Alberta Innovates — Product Demonstration Program
AB, Canada
Voucher for advanced stage development in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $150,000 to work collaboratively with partners to showcase a prototype in the marketplace or a complete technology to a strategic customer.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Product Demonstration Program supports eligible project activities that assist SMEs in piloting and demonstrating their technology in operational environments. These activities help validate the product's market fit and technical feasibility.
- Extending core technology and/or capability
- Piloting in an operational environment to verify product value
- Demonstrating in an operational environment to broaden market segments
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$80,000
Edmonton
Initiating a collaborative project with a strategic partner to test a new agricultural drone
$120,000
Montreal
Partnership to validate a new biotech solution to a key customer
$105,000
Ottawa
Introducing a new healthcare mobile app to strategic partners and customers
$100,000
Calgary
Collaborating with a strategic partner to expand the usage of an innovative water filtration system
$75,000
Toronto
Demonstrating a new AI-driven analytics platform to potential clients
$90,000
Vancouver
Launching a green energy pilot project with a strategic partner
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The company eligibility criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Exist as a corporate person, with up-to-date corporate filings.
- Be authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant with Alberta Innovates on standard terms.
- Not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding, due to past bad debt or poor financial standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
- Be incorporated in Alberta and/or incorporated in another jurisdiction and extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
- Be a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership and registered in Alberta.
- Qualify as a small or medium enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- Be Alberta-based with a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta, appropriate Alberta ownership, and intent that operational benefits primarily flow within Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Product Demonstration Program is specifically designed to support high-potential, high-growth Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Alberta. These companies should be focused on the commercialization of products and achieving optimal market positions.
- For-Profit Organizations
- Incorporated in Alberta or registered as Extra-provincial in Alberta
- General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership registered in Alberta
- SMEs with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue
- Companies with a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific eligibility criteria outlined for companies applying for the grant, but there are no explicit mentions of types of companies or industries that are categorically excluded. Therefore, restrictions mainly pertain to the status and main activities of the company.
- The company must be incorporated in Alberta or be incorporated in another jurisdiction and extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
- It must qualify as a small or medium enterprise (SME), meaning it should have fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50 million in annual gross revenue.
- The company must be Alberta-based with a significant physical and operational presence in Alberta.
- Companies experiencing good financial standing with Alberta Innovates and its subsidiaries are necessary.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Product Demonstration Program has eligible expenses tied to the project, although detailed specifics require reference to Schedule C in the Investment Agreement.
- Eligible expenses must be incurred after an Investment Agreement is signed.
- Costs must be reasonable and incurred between arm's-length entities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible companies for this grant need to be based in Alberta, Canada. They must have a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta, which includes being incorporated or registered in Alberta.
- Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
Projects for the Product Demonstration Program are evaluated based on various business and technical factors to ensure alignment with program objectives and potential benefits for Alberta.
- The technology
- The business opportunity
- Applicant risks
- Overall potential size of the return to Alberta against performance outcomes
- The management team
- Market conditions
- Competitive advantage and product/market fit
- Go to market plan
- Financials
- Technical feasibility
- Export potential
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Engagement and Intake
- The Applicant identifies a project and Strategic Partner
- Applicant connects with a Technology Development Advisor to assess if the project scope meets the minimum requirements of aligning with Product Demonstration Program requirements
Step 2: Application
- Register on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal (“Portal”)
- The Applicant submits their Application online, including the filled and signed Alberta Innovates Letter of Interest from the Strategic Partner
Step 3: Agreement
- Successful applicants will execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the Project
- Agreement will include details regarding reporting on progress to milestones and budget on an agreed timeline during the term of the Agreement
- Reporting on progress to outcomes on an agreed to timeline during and following the term of the Agreement
- Project payments are based on milestone achievement and progress reporting
grant_single_labels|contact
TRACEY.KELLY@ALBERTAINNOVATES.CA
403-826-0224
Apply to this program
Unlocking Innovation with Alberta Innovates' Product Demonstration Program
The Alberta Innovates Product Demonstration Program (PDP) is designed to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta by providing funding and strategic partnerships to propel their innovative products to market. This program aims to de-risk the commercialization process, helping local businesses increase revenue and expand globally.
Comprehensive Guide to Alberta Innovates' Product Demonstration Program
The Product Demonstration Program (PDP) by Alberta Innovates stands as a beacon of opportunity for high-potential SMEs in the Alberta region. This program echoes the ethos of Alberta Innovates, an agency dedicated to leading and accelerating innovation across the province to foster sustainable economic growth, job creation, improved community strength, and environmental benefits. The PDP focuses on de-risking the commercialization process, which is crucial for the successful market entry of innovative products developed by SMEs. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of this program and uncover how it facilitates business growth and innovation in Alberta.
At its core, the PDP is designed to assist Alberta’s SMEs in reaching optimal market positions by providing financial support and fostering essential strategic partnerships. The program mitigates commercialization risks by partnering applicant SMEs with strategic partners to conduct product pilots or demonstrations. This collaboration serves not only to validate the product's technical and business merits but also to leverage industry expertise and distribution channels, effectively transforming innovative concepts into viable market offerings.
The PDP aims to forge robust relationships between SMEs and strategic partners, thereby ensuring that SMEs can influence their target markets and validate their products before a potential customer or within a new market segment. With a defined focus on increasing sales revenue within 18 months post-project completion, the program encourages companies to explore expanded supply or distribution channels, ultimately increasing their global competitiveness. Notably, strategic partners benefit as well by gaining access to innovative solutions to address their operational challenges and mitigating their exposure to new technologies.
To meet the program's ambitious goals, Alberta Innovates provides matching funds up to $150,000, which can also encompass contributions from strategic partners or other valid distributor channels. While co-funding from other agencies is encouraged, the program maintains a stacking limit to ensure applicant commitment, allowing total government assistance to cover up to 75% of eligible project costs. Importantly, only expenses incurred after the signing of the investment agreement between Alberta Innovates and the applicant are eligible for funding.
The PDP is open to for-profit SMEs that meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria ensure that the applicant has a significant operational presence in Alberta, with a demonstrated intent for the region to benefit predominantly from their innovative activities. Once eligibility is confirmed, the support of a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) becomes essential. TDAs offer coaching, assess the applicant's project readiness, and can recommend other Alberta Innovates or external funding opportunities, making them invaluable in navigating the application process.
The application process is meticulously structured into three phases. Firstly, the engagement and intake phase involves identifying a suitable project and strategic partner, along with preliminary assessments by a TDA. Subsequent to this is the application phase, where the applicant submits their project details, supported by a letter of interest from their strategic partner. Finally, successful applications culminate in the execution of an agreement with Alberta Innovates which outlines the terms, progress reporting requirements, and milestone-based payment conditions.
Alberta Innovates' PDP is not merely a financial support mechanism; it’s a comprehensive approach to fostering innovation ecosystem integrity, characterized by inclusion and equitable opportunity. The program evaluates applications holistically, considering various business and technical factors such as management acumen, market conditions, competitive edge, technical feasibility, and export potential. The ultimate goal is to realize measurable outcomes, including new job creation, SME revenue and export growth, and a higher SME survival rate – all of which contribute to the broader economic and social fabric of Alberta.
In conclusion, the PDP is a strategic initiative that aligns with Alberta Innovates' overarching mission to nurture a thriving research and innovation ecosystem. By promoting SME growth through product validation and strategic partnerships, the program not only empowers local businesses but also ensures that Alberta continues to stand at the forefront of global innovation and competitiveness. The PDP exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to economic development, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for Alberta.
