Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program
AB, Canada
We offer funding for Alberta-based companies to adopt emerging technologies with the support of researchers from Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions.
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
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- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
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grant_card_status|open
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The Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program is a leveraged funding partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to support collaboration between eligible Alberta post-secondary institutions and small-to-medium sized Alberta companies with up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects that apply emerging technologies in Alberta’s research and commercialization priorities are eligible for the CASBE application. These projects must meet various criteria, including alignment with NSERC’s eligibility requirements and the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy (ATIS).
- Increased R&D activity within and between Alberta SME and academic partner
- Increased knowledge transferred to the Alberta SME industry partner
- Enhanced skill and knowledge base in industry
- Increased experience and technical skills for HQP relevant to the Alberta SME
- Increased HQP career opportunities
- New and improved products and/or services
- Reported increase in the SME R&D investment
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$75,000
Calgary
Creating a bio-sensor platform to monitor wastewater quality
$75,000
Ottawa
Developing real-time traffic management solutions using IoT
$100,000
Vancouver
Implementing blockchain technology for secure supply chain management
$75,000
Edmonton
Developing AI-driven solutions to optimize oil extraction processes
$75,000
Montreal
Developing renewable energy solutions for remote areas
$75,000
Toronto
Creating a smart monitoring system for forest health
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible applicants must be Alberta-based post-secondary researchers partnering with SMEs to apply emerging technologies within Alberta's research priorities.
- Researchers from Alberta Colleges, Polytechnics, and Universities eligible for NSERC research programs within CASBE Stream I and Stream II.
- Authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant agreement with Alberta Innovates.
- Must have a physical presence in Alberta.
- Prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to past bad debt or poor financial standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, the CASBE program identifies specific eligibility criteria for the companies that can partner in the grant application. These criteria ensure that the Industry Partner is a for-profit Small- or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) with a demonstrated capacity to adopt and develop research results.
- For-profit SME with at least 2 Full-Time Employees (FTE)
- Operating for at least 2 years in Alberta
- Fewer than 500 Full-Time Employees
- Annual gross revenue less than $50,000,000
- Legal entity incorporated in Alberta or, if incorporated in another jurisdiction, must be extra-provincially registered in Alberta
- Can be a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership registered in Alberta
- Good financial standing with Alberta Innovates and its subsidiaries InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers only reasonable costs incurred after signing the Investment Agreement, excluding any costs incurred prior and costs greater than market prices.
- Costs incurred between arm's length entities
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Alberta.
- The Applicant must have a physical presence in Alberta.
- The Industry Partner must have demonstrated operations in Alberta for at least 2 years.
- The Industry Partner must be incorporated in Alberta or be extra-provincially registered in Alberta if incorporated federally or in another jurisdiction.
- General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, or Limited Liability Partnerships must be registered in Alberta to be eligible.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, Alberta Innovates evaluates submitted applications to the CASBE Program based on eligibility criteria for the Applicant, the Industry Partner, and the proposed project, as well as merit indicators followed by NSERC.
- Eligibility criteria for the Applicant
- Eligibility criteria for the Industry Partner
- Eligibility criteria for the proposed project
- Merit indicators followed by NSERC
- Projects demonstrating the practice of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
- Internal and external party evaluations subject to confidentiality and conflict-of-interest policies
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact the CASBE program manager with the NSERC–CASBE proposal idea to assess initial alignment to the program requirements.
- Step 2: If alignment is identified, submit the Post-Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies (PSIET) Intake Form choosing CASBE within the Funding Opportunities tab on the AI online portal.
- Step 3: If the PSIET Intake Form is approved, the applicant is invited to submit an AI CASBE NSERC Full proposal.
- Step 4: Complete the AI CASBE application using SmartSimple. Attach a draft PDF version of the corresponding completed NSERC application form using the NSERC online application portal/system.
- Step 5: Ensure all elements in the application form are completed.
- Step 6: Submit the NSERC application through the appropriate NSERC application portal (NSERC Convergence Portal, NSERC Alliance Advantage, or NSERC Alliance Quantum).
- Step 7: For NSERC Alliance Quantum grants, attach Alberta Innovates’ conditional approval using the Other Documents section of form 101.
- Step 8: Applicants with approved NSERC research partnership grants in the past 12 months should contact the CASBE program manager to assess additional R&D activities and alignment.
- Step 9: If alignment is identified, submit the PSIET Intake Form choosing CASBE within the Funding Opportunities tab on the AI online portal.
- Step 10: If the PSIET Intake Form is approved, submit a CASBE Full proposal including the approved NSERC project application, reviewers’ comments, NSERC Notice of Decision (NOD) and Terms & Conditions, a Gantt chart, description of additional CASBE R&D activities, completed CASBE budget file, a budget explanation document, and Letter of Support from the Alberta SME.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The CASBE Program aims to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta by supporting research collaborations with academia, focusing on emerging technologies. The program offers funding of up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
- The program is open to Alberta Colleges, Polytechnics, and Universities eligible for NSERC research programs.
- Industry partners must be SMEs with at least two full-time employees, in operation for at least two years in Alberta, and meet financial criteria.
- Projects must align with Alberta's research and commercialization priorities and cover technology readiness levels 2 to 6.
- Applications undergo initial evaluation by Alberta Innovates before submission to NSERC for final review.
- Performance measurement involves progress reports and monitoring project outcomes for up to five years post-completion.
- An Investment Agreement with detailed roles and responsibilities must be signed before funds are disbursed.
- Contact persons for different streams within the program are provided for specific queries and assistance.
grant_single_labels|contact
shabbir.mustafiz@albertainnovates.ca
780-450-5286
Apply to this program
Summary of the CASBE Program
The Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program, managed by Alberta Innovates, provides up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of two years to support Alberta's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting emerging technologies through collaboration with post-secondary institutions. The program aims to enhance R&D activities, knowledge transfer, and technological advancements in alignment with Alberta's research and commercialization priorities.
Detailed Explanation of the CASBE Program
The Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program is an integral initiative under Alberta Innovates, designed to foster collaboration between Alberta's post-secondary institutions and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The central aim of this program is to spur innovation and technological adoption within Alberta's economic ecosystem by leveraging the research capabilities of academic institutions.
Alberta Innovates, as the largest research and innovation agency in the province, plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable jobs, economic growth, and community strength. With a focus on improving health and environmental benefits, the agency accelerates innovation from initial discovery to practical application across all sectors in Alberta. The CASBE Program is an embodiment of Alberta Innovates' commitment to these goals.
Program Overview
The CASBE Program operates under the Post-Secondary Investments and Emerging Technologies (PSIET) division of Alberta Innovates. This division facilitates funding, enabling, and matchmaking support to emerging technology inventors, aiming to increase the commercialization outcomes for Alberta's future prosperity. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the CASBE Program will feature two distinct streams:
- Stream I: Exclusive to applicants from Alberta Colleges and Polytechnics, leveraging NSERC's Applied Research and Development (ARD) program.
- Stream II: Exclusive to applicants from Alberta Universities, utilizing NSERC's Alliance program, including Alliance Quantum grants.
These streams are designed to align with Alberta's research and commercialization priorities, as outlined in the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy (ATIS). Special calls within the CASBE Program may also be issued to address specific emerging technology needs.
Objectives and Key Outcomes
The CASBE Program has several key objectives aimed at enhancing the research and innovation landscape in Alberta. These include:
- Facilitating the adoption of emerging technologies by Alberta SMEs through partnerships with post-secondary institutions.
- Providing funding to applicants to effectively utilize their technology platforms, world-class knowledge, facilities, and students to support SMEs.
The expected key outcomes of the program are:
- Increased R&D activity and collaboration between SMEs and academic partners.
- Enhanced knowledge transfer to the SME industry partner.
- Improved skills and knowledge base within the industry.
- Increased experience and technical skills for highly qualified personnel (HQP) relevant to Alberta SMEs.
- New and improved products and services.
- Reported increase in SME R&D investment.
Funding Details
The CASBE Program offers up to $150,000 per year for projects lasting a maximum of two years. This funding is provided to match NSERC's contribution, ensuring that projects receive adequate financial support. The combined funds from NSERC and Alberta Innovates help academics collaborate with SMEs to undertake long-term research projects and potentially accelerate technology adoption and innovation. It is essential that the Alberta SME provides additional in-kind contributions to supplement NSERC's requirements.
Eligible expenses are funded post the signing of an Investment Agreement between Alberta Innovates and the applicant. Costs incurred prior to this agreement or those greater than market prices are deemed ineligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CASBE Program, projects must apply emerging technologies in alignment with Alberta's research and commercialization priorities as defined in ATIS. Eligible applicants include researchers from Alberta post-secondary institutions like colleges, polytechnics, and universities. Additional criteria include:
- The applicant must be authorized to undertake the proposed project and be in a position to sign a grant agreement with Alberta Innovates.
- The applicant should not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to past financial standing issues.
- The applicant must maintain a physical presence in Alberta.
- Projects must align with the objectives of the CASBE Program and meet NSERC's eligibility criteria.
- Technologies developed must be within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2 to 6.
Partner Eligibility
Industry partners participating in the CASBE Program must be for-profit SMEs with at least two full-time employees and a history of operations in Alberta for at least two years. These partners must be legal entities incorporated or registered in Alberta, in good financial standing with Alberta Innovates, and free from conflicts of interest.
Application Process
The application process for the CASBE Program involves several steps:
- Contacting the CASBE program manager to discuss the proposal and assess initial alignment with program requirements.
- Submitting the Post-Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies (PSIET) Intake Form via the Alberta Innovates online portal (SmartSimple).
- On receiving approval of the PSIET Intake Form, submit the AI CASBE NSERC Full proposal through SmartSimple, including a draft of the corresponding NSERC application form.
Applicants must ensure all elements of the application are completed. For Stream I (NSERC ARD), include conditional approval from Alberta Innovates in the NSERC application. For Stream II (NSERC Alliance or Alliance Quantum), align with specific instructions, including selecting the appropriate type of call and adding Alberta Innovates as a joint call funding partner or other funder, respectively.
Applicants with recently approved NSERC research grants can also apply by contacting the CASBE program manager with the approved project description and additional R&D activities for alignment assessment.
Evaluation and Decision
Applications are evaluated by Alberta Innovates based on eligibility criteria, merit indicators, and alignment with program objectives. NSERC will review and evaluate applications using its processes for those conditionally approved by Alberta Innovates.
Projects approved by both NSERC and Alberta Innovates will receive funding from Alberta Innovates, with separate agreements executed by each organization.
Performance Measurement and Reporting
Alberta Innovates ties funding to the achievement of results and outcomes. Applicants must submit progress and final reports demonstrating milestone completions before receiving subsequent payments. Project outcomes may be monitored for up to five years post-completion to evaluate the benefits to Alberta.
Terms and Conditions
Approved applicants will be required to sign a standard-form Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates, detailing roles and responsibilities to ensure project success. Eligibility criteria must be met, and all funding decisions rest at the discretion of Alberta Innovates.
For further information or questions about the CASBE Program, applicants are encouraged to contact the program managers listed in the grant documentation. Alberta Innovates may update the guide periodically to reflect changes in the program.
