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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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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