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
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- 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
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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
Grants from Alberta Innovates are limited to companies that maintain a significant operational presence in Alberta. These eligibility criteria ensure that funded projects drive economic benefits primarily within the province.
- Companies based and incorporated in Alberta.
- Entities incorporated in other jurisdictions but registered extra-provincially in Alberta and maintaining an Alberta footprint.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$80,000
Initiating a collaborative project with a strategic partner to test a new agricultural drone
$120,000
Partnership to validate a new biotech solution to a key customer
$105,000
Introducing a new healthcare mobile app to strategic partners and customers
$75,000
Demonstrating a new AI-driven analytics platform to potential clients
$100,000
Collaborating with a strategic partner to expand the usage of an innovative water filtration system
$90,000
Launching a green energy pilot project with a strategic partner
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The company eligibility criteria for this grant require the applicant to meet specific conditions related to their corporate status and operational presence in Alberta.
- The applicant must be a for-profit organization.
- 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 its standard terms.
- Not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to past bad debt or financial standing issues with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
- Be incorporated in Alberta or be incorporated in another jurisdiction and extraprovincially registered in Alberta.
- Be a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership 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 an Alberta footprint, including a significant physical and corporate operational presence, appropriate Alberta ownership, and intent that operational benefits will primarily flow within Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is specifically open to Alberta-based for-profit small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to commercialize a viable technology. Eligibility criteria include being incorporated in Alberta or having a significant operations presence in the province, and having fewer than 500 employees and less than $50 million in annual gross revenue. It also requires the participation and financial commitment of a Strategic Partner who must not have conflicts of interest or bad debts with Alberta Innovates.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward entities capable of demonstrating potential growth and contribution to Alberta's economy.
- Non-profit organizations, as the program is open only to for-profit entities.
- Entities not incorporated in Alberta or lacking an extra-provincial registration in Alberta.
- Companies exceeding 500 full-time employees or $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- Businesses without a significant operational presence or Alberta footprint.
- Companies prohibited from funding due to past financial mismanagement or poor standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries, InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible projects for this grant focus on extending core technology capabilities and verifying product value through demonstration and piloting. These activities contribute to fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing market reach.
- 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_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible expenses for the Product Demonstration Program include those costs incurred after signing an Investment Agreement and are reasonable market-priced costs between arm's-length entities.
- Reasonable market-priced costs incurred after the Investment Agreement.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Product Demonstration Program (PDP) focus on how well they align with the program's objectives and the potential return to Alberta.
- Assessment of the technology and its readiness level (TRL 7, 8, or 9).
- Evaluation of the business opportunity presented by the project.
- Analysis of the applicant's management team and their capacity to execute the project.
- Review of market conditions and the proposed competitive advantage.
- Assessment of the product/market fit and go-to-market plan.
- Consideration of the project's financials, including leveraging funds and resources.
- Examination of technical feasibility and the export potential of the product.
- Evaluation of the applicant risks associated with the project.
- Overall potential size of the return to Alberta, including economic and social benefits.
- Satisfaction rate of the SME and Strategic Partner involved in the project.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Product Demonstration Program grant:
- Step 1: Engagement and Intake
- Identify a project and a Strategic Partner for the Product Demonstration.
- Connect with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) to assess if the project aligns with the Product Demonstration Program requirements.
- Step 2: Application
- Register on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal (“Portal”).
- Submit the completed application online, ensuring to include the filled and signed Alberta Innovates Letter of Interest from the Strategic Partner.
- Step 3: Agreement
- If successful, execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the Project.
- Report on progress to milestones and budget on an agreed timeline during the term of the Agreement.
- Report on progress to outcomes on an agreed timeline during and following the term of the Agreement.
- Milestone-based project payments are made upon demonstration of progress.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Funds are disbursed directly to the Applicant based on milestone achievements.
- Only reasonable costs incurred post-Investment Agreement signing are eligible.
- Application to this program can be done at any time due to the continuous intake system.
- Applicants must engage with a Technology Development Advisor prior to applying.
- Applicants can reapply if initially unsuccessful, with possibilities to address past deficiencies.
- Project duration is limited to a one-year term.
- Outcomes of funded projects are monitored for up to five years post-completion.
- A thorough evaluation process involving both internal and external reviewers is employed.
- Alberta Innovates retains discretion over investment decisions and does not disclose reviewer identities.
- Performance metrics are utilized to monitor results at both individual and program levels.
grant_single_labels|contact
TRACEY.KELLY@ALBERTAINNOVATES.CA
403-826-0224
Apply to this program
Unlocking Growth through the Product Demonstration Program
The Alberta Innovates Product Demonstration Program offers up to $150,000 in matched funding to assist high-growth SMEs in de-risking the commercialization process of innovative technologies. This program seeks to fortify the Alberta economy by supporting small to medium enterprises in reaching optimal market positions and expanding globally.
Detailed Overview of the Product Demonstration Program Benefits
The Alberta Innovates Product Demonstration Program (PDP) is crafted specifically to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta with high-growth potential. The program aims to help these companies bridge the often-challenging gap between product conception and market commercialization, ultimately boosting their revenue and competitive edge in both local and international markets. By offering up to $150,000 in matched funding, Alberta Innovates seeks to mitigate the risks associated with bringing new technology to the market, providing a more secure pathway for SMEs to introduce their products to strategic partners, customers, and distributors alike.
This funding model demands a proactive collaboration between the applicant and a strategic partner, an essential element that not only provides funding but also leverages the strategic partner’s industry knowledge and distribution channel capabilities. Together, these partnerships are designed to validate or demonstrate the product's market readiness and commercial potential, often culminating in a first sale or expanded sales revenue milestones within 18 months post-project completion. Such collaboration is instrumental in enhancing the applicant’s market influence and broadening their supply and distribution channels in both domestic and global contexts.
Central to the PDP's mission is the facilitation of increased economic returns and sustainability, which is assessed through various performance metrics such as SME revenue growth, export growth, investment growth, and survival rates. Importantly, this is achieved while ensuring that the products reach and satisfy new market demands, thereby creating viable jobs and measurable economic contributions to Alberta. Thus, the program not only provides substantial financial underpinning but also strengthens the innovation ecosystem within the province by nurturing SMEs into their next phase of growth.
The application process is structured yet flexible, allowing continuous intake for eligible projects. Through an initial engagement phase, potential applicants work closely with a Technology Development Advisor to fine-tune their project proposals ensuring alignment with the program’s rigorous criteria. This ensures only the most viable projects receive backing, optimizing the impact of invested funds.
Beneficiaries of the PDP are also tasked with a strong commitment to reporting and milestone accountability. They must provide detailed progress updates tied to milestones, reinforcing not only financial transparency but also confirming alignment with predicted outcomes over the life of the project and beyond. Alberta Innovates utilizes these insights to evaluate the broader impact of the funded projects on Alberta’s social, environmental, and economic landscapes.
The strategic design of the PDP thereby not only assists individual SMEs but positions Alberta as a thriving hub of innovation and growth. By leveraging strategic partnerships and funding, the Alberta Innovates Product Demonstration Program empowers SMEs to navigate the competitive commercial landscape successfully, continuing to deliver value to both stakeholders and the broader community. This initiative ultimately underscores a commitment to driving profound long-term economic development across the province.
