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Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program
Wage subsidy for an R&D associate in Alberta
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 105,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Get up to $105,000 to cover up to 75% of the salary of a professional to work on proof of concepts, prototyping, feasibility assessments and more over a one-year project.
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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
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Alberta-based Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue can apply for this grant. Applicants must have an innovative solution with a competitive advantage and be able to contribute at least 25 per cent of the total annual base salary of the Associate. Companies are not eligible if they have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates simultaneously.Who is not eligible
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant:
- Companies with more than 500 full-time employees.
- Companies with more than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- Companies that cannot provide a minimum of 25 per cent cash contribution of the total annual base salary of the Associate.
- Companies that do not have an innovative solution offering a significant competitive advantage over existing solutions.
- Companies that are not Alberta-based and owned.
- Companies that already have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates simultaneously.
Eligible expenses
The Industry r&D Associates Program offers funding support for Alberta tech companies to enhance their innovation capabilities. Eligible projects include hiring research and development expertise to advance technology and company growth.
- Accelerating and progressing the development of new technological and innovative solutions.
- Attracting and retaining technical expertise within the company.
- De-risking the development and scaling of innovative products.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to Alberta-based companies as determined by the funding body's guidelines. The eligible geographical area is focused on ensuring the development and retention of innovation within Alberta.
- Companies based in the Province of Alberta, Canada.
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 to cover up to 75% of the salary of a professional to work on proof of concepts, prototyping, feasibility assessments and more over a one-year project.
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:
The company must be an Alberta-based and owned entity with a significant physical and corporate presence in Alberta.
The applicant must be a for-profit Corporation, General Partnership, Limited Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership registered in Alberta.
The company must employ fewer than 500 full-time employees and have less than $50 million in annual gross revenue.
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
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