Alberta Innovates — Strategic Networking and Development Program
AB, Canada
Unlock innovation and drive Alberta's tech ecosystem forward with up to $25,000 from the Strategic Networking and Development Program!
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Strategic Networking and Development Program by Alberta Innovates provides up to $25,000 in funding for events that focus on emerging technologies to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and drive progress in Alberta. Eligible activities include focused networking events, workshops, hackathons, coding contests, symposia showcasing student capabilities, and entrepreneurial training for students. The program aims to connect Alberta’s tech talent with industry, academia, and government stakeholders while offering exceptional experiential learning opportunities.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several eligible projects and activities under this grant.
- Focused networking events convening academia, industry, government, and community stakeholders within an emerging technology topic area
- Workshops organized by university researchers around specific areas of emerging technology, involving other institutions, industry end-users, and students
- Team-based science-focused experiential learning opportunities for post-secondary or high school participants
- Hackathons and coding contests
- Symposia showcasing student capabilities and skillsets to prospective employers
- Intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial training for students and youth
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$20,000
Calgary
A hackathon on renewable energy solutions for university students
$25,000
Halifax
Team-based experiential learning project on clean water technologies for post-secondary students
$25,000
Edmonton
A workshop on artificial intelligence for students, researchers, and industry professionals
$22,000
Montreal
Entrepreneurial training program focusing on healthcare technology for youth
$18,000
Vancouver
A coding contest focusing on cybersecurity for high school students
$25,000
Toronto
A symposium showcasing student robotics projects to prospective employers
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant focus on the hosting organization and the nature of the proposed project, ensuring alignment with the objectives and impact on the Alberta technology ecosystem.
- Exist as a corporate person, with up-to-date corporate filings;
- Be authorized to undertake the proposed project, and execute a grant with Alberta Innovates on standard terms;
- Not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding (e.g., past bad debt);
- Demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta, even if not based in Alberta;
- Align with the objectives of the Program;
- Serve the needs of the Alberta technology ecosystem;
- Include critical “go/no go” milestones;
- Be completed within the project term;
- Comply with other criteria developed by Alberta Innovates.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The program is open to various organizations and institutions:
- Post-secondary Institutions
- For-Profit Organizations*
- Non-Profit/Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Associations/Consortia/Societies
- Public, Private, and Separate Schools
*For-Profit Organizations will be considered based on the nature of the services provided; however, non-profit is preferred.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Examples of eligible activities include:
- Focused networking events convening two or more groups including academia, industry, government and/or community stakeholders within an emerging technology topic area
- A workshop organized by university researcher(s) around a specific area of emerging technology for further development/adoption involving other institutions, industry end-users and/or students
- Team-based science-focused experiential learning opportunities (typically Post-Secondary or High School participants)
- Hackathons and coding contests
- Symposia showcasing student capabilities and skillsets to prospective employers
- Intrapreneurial/entrepreneurial training for students/youth
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Alberta. While applicants are not required to be based in Alberta, they must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta.
- Alberta-based applicants are preferred
- Non-Alberta applicants must show benefit to Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Strategic Networking and Development Program. Applications will be reviewed based on several broad criteria to determine their fit with the program objectives and benefits to Alberta.
- Need for support
- Alignment with SND program objectives and intended outcomes
- Project outcomes and next steps identified
- Benefits to Alberta
- Benefits to AI (attendance, opportunity to participate etc.)
- Appropriateness of the participants
- Appropriateness of the Budget
grant_single_labels|register
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- Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the program resources on the program web page.
- Step 2: Approach the SND program coordinator to discuss your proposed project at the contact information provided or submit a summary of your proposed project using the Post-Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies (PSIET) Intake Form within the Funding Opportunities tab on the SmartSimple Application Portal dashboard.
- Step 3: Wait for your proposal to be reviewed. Applicants who submit an Intake form will be contacted in turn.
- Step 4: If your project is eligible and potentially aligned to the program objectives and intended outcomes, you will be invited to submit a full application.
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grant_single_labels|contact
chao.lipuka@albertainnovates.ca
780-450-5146
Apply to this program
Strategic Networking and Development Program
The Strategic Networking and Development (SND) Program provides up to $25,000 in funding to support Alberta post-secondary institutions, not-for-profits, and emerging technology events that foster innovation, collaboration, and progress within the province.
Understanding the Strategic Networking and Development Program
The Strategic Networking and Development (SND) Program is a unique opportunity provided by Alberta Innovates. The program is designed to support high-impact networking, workshops, gatherings, competitions, educational and experiential programming, and events that focus on emerging technologies. By fostering collaboration among Alberta’s tech talent, researchers, students, industry stakeholders, and government, the program aims to drive innovation and technological advancement in the province.
The program is managed through the Post-Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies (PSIET) unit within Alberta Innovates. The PSIET unit focuses on funding, enabling, and connecting emerging technology inventors, students, and other tech creatives at post-secondary institutions and within the broader innovation ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to increase commercial outcomes, contributing to Alberta's continued prosperity and growth in both emerging and existing sectors.
Objectives of the Program
The SND program aims to achieve several key objectives to benefit Alberta’s emerging technology landscape:
- Connecting Alberta’s tech talent, including researchers, inventors, and students, with industry stakeholders, startups, multinational enterprises (MNEs), and other technology end-users.
- Exploring Alberta-based collaborations between academic institutions, industry, community, and government, also known as the Quadruple Helix model.
- Providing exceptional experiential learning opportunities for K-12 or post-secondary students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), particularly in emerging technology areas.
- Developing entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial thinking and skillsets within a technological setting to prepare students and inventors for their future endeavors in Alberta.
Key Outcomes
The program is designed to deliver significant benefits for Alberta’s technology ecosystem, including:
- Increased collaboration between Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, not-for-profits, industry (SMEs and MNEs), and other technology stakeholders.
- Enhancing work readiness and improving access to employment opportunities for Alberta’s tech talent.
- Expanding intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship education and experiential learning opportunities for Alberta students.
- Growing the delivery of programming by and for key partners to develop future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Alberta, thereby enhancing the province’s entrepreneurial culture.
- Raising awareness and the profile of Alberta’s research and innovation capabilities, supporting recruitment and collaborative efforts.
Funding Details
The SND program offers support up to $25,000 per project, with a maximum project term of one year. Funding will be directly provided to the applicant, and there is no mandatory matching fund requirement. However, applicants are expected to demonstrate a need for support and are encouraged to seek additional funding from other sources to cover a portion of the project ’s total cost. This may include contributions from the organizing researcher's department, industry, workshop fees, or other institutional resources.
Importantly, Alberta Innovates only funds reasonable costs incurred after the investment agreement is signed by Alberta Innovates and the applicant. Costs incurred prior to signing the investment agreement and those exceeding market prices are ineligible for funding. All expenses must be incurred between arm's-length entities.
Eligibility Criteria
Both the applicant and the project must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for funding:
Applicant Eligibility
- Eligible entities include post-secondary institutions, for-profit organizations, non-profits, associations, consortia, societies, and public, private, and separate schools.
- Applicants must exist as a corporate entity with up-to-date corporate filings.
- Applicants should be authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant agreement with Alberta Innovates on standard terms.
- Applicants should not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to a past bad debt or not being in good financial standing.
- While applicants are not required to be based in Alberta, they must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province.
Project Eligibility
- Projects should create or strengthen collaborations and connections within the innovation ecosystem or provide experiential and intrapreneurial/entrepreneurial learning opportunities with a technology focus in a tech setting.
- Projects must align with the program’s objectives and serve the needs of the Alberta technology ecosystem.
- Projects must include critical “go/no go” milestones and be completed within the project term.
- Examples of eligible activities include focused networking events, workshops organized around emerging technology areas, team-based science-focused learning opportunities, hackathons, coding contests, symposia, and entrepreneurial training for students/youth.
How to Apply
The application process for the SND program is open continuously, with applications reviewed regularly. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications a minimum of eight weeks before the activity start date. Here are the steps to apply:
- Familiarize yourself with the program resources and guidelines available on the program web page.
- Contact the SND program coordinator to discuss your proposed project or submit a summary of your proposed project using the Post-Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies (PSIET) Intake Form within the SmartSimple Application Portal.
- Eligible projects that align with the program objectives will be invited to submit a full application.
Evaluation Process
All applications are reviewed and evaluated based on their fit with the program objectives and their potential impact on the Alberta technology ecosystem. The evaluation process involves both Alberta Innovates staff and expert reviewers, ensuring confidentiality and impartiality. The investment decisions rest solely at the discretion of Alberta Innovates.
Performance Measurement
Alberta Innovates ties its funding to the achievement of specific results and outcomes. Funding is provided on a milestone completion basis – meaning that applicants must submit progress or final reports and demonstrate sufficient progress before receiving the next milestone payment. The investment agreement outlines the applicant’s responsibilities in reporting project outcomes, and Alberta Innovates may monitor project outcomes for up to five years post-completion to evaluate the long-term benefits to the province.
Terms and Conditions
Once an application is approved, the applicant will need to sign a standard-form investment agreement with Alberta Innovates. The agreement details the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of all parties to ensure project success. Funding will not be provided until the agreement is signed.
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria to receive funding, but meeting the criteria does not guarantee funding. All funding decisions are made at the sole discretion of Alberta Innovates, and they will only correspond in writing with the person authorized to speak for the applicant.
Contact Information
For any questions or further information about the program, please contact:
Chao Lipuka
Coordinator, Post-Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies
Tel: 780-450-5146
Email: Chao.Lipuka@albertainnovates.ca
Adam Brown
Sr Business Partner – Ecosystem, Post-Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies
Tel: 780-450-5560
Email: Adam.Brown@albertainnovates.ca