise.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within Alberta, ensuring that operational benefits primarily flow within the Province of Alberta. The program targets Alberta-based tech companies for innovation development.
- Companies based in Alberta, Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Connect with Alberta Innovates
- Contact the provided email or phone number to express interest in the program.
- A business expert will review your details and guide you with the next steps.
- Step 2: Existing Clients Access
- If you are a current client, log into SmartSimple, the online application portal.
- Submit your application forms through the portal.
- Reach out to your Technology Development Advisor if you have any questions.
- Step 3: Evaluation Process
- Once submitted, your application will be evaluated for fit with the program's objectives.
- Both internal staff and external expert reviewers will assess the application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here is additional relevant information for this grant:
- The program operates on a continuous intake basis, meaning applications can be submitted at any time without a fixed deadline.
- Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers evaluate the applications for alignment with the program's goals.
- Applicants should refer to Schedule C of the Investment Agreement Template for details on eligible expenses.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact a Technology Development Advisor for guidance during the application process.
grant_single_labels|contact
intake@albertainnovates.ca
403-210-5229
Apply to this program
Empower Your Alberta Tech Venture with the Industry R&D Associates Program
The Industry R&D Associates Program offers substantial financial support to burgeoning Alberta tech companies eager to innovate and expand their research and developmental capacities. With non-dilutive funding of up to $105,000 available to support professional in-house R&D expertise, the program aims to accelerate technological advancements in the region.
Unlocking Growth Through Strategic Funding in Alberta's Tech Sector
Situated at the heart of Alberta's drive towards technological innovation, the Industry R&D Associates Program provides a unique opportunity for Alberta-based tech firms to increase their R&D capabilities. Targeting Small to Medium Enterprises with fewer than 500 employees and under $50 million in annual gross revenue, the program is designed to bolster local economic growth by fostering cutting-edge solutions that offer competitive advantages in their respective fields.
The program's non-dilutive funding, amounting to a potential $105,000 per project, serves as a catalyst for innovation. By reducing the financial risks associated with hiring expert R&D personnel, companies can channel their resources towards accelerating the development and scalability of innovative products. This funding is contingent upon a 25% cash contribution from the company towards the annual base salary of the Associate hired, ensuring that both the company and the funding body are vested in the project’s success.
The program is designed to combat some of the biggest hurdles tech companies face: resource limitations and talent retention. By subsidizing the employment of skilled R&D personnel, companies can leverage talent acquisition to sustain competitive advantages and propel themselves into new markets or strengthen their presence in existing ones. This not only elevates a company’s standards in innovation but also enhances Alberta’s reputation as a hub for technological development.
Importantly, the Industry R&D Associates Program supports projects that provide tangible benefits to Alberta. By requiring that companies maintain significant operations and ownership within Alberta, and that operational benefits principally benefit the province, the program ensures that its investments contribute directly to the regional economy. The focus on Alberta-based initiatives helps sustain local jobs and supports community development initiatives.
Applications are continuously open, allowing companies the flexibility to apply as opportunities and needs arise. This open intake process is complemented by an evaluative framework that ensures selected projects are well-aligned with Alberta Innovates’ goals of fostering groundbreaking solutions and sustaining long-term growth within the tech sector. Each application undergoes a rigorous review process involving expert evaluators, ensuring that those who receive funding exhibit a high potential for impact and innovation.
Overall, the Industry R&D Associates Program not only serves as a financial benefactor but as a strategic partner for Alberta tech firms committed to advancing the technological frontier. It provides the necessary backing to de-risk innovation, supporting Alberta companies in an increasingly competitive global landscape. For tech enterprises eager to strengthen their R&D outlook, expand operations, and embed innovation within their core strategies, this program offers an indispensable pathway to achieving those objectives.
