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Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program
Funding for Alberta tech companies hiring R&D expertise
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Funding available
$ 105,000
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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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 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
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.
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Industry r&D Associates Program page and intake updated
The Industry r&D Associates Program page now shows a closed continuous intake with registration closed on May 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm MST, and the page content has been materially replaced by navigation and contact links.
The Industry r&D Associates Program page now shows Closed for the continuous intake, with registration closed on May 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm MST. The visible page content was also replaced by navigation, portal, and contact links, so the program description, eligibility guidance, funding details, and how to apply content are no longer presented on the page excerpt. A supporting Investment Agreement PDF also shows a small title-format update: THIS INVESTMENT AGREEMENT now displays the effective date in the heading, while the visible agreement content remains otherwise the same. The funding level visible in the page content remains up to $105,000 with a minimum 25 per cent cash contribution and a 75% total government assistance stacking limit.
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
Selection criteria
- Fit with the program’s objectives and intended outcomes.
- Management team, market conditions, competitive advantage, and product-market fit.
- Go-to-market plan, financials, technical feasibility, and export potential.
- For stage 2, Associate suitability and the project work plan.
How to apply
- Step 1: Connect with Alberta Innovates
- Contact the program team or a Technology Development Advisor before applying.
- Get initial guidance and program readiness support.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the online application form through SmartSimple.
- Provide the required project and company information.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the application through the online portal.
- Current clients may use SmartSimple to access and submit forms.
- Step 4: Review and follow-up
- Applications are reviewed and evaluated by Alberta Innovates.
- Approved applicants must sign an Investment Agreement before funding begins.
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
- The program can help accelerate and progress the development of new technology and innovative solutions.
- The program can help attract and retain technical expertise.
- The program can help de-risk the development and scaling of innovative products.
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 75% 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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at smeprograms@albertainnovates.ca or by phone at 403-826-0224.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program?
Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program is funded by Government of Alberta, Alberta Innovates