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Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program
Funding for Alberta tech companies hiring R&D expertise
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 105,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Get up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to help cover salary costs for an Associate over a one-year term. The program supports Alberta tech companies developing innovative technology or knowledge-based solutions and employing in-house research and development expertise.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 105,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
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 research and development expertise.
- Developing new technology and innovative solutions.
- Accelerating product commercialization.
- De-risking technology or knowledge-based product development.
Documents Needed
- Current financial statements.
- Application form completed through the online portal.
- Investment Agreement template documents, if requested.
- Letter showing the Associate’s intention to participate.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit Alberta tech companies.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Corporations, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships registered in Alberta.
Who is not eligible
- Companies with more than 500 full-time employees.
- Companies with more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates.
- Publicly traded companies without significant Alberta ownership and control.
- Companies not in good financial standing with Alberta Innovates.
Eligible expenses
- Salary costs for an Associate.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before the Investment Agreement is signed.
- Costs above market prices.
- Payments to U.S.-based vendors without prior written consent.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers.
- Assessment is based on fit with the program’s objectives and intended outcomes.
- Approved applicants must sign a standard Investment Agreement before funding is released.
- Applicants may be asked to report on progress and final outcomes during the project.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications are subject to review and evaluation by Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers.
- The program is accepting applications on a continuous basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline for submissions.
- Potential applicants are advised to connect with Alberta Innovates initially to discuss their application and obtain guidance on the next steps.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program Program
What is the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program?
Get up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to help cover salary costs for an Associate over a one-year term. The program supports Alberta tech companies developing innovative technology or knowledge-based solutions and employing in-house research and development expertise.
How much funding can be received?
Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $105,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program program, you must:
For-profit Alberta organization.
Fewer than 500 employees.
Minimum 25% cash contribution.
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program?
Hiring in-house research and development expertise.
Developing new technology and innovative solutions.
Accelerating product commercialization.
De-risking technology or knowledge-based product development.
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at intake@albertainnovates.ca or by phone at 403-210-5229.
Where is the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program available?
The Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program is a Grant and Funding