Open
Source verified June 19, 2026
Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program
Funding for Alberta tech companies hiring R&D expertise
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
Open continuously
Opened January 1, 2023
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
This program offers up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to help Alberta tech companies hire in-house research and development expertise. It supports salary costs for an Associate to advance new technology, innovation, and product commercialization.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring in-house professional research and development expertise
- Advancing the development of new technology and innovative solutions
- Supporting product commercialization and scaling
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Written employment agreement with the Associate
- Financial documents
- Investment Agreement
- Any required reports or templates from Alberta Innovates
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Alberta tech companies
- For-profit corporations
- General partnerships
- Limited partnerships
- Limited liability partnerships
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not for-profit
- Companies that are not registered in Alberta
- Businesses with more than 500 full-time employees
- Companies with more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates
Eligible expenses
- Associate base salary for work on the project
- Unrecoverable GST on eligible expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before the project start date
- Transactions between related persons
- Land, buildings, and capital equipment
- Marketing, advertising, and trade show materials
- Routine professional fees, meals, entertainment, and gifts
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Selection criteria
- Fit with program objectives and intended outcomes
- Management team and project readiness
- Market opportunity and competitive advantage
- Technical feasibility and product-market fit
- Financial position and export potential
How to apply
- Step 1: Connect with Alberta Innovates
- Contact the program team or a Technology Development Advisor.
- Discuss your project and confirm readiness to apply.
- Step 2: Complete the application
- Access the online portal through SmartSimple.
- Prepare the application materials and project details.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the application through the online portal.
- Current clients may also work through their Technology Development Advisor.
- Step 4: Await review and next steps
- Applications are reviewed by Alberta Innovates staff and external experts.
- Approved applicants proceed to the Investment Agreement stage.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for fit with the program objectives and intended outcomes.
- Alberta Innovates staff and external experts evaluate applications.
- Approved applicants must sign an Investment Agreement before funding is issued.
- Progress and final reporting may be required during and after the project.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
- Applicants must first connect with an Alberta Innovates Technology Development Advisor.
- Funding is non-dilutive.
- Approved applicants must sign an Investment Agreement before funding starts.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program Program
What is the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program?
This program offers up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to help Alberta tech companies hire in-house research and development expertise. It supports salary costs for an Associate to advance new technology, innovation, and product commercialization.
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?
Hiring in-house professional research and development expertise
Advancing the development of new technology and innovative solutions
Supporting product commercialization and scaling
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program?
You can contact Alberta Innovates by email at intake@albertainnovates.ca or by phone at 403-210-5229.
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