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Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) - Alberta - Canada
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Source verified June 4, 2026

Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP)

Supports SME access to lab services
Funding available
$ 12,000 - $ 60,000
Deadline
December 31, 2025
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply

Alberta-based post-secondary research institutions

See full eligibility

Overview

This program provides up to 60% support for lab services projects, to a maximum of $60,000. It helps Alberta SMEs access post-secondary research institution services for technology development in energy, environment, and emissions reduction.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 60,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 12,000 $
  • Up to 60% of project cost

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Alberta
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 499 employees maximum
Audience
  • Startups

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Testing and validating new technologies
  • Characterization, sampling, imaging, and compositional analysis
  • Experimental design and empirical studies
  • Prototyping and related lab-based development work

Documents Needed

  • Pre-approval form
  • Project Completion Report
  • Quarterly Report
  • Summary spreadsheet template
  • Contribution agreement

Official resources

Official page

LSIP Pilot Program - Emissions Reduction Alberta

Program guide

Program Guide (2025)

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Alberta-based post-secondary research institutions
  • The University of Lethbridge
  • The University of Alberta
  • The University of Calgary

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses that are not Alberta-based
  • Organizations with more than 499 employees
  • Projects not focused on technology development
  • Open-ended research programs

Eligible expenses

  • Direct labour, including benefits
  • Materials, supplies, consumables, and utility costs
  • Major equipment usage charges and pro-rated licensing fees
  • Training, courses, and certifications for PSI staff or contractors
  • Overhead up to 20% and an additional 10% surcharge

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Land, buildings, and capital equipment purchases
  • Downstream research, such as publication writing and editing
  • Legal, regulatory, subscription, and membership fees
  • Recruitment, travel, insurance, and hospitality costs
  • Marketing, communications, and media costs

Eligible geographic areas

  • Alberta

Selection criteria

  • Alignment with program focus and ERA’s mandate
  • Potential to advance technology readiness
  • Expected service efficiency and responsiveness
  • Fit with targeted outcomes and commercialization goals

How to apply

  • Step 1: Engage a participating PSI
    • Discuss your lab services needs with an eligible PSI.
    • Determine whether the project may qualify for LSIP support.
  • Step 2: PSI submits pre-approval request
    • The PSI submits a pre-approval form to ERA.
    • The form includes the client name, technology summary, services, and nominal cost estimate.
  • Step 3: ERA reviews the request
    • ERA pre-approves eligible projects.
  • Step 4: Carry out the project
    • The PSI and client proceed with the work and track project costs and outcomes.
  • Step 5: Submit claims after completion
    • The PSI submits the project completion report and quarterly claim through ERA’s Grant Manager system.
    • ERA disburses funds for completed projects on a quarterly basis.

Processing and Agreement

  • PSIs submit a pre-approval form for candidate projects
  • ERA reviews and pre-approves eligible projects
  • PSIs and clients carry out the work and track costs
  • PSIs submit completion and quarterly claims through ERA’s Grant Manager system
  • ERA monitors spending and program outcomes, with sample-based audits possible

Additional information

  • Applications are submitted by participating PSIs on behalf of SME clients.
  • ERA may publish aggregated, anonymized program outcomes.
  • Individual project information may be shared with client permission.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) Program

What is the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP)?

This program provides up to 60% support for lab services projects, to a maximum of $60,000. It helps Alberta SMEs access post-secondary research institution services for technology development in energy, environment, and emissions reduction.

How much funding can be received?

Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $60,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) program?

To be eligible for the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) program, you must: Alberta-based for-profit SME Up to 499 employees Technology development focus

What expenses are eligible under Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP)?

Testing and validating new technologies Characterization, sampling, imaging, and compositional analysis Experimental design and empirical studies Prototyping and related lab-based development work

Who can I contact for more information about the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP)?

You can contact Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).

Where is the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) available?

The Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) program is available the province of Alberta.

Is the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) is a Researchers And Facilities