Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program program?

To be eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program program, you must: • For-profit organizations considered based on the nature of the services provided • Alberta-based organizations only • Projects must focus on emerging technologies and collaboration

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program?

You can contact Alberta Innovates by email at chao.lipuka@albertainnovates.ca or by phone at 780-450-5146.

Q: Where is the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program available?

The Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program program is available the province of AB.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

AB, Canada

Funds Alberta tech-events up to $25,000 for innovation

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Strategic Networking and Development Program provides up to $25,000 in funding to support Alberta post-secondaries and not-for-profits leading events that focus on emerging technologies to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and drive progress. Eligible activities include networking events, workshops, hackathons, coding contests, symposia, and entrepreneurial training.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial support of up to $25,000 per project, determined by the size and scope of the event.
Projects, including event preparation, must be completed within a maximum term of one year.

Activities funded

Organizing focused networking events that bring together academia, industry, government, and community stakeholders around emerging technology topics.
Hosting workshops led by university researchers focused on the development or adoption of emerging technologies, involving other institutions, industry participants, and/or students.
Coordinating team-based experiential learning opportunities in science and technology for post-secondary or high school participants.
Running hackathons and coding contests.
Presenting symposia that showcase student capabilities and skills to potential employers, as well as providing intrapreneurial or entrepreneurial training for students and youth.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 25,000

Team-based experiential learning project on clean water technologies for post-secondary students

$ 20,000

A hackathon on renewable energy solutions for university students

$ 25,000

A workshop on artificial intelligence for students, researchers, and industry professionals

$ 22,000

Entrepreneurial training program focusing on healthcare technology for youth

$ 18,000

A coding contest focusing on cybersecurity for high school students

$ 25,000

A symposium showcasing student robotics projects to prospective employers

Eligibility

The applicant must be an Alberta-based organization.
Eligible applicant types include post-secondary institutions, for-profit organizations, non-profit/associations/consortia/societies, and public, private, or separate schools. For the remainder of the 2024/25 funding year, only post-secondary institutions are eligible to apply.
The project must focus on events related to emerging technologies that foster innovation, collaboration, and progress in Alberta.
Projects should strengthen collaborations within the innovation ecosystem or provide experiential or entrepreneurial learning opportunities in a technology setting.
The project must engage at least two groups such as academia, industry, government, or community stakeholders within the context of emerging technology.

Who is eligible?

Post-secondary institutions
For-profit organizations (subject to service criteria; preference for non-profits)
Non-profit and not-for-profit organizations
Associations, consortia, and societies
Public, private, and separate schools

Who is not eligible

For-profit and non-profit organizations for the remainder of the 2024/25 funding year (funding has been fully allocated for these streams until April 1, 2025).

Eligible geographic areas

Alberta

Selection criteria

Alignment with the program's objectives and intended outcomes.
Fit with the needs of Alberta's technology and innovation ecosystem.

How to apply

Review Program Guide

Download and read the Strategic Networking and Development Program Guide from the program's web page.
Understand the objectives, eligibility criteria, and requirements outlined in the guide.

Initial Contact

Contact the SND program coordinator to discuss your proposed project.
Alternatively, prepare a summary of your proposed project.

Submit Intake Form

Access the SmartSimple application portal.
Submit the project summary using the Post Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies (PSIET) Intake Form available within the Funding Opportunities tab.

Proposal Review

Wait for your initial proposal to be reviewed by Alberta Innovates staff.
Receive feedback or instructions on whether you are invited to submit a full application.

Full Application Submission

If invited, prepare and complete the full application as instructed by the coordinator and through the SmartSimple portal.
Ensure all supporting documents and details are uploaded according to the application guidelines.

Application Review and Evaluation

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed for alignment with program objectives.
Be available for any follow-up information or clarification requests during the evaluation period.

Final Decision

Receive notification of the funding decision from Alberta Innovates.
Sign the Investment Agreement if the application is approved.

Additional information

The program accepts applications on a continuous basis, with reviews occurring as submissions are received.
Applications should be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the event start date.
Applicants may be connected with additional resources and partners within Alberta's technology ecosystem through the program.
All investment decisions are at the sole discretion of Alberta Innovates and applicants will be contacted only if their proposal is eligible and aligned with program objectives.

Contacts

chao.lipuka@albertainnovates.ca

780-450-5146

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development 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.