Alberta Innovates — Land and Biodiversity Program
AB, Canada
Leverage the Land and Biodiversity Program to drive sustainable practices in Alberta's natural resource development and enhance biodiversity.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
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grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Land and Biodiversity Program in Alberta funds projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of natural resource development and maintaining or improving biodiversity within the province. Eligible activities include innovations in minimizing industrial footprints, improving remediation practices for sectors such as oil, gas, coal, renewable energy, forestry, agriculture, and mining, as well as biodiversity conservation efforts like protecting threatened ecosystems and promoting climate change adaptation. Funding is available to a wide range of applicants, including technology developers, industry, SMEs, academic institutions, and not-for-profit organizations.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant does not require applicants to be based in Alberta. However, applicants must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta. The projects prioritized are those researched, piloted, demonstrated, and/or implemented in Alberta.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$240,000
Implement a solar energy system for sustainable forestry operations
$120,000
Develop a machine learning model to predict soil erosion
$144,000
Improve water quality in urban streams affected by industrial runoff
$400,000
Develop an innovative bioremediation technique for oil spill clean-up
$160,000
Restore wetlands crucial for bird migration using innovative techniques
$80,000
Promote climate change adaptation practices among small-scale farmers
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The applicant can be from among technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development (R&D) organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, or individuals.
- Applicants are not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province.
- Applicants must be legally able to execute the Investment Agreement.
- Projects must be advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is open to a wide range of applicants aiming to develop sustainable practices in natural resource development and biodiversity in Alberta.
- Technology developers working on innovative environmental solutions.
- Industry players looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Industrial associations interested in sustainable practices.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) advancing in technology readiness levels 3-7.
- Research and development organizations conducting environmental innovation related work.
- Post-secondary institutions focusing on environmental research and innovation.
- Municipalities aiming for sustainable development practices.
- Not-for-profit organizations engaged in environmental conservation.
- Government research labs facilitating biodiversity and sustainability.
- Individuals or sole proprietors innovating in environmental practices.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant, which include costs directly attributable to the performance of the agreed-upon projects. These expenses must be critical to the project's execution as outlined in the application.
- Labour: Salary and benefits for individuals working specifically on the project
- Materials: Reasonable material costs
- Capital Assets & Software: Capital improvements, capital equipment, software or information databases
- Travel: Travel expenses including mileage, low economy airfare, meals, and accommodation for project purposes
- Sub-contractors: Services or products of another entity
- Other: Costs which Alberta Innovates pre-approves in writing as eligible
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for this grant are those directly attributable to the performance of agreed-upon projects.
- Salary and benefits for individuals specifically working on the project.
- Reasonable material costs required for the project.
- Capital improvements, equipment, and software (prorated to the project timeframe based on the asset’s expected economic life).
- Travel expenses, including mileage, economy airfare, meals, and accommodation related to executing the project.
- Services or products of another entity involved in project execution.
- Any other costs pre-approved in writing by Alberta Innovates as eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria in three major categories that ensure alignment with the program’s objectives.
- Innovation: Assessment of the innovation and originality of the project proposal.
- Execution: Evaluation of the feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan.
- Impacts: Analysis of the alignment with the grant’s strategic goals and potential impact on the targeted environment or sector.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Contact a Project Advisor
- Identify a Clean Resources Project Advisor from the provided contact list.
- Engage with the advisor to ensure your project aligns with the program requirements and priorities.
- Step 2: Register on SmartSimple
- Create an account on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal, SmartSimple.
- Enter basic organizational details for registration.
- Step 3: Complete and Submit Intake Form
- Access the Clean Resources Continuous Intake Form on the SmartSimple portal.
- Fill in the required details accurately, focusing on project scope and alignment with the program's priorities.
- Submit the completed Intake Form for review.
- Step 4: Wait for Intake Form Review
- Your Intake Form will be reviewed to determine eligibility for progressing to a Detailed Proposal.
- If successful, you will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
- Step 5: Submit Detailed Proposal (If Invited)
- Prepare a comprehensive project proposal including objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
- Submit the Detailed Proposal through the SmartSimple portal by the specified deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Ensure biodiversity is maintained or enhanced in Alberta.
- Projects must show a clear value proposition for Alberta.
- Applicants must register on SmartSimple to apply.
- Alberta Innovates provides project management and funding based on milestone achievement.
- Projects funded up to $2 million, typically 25-50% of project costs.
- Engagement with Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions is encouraged.
- Focus on economic, environmental, and GHG emission reduction impacts.
- Project proposals undergo a review process involving internal and external evaluators.
- Public reporting of final project outcomes is required, with confidentiality maintained.
grant_single_labels|contact
780.429.7650
Apply to this program
Fostering Land Preservation and Biodiversity in Alberta
This grant offers funding to projects that aim to mitigate the negative effects of natural resource development on land and enhance biodiversity within Alberta. It supports sustainable practices and innovative solutions with a focus on reclamation and environmental conservation.
Exploring the Land and Biodiversity Program for Sustainable Development
The Land and Biodiversity Program, a strategic initiative under Alberta Innovates, is pivotal in funding efforts that ensure sustainable natural resource development while enhancing Alberta's rich biodiversity. This program actively seeks to balance land reclamation with the rate of land disturbance, ensuring that biodiversity is maintained or improved. By supporting a variety of subprograms, including those focused on environmental monitoring, oil sands tailings remediation, climate adaptation, and abandoned well reclamation, it encompasses a comprehensive approach to ecological preservation and innovation.
Projects eligible for funding under this program are expected to introduce groundbreaking methods to mitigate industrial impacts. This includes adopting technologies that minimize footprints, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning solutions, and digital technologies aimed at enhancing environmental monitoring and modelling tools. Furthermore, Alberta Innovates is keen on projects that improve remediation, reclamation, and restoration practices across industries including the oil, gas, coal, renewable energy, forestry, agriculture, and mining sectors. Technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support natural carbon sequestration also stand to gain considerable attention and support.
The program's commitment to biodiversity is significant, with efforts directed at protecting threatened ecosystems and species, promoting resilience to climate change, managing invasive species, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into conservation practices. The aim is not only to foster conservation efforts but also to create a paradigm shift towards sustainable and resilient environmental solutions that resonate with Alberta's economic ecosystem.
Applicants are encouraged across a wide spectrum, from academic and research institutions to government bodies, non-profits, SMEs, and large enterprises, demonstrating extensive inclusivity and the importance of collaboration in achieving the program's goals. The continuous intake process allows for an ongoing submission of proposals, ensuring that innovative projects that align with the long-term vision of ecological sustainability receive timely support and resources.
The funding also aims to contribute directly towards Alberta's 2030 Innovation Targets, including significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in landscape restoration. By empowering a network of innovators and stakeholders, this program not only seeks to protect Alberta's natural habitats but also to push the frontiers of environmental technologies, making substantial contributions to the global discourse on sustainable resource management.
Overall, the Land and Biodiversity Program is more than just a funding initiative; it is a comprehensive strategy to integrate economic growth with environmental stewardship, positioning Alberta as a leader in sustainable resource management and biodiversity protection. By acknowledging and addressing ecological concerns head-on, the program ensures a legacy of environmental integrity and sustainability for future generations.
