Closed
Emerging Innovators Challenge
SME-led clean technology funding in Alberta
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 5,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : December 14, 2023
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to CAD 5 million per project, with total funding of up to CAD 40 million. It supports SME-led field trials, demonstrations, and first-of-kind implementations that reduce emissions in Alberta.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : December 14, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Location
- Calgary
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Technology scale-up, pilot demonstration, and first-of-kind implementation
- Field testing and operational piloting of novel technology
- Commercial demonstration of new emissions-reduction solutions
- First-of-kind deployment of technology in Alberta
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest document
- Proof of legal ownership and corporate structure
- Letters of support, if available
- Online project information in ERIMS
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Indigenous-owned enterprises
- Not-for-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Large corporations
- Government labs
- Municipalities
- Post-secondary and research organizations
- Commercialization accelerators and incubators
Eligible expenses
- Project labour and employee benefits
- Equipment and capital assets
- Materials, supplies, and consumables
- Consulting and subcontractor costs
- Eligible travel, overhead, and GHG verification costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Standalone pre-construction studies such as FEED or detailed engineering
- Costs incurred before the FPP submission deadline
- Product marketing, patenting, licensing, and copyright protection
- Land purchase or lease costs
- GST/PST and regulatory approval costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Processing and Agreement
- EOIs are reviewed and shortlisted by ERA.
- Selected applicants are invited to submit a Full Project Proposal.
- Successful applicants must sign a Contribution Agreement before funding is released.
- Funding is then paid on a milestone completion basis.
- Applicants are notified of the decision by email.
Additional information
- Applicants may submit multiple EOIs.
- ERA may share submissions with trusted funding partners, with applicant permission.
- Successful applicants may receive a formal project advisor at the FPP stage.
- Funded projects must provide public reporting of outcomes and learnings.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emerging Innovators Challenge Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Emerging Innovators Challenge. 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 Emerging Innovators Challenge?
This program provides up to CAD 5 million per project, with total funding of up to CAD 40 million. It supports SME-led field trials, demonstrations, and first-of-kind implementations that reduce emissions in Alberta.
How much funding can be received?
Emerging Innovators Challenge Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Emerging Innovators Challenge program?
To be eligible for the Emerging Innovators Challenge program, you must:
Lead applicant must be an SME.
Project must be in Alberta.
Project must involve pilot or demonstration work.
What expenses are eligible under Emerging Innovators Challenge?
Technology scale-up, pilot demonstration, and first-of-kind implementation
Field testing and operational piloting of novel technology
Commercial demonstration of new emissions-reduction solutions
First-of-kind deployment of technology in Alberta
Who can I contact for more information about the Emerging Innovators Challenge?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at applications@eralberta.ca or by phone at 780.417.1920.
Where is the Emerging Innovators Challenge available?
The Emerging Innovators Challenge program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Emerging Innovators Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Emerging Innovators Challenge is a Partnering and Collaboration