How much funding can be received?

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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The Industry r&D Associates Program aims to support Alberta tech companies by providing up to $105,000 for in-house professional research and development. The funding can be used to accelerate technological advancements and attract technical expertise.

Development of new technology and innovative solutions
Attraction and retention of technical expertise
De-risking the development and scaling of innovative products

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$82,500

Winnipeg

Prototype a new soil moisture sensor for precision agriculture

$101,250

Halifax

Create a feasibility assessment for tidal energy conversion

$88,125

Toronto

Develop an automated underwriting system for financial loans

$90,000

Calgary

Develop an AI-driven customer service chatbot for local businesses

$105,000

Vancouver

Develop an environmentally-friendly packaging solution using bioplastics

$93,750

Ottawa

Perform a proof of concept for a blockchain-based supply chain solution

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Eligible applicants for the Industry r&D Associates Program must be Alberta-based tech SMEs that can contribute a minimum 25% cash towards the Associate’s salary, and must not exceed two active funded Associates. Additionally, the applicants must have an innovative solution that offers a competitive advantage.

Fewer than 500 full-time employees
Less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue
Can contribute a minimum of 25% cash contribution of the total annual base salary of the Associate
An innovative solution with significant competitive advantage over existing solutions
Alberta-based and owned company
No more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates simultaneously

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The Industry r&D Associates Program is designed for Alberta-based tech companies that have innovative solutions and meet specific criteria. Eligible companies must be small to medium enterprises with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.

Alberta-based and owned companies.
Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Have fewer than 500 full-time employees.
Less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
Ability to contribute a minimum of 25% cash contribution of the total annual base salary of the Associate.
Possess an innovative solution with a significant competitive advantage over existing solutions.
Do not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates simultaneously.

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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.

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Qualified applicants may apply to receive up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to help cover salary costs of an Associate over a one-year term. Applicants must commit a minimum 25 per cent cash contribution of the total annual base salary.

Salary costs of an Associate
Minimum 25% cash contribution of the total annual base salary

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The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Alberta, Canada.

Must be an Alberta-based company
Must be Alberta-owned

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All applications are reviewed and evaluated to determine fit with the Industry r&D Associates Program objectives and intended outcomes. Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers are engaged to evaluate applications.

Fit with the Industry r&D Associates Program objectives and intended outcomes
Evaluation by Alberta Innovates staff
Evaluation by external expert reviewers

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Step 1: Connect with Us - One of the business experts will review your details and be in touch with next steps. Contact Alberta Innovates at intake@albertainnovates.ca or 403-210-5229.
Step 2: Submit Application - For current clients, access and submit your application forms through SmartSimple, the online application portal. Connect with your Technology Development Advisor if you have any questions.
Step 3: Evaluation Process - All applications are reviewed and evaluated to determine fit with the Industry r&D Associates Program objectives and intended outcomes. Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers are engaged to evaluate applications.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Industry r&D Associates Program aims to support Alberta-based tech companies by helping to cover salary costs for in-house professional research and development experts. With a continuous intake process, the program provides up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding and requires a minimum 25% cash contribution from the applicants.

You have fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
You can contribute a minimum of 25 per cent cash contribution of the total annual base salary of the Associate.
You have an innovative solution that offers significant competitive advantage over existing solutions.
You are an Alberta based and owned company.
You do not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates simultaneously.
You have an innovative solution that offers a significant competitive advantage over existing solutions.

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intake@albertainnovates.ca

403-210-5229

Apply to this program

Industry r&D Associates Program Overview

The Industry r&D Associates Program provides up to $105,000 in funding to Alberta-based tech companies to hire in-house professional research and developmental expertise. This program aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions and de-risk scaling new products.

Detailed Explanation of the Industry r&D Associates Program

Introduction

The Industry r&D Associates Program is an initiative by Alberta Innovates to support tech companies in Alberta, Canada, by providing financial assistance to employ professional research and development expertise in-house. This program is designed to help companies accelerate their technology development, attract and retain top technical talent, and reduce the risks associated with scaling innovative products. Companies can receive up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to cover the salary costs of an Associate over a one-year term.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Industry r&D Associates Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be an Alberta-based and owned Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
Have an annual gross revenue of less than $50,000,000.
Offer an innovative solution that provides a significant competitive advantage over existing solutions.
Commit a minimum of 25 percent cash contribution of the total annual base salary of the Associate.
Have no more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded Associates simultaneously.

Detailed eligibility requirements can be found in the program guide provided by Alberta Innovates.

Program Benefits

The Industry r&D Associates Program offers several benefits to participating companies:

Financial Support: Companies can receive up to $105,000 in non-dilutive funding to cover the salary costs of an R&D Associate.
Technical Expertise: The program helps companies attract and retain professional research and development talent to advance their innovative projects.
Acceleration of Development: With the support of an R&D Associate, companies can accelerate the development and progression of new technologies and innovative solutions.
De-risking Innovation: The program reduces the risks associated with developing and scaling innovative products or technologies, enabling companies to focus on growth and market competitiveness.

Application Process

The application process for the Industry r&D Associates Program is streamlined to make it accessible for eligible companies:

Connect With Us: Interested applicants are encouraged to first connect with Alberta Innovates to discuss their project and ensure it aligns with the program's objectives. This can be done by contacting Alberta Innovates at intake@albertainnovates.ca or calling 403-210-5229.
Complete the Application: Current clients can access and submit their application forms through SmartSimple, the online application portal. New applicants should reach out to connect with a Technology Development Advisor for guidance.
Review and Evaluation: All applications are thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers. The evaluation process ensures that only projects that align with the program's goals and demonstrate a significant competitive advantage are selected.

Support Resources

Applicants can access several resources provided by Alberta Innovates to assist with their application and project execution:

Program Guide: A comprehensive guide detailing the program's requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Standard Investment Agreement Template: A template agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the funding provided.
R&D Submitting Financial Documents Resource: A resource to help applicants understand how to submit financial documents for the program.
Technology Development Advisors: Free advisory services to help applicants navigate the application process and optimize their project plans.
Regional Innovation Network: A network of regional partners that provides additional support and resources for tech companies in Alberta.

Continuous Intake

The Industry r&D Associates Program accepts applications on a continuous basis, allowing companies to apply at any time when they have a suitable project and meet the eligibility criteria. This continuous intake process ensures that companies can access support when they need it most and are not restricted to specific application windows.

Conclusion

The Industry r&D Associates Program is a valuable opportunity for Alberta-based tech companies seeking to advance their innovative projects with the support of professional research and developmental expertise. By providing up to $105,000 in funding, the program helps companies attract top talent, accelerate technology development, and reduce the risks associated with scaling new products. Companies interested in applying should connect with Alberta Innovates to discuss their project and begin the application process.

For more information about the Industry r&D Associates Program, including detailed eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit the Alberta Innovates website or contact the Alberta Innovates team at intake@albertainnovates.ca or 403-210-5229.

Alberta Innovates — R&D Associates Program

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