Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP)
AB, Canada
Alberta's pilot program enhancing lab access for tech developers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 31, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) Pilot in Alberta aims to improve access to laboratory services for early-stage emissions-reducing technology developers by providing up to 60% of project costs, with a maximum funding of $60,000 per project. Eligible activities include experimental design, empirical studies, sampling, testing, imaging, characterization, and prototyping to advance novel technology solutions.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers flexible financing modalities to support Alberta-based SMEs in advancing their technology solutions by subsidizing lab services through participating PSIs. Funding is aimed at reducing the financial burden on early-stage technology developers while ensuring high-quality and timely service delivery.
- A maximum of 60% of the nominal project cost can be covered by the LSIP incentive, up to a ceiling of $60,000 per lab services project.
- Any single client may accrue LSIP support across multiple projects, with a total incentive cap of $100,000 per client.
- Projects with costs below $20,000 are ineligible, and those above $100,000 receive a capped incentive.
- An additional incentive allows for up to a 10% project cost allocation to support PSI administration and lab personnel directly.
- A portion of funding supports hiring up to 1.0 FTE for admin roles facilitating lab access and service coordination at each PSI.
- Claims for funded projects are submitted on a quarterly basis.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) in Alberta aims to support early-stage technology development by enhancing access to laboratory services essential for advancing clean technology solutions. Eligible projects include various lab services to test, validate, and develop novel technologies.
- Experimental design for technology testing and validation.
- Conducting empirical studies to support innovation in emissions reduction.
- Sampling and compositional analysis to characterize novel solutions.
- Testing and imaging of prototypes to enhance technology readiness.
- Characterization work necessary to advance material and component improvements.
- Prototyping activities requiring specialized equipment and facilities.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 150,000
Establish a community technology hub with digital access
$ 20,000
Launching an artisan coffee roasting small business
$ 25,000
Creating an online platform for local art promotion
$ 20,000
Developing a community garden and educational workshops
$ 30,000
Building a sustainable clothing line using recycled materials
$ 15,000
Establishing a digital literacy program for seniors
$ 35,000
Launching a health and wellness mobile app
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's profile and operational footprint in Alberta.
- The applicant must be an Alberta-based, for-profit enterprise.
- Applicants are not required to be incorporated in Alberta but must have a material, demonstrable Alberta footprint.
- The applicant must be a small-medium enterprise (SME) defined as having no more than 499 employees.
- The applicant must be working to progress a technology solution relevant to the energy, environment, and emissions reduction objectives of the LSIP program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) include Alberta-based, for-profit small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with no more than 499 employees. These businesses should have a significant operational presence in Alberta. The grant aims to support enterprises working to advance technologies in the energy, environment, and emissions reduction sectors. Applications for LSIP incentives will be made by participating post-secondary institutions on behalf of SME clients, and will help to reduce the cost of lab services provided to these clients.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Non-Alberta-based companies without a demonstrable Alberta footprint.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Large enterprises with more than 499 employees.
- Companies not involved in technology solutions related to energy, environment, or emissions reduction.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) include costs directly related to the provision of lab services conducted by Alberta post-secondary institutions to advance novel technology solutions.
- Direct labour costs for PSI employees and/or contractors delivering lab services, including benefits where applicable.
- Materials, supplies, and other consumables used in the provision of lab services.
- Charges for the use of major capital equipment, based on utilization rates and applicable pro-rations.
- Licensing fees for intellectual property and software, pro-rated to usage.
- Courses, certifications, or other professional development for PSI staff involved in delivering the lab services.
- Overhead costs up to a maximum of 20% of expenses above.
- An additional 10% surcharge on all expenses for specific service delivery incentives.
- Costs for 50% of 1.0 FTE support staff at each PSI for the program duration.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies that have a significant physical presence in Alberta, Canada. The funding aims to support enterprises that are actively contributing to the technological advancements within the sectors of energy, environment, and emissions reduction.
- Enterprises with a notable operational footprint in Alberta, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria intended to ensure that funded projects align with the Lab Services Incentive Program's objectives to facilitate lab services access and support technology advancement in Alberta.
- Alignment with program objectives: Projects must clearly contribute to the progression of innovative technology solutions in energy, environment, and emissions reduction, aligning with the LSIP goals.
- Capacity to progress on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale: Projects should demonstrate potential to advance technologies closer to commercialization, showcasing improvements in performance, validation, or cost.
- Feasibility and clarity of the lab service project plan: The implementation plan should be well-defined and feasible, ensuring efficient and effective use of lab services to achieve project goals.
- Potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing: Projects should contribute to capacity building and foster meaningful collaborations between PSIs and SMEs.
- Responsiveness and efficiency: The ability of the project to meet timelines and budget targets will be considered, highlighting efficient use of resources.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP):
- Step 1: Identify Needs and Engage with PSI
- Determine the specific lab services needed for your technology development project.
- Research and engage with one of the participating post-secondary institutions: University of Alberta, University of Calgary, or University of Lethbridge.
- Discuss the potential for your project to be accepted under the LSIP program with the PSI.
- Step 2: Preliminary Project Approval
- Participating PSI submits a pre-approval form to Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) on behalf of the SME.
- Ensure the pre-approval form includes the client name, technology summary, services to be provided, and an estimate for nominal cost.
- Step 3: Project and Services Agreement
- Enter into an agreement with the PSI to define the scope of lab services and project timelines.
- Finalize the cost structure and confirm the details of the incentive inclusion.
- Step 4: Lab Services Provision and Completion
- Receive the designated lab services as per the agreed-upon plan.
- Ensure that services align with LSIP's objective of advancing technology readiness towards commercialization.
- Step 5: Post-Service Reporting and Claim Submission
- The PSI will submit a detailed claim to ERA summarizing the project costs and services delivered.
- Ensure compliance with the reporting requirement as per the contribution agreement signed with ERA.
- Step 6: Review and Disbursement
- ERA reviews the submitted claims for accuracy and adherence to LSIP guidelines.
- Approved claims lead to the disbursement of funds covering the LSIP incentive value for completed services.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications for LSIP incentives will be made by participating PSIs on behalf of SME clients, eliminating the need for SMEs to apply directly to ERA.
- PSIs are responsible for handling all coordination, planning, and contracting for lab service projects under LSIP.
- SMEs need to proactively identify lab services they require and engage with participating PSIs to assess their eligibility for LSIP benefits.
- Eligible projects are expected to conclude within 3-9 months, allowing for a relatively swift progression in technology readiness.
- Participating PSIs are accountable for the suitable use of LSIP funds and must provide comprehensive reporting to ERA.
- An advisory committee, comprising representatives from participating PSIs and other stakeholders, oversees the pilot's implementation.
- The LSIP program lacks restrictions on the stacking of funds from different sources, as long as client contributions to PSI costs are real payments.
- Starting December 1, 2024, the LSIP Pilot will be in a soft launch phase, allowing discussions with potential clients to begin.
- Participants are required to manage Intellectual Property in a non-restrictive way to promote commercialization.
Apply to this program
The Lab Services Incentive Program: Advancing Emission-Reduction Technologies
The Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) is a pilot initiative by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) aimed at offering financial support to early-stage technology developers in the energy, environment, and emissions reduction sectors. By granting up to $60,000 per lab services project, LSIP promotes the growth of innovative solutions that align with Alberta's goals for a sustainable and lower-carbon future.
Detailed Insight into LSIP and Its Strategic Role in Alberta's Innovation Ecosystem
The Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) addresses key barriers that early-stage technology developers face in accessing vital laboratory services that are crucial for advancing their technologies from concept to commercialization. With a $1 million investment sourced from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, LSIP stands as a testament to Alberta’s commitment to fostering innovation through strategic partnerships between small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and post-secondary institutions. ERA’s decision to channel the TIER fund into this program underscores the importance of accelerating technological advancement by banking on proven potentials from Alberta’s competent research institutions—University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge. These institutions provide SMEs with access to world-class laboratory equipment, expert personnel, and strong administrative support, crucial for experimental design, testing, and prototyping, all directed towards improving technology readiness levels (TRLs).What sets LSIP apart is its ability to foster collaboration across public and private sectors, effectively marrying academia’s deep knowledge with industry innovation needs. This synergy is crucial as it enables SMEs to not only de-risk their development process but also scale their solutions efficiently, thereby widening their market prospects both domestically and internationally.The LSIP funding is available on a rolling basis until December 31, 2025, encouraging continuous innovation and providing flexibility for SMEs to engage at various stages of their research and development lifecycle. A strategic facet of the LSIP is its targeted support towards projects that promise a transformational impact in the areas of energy efficiency and sustainable technology development. Such a focus not only aids businesses but aligns with broader economic and environmental objectives of reducing greenhouse gases, thus contributing to Alberta’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.Moreover, the program not only alleviates financial strains by covering 60% of lab service costs, up to $60,000 per project, thereby making high-value lab tests more accessible to those who need them most. This model not only makes participating enterprises more competitive but also positions Alberta as a burgeoning hub for clean technology innovation, offering a solid foundation for further government and private sector investments.The LSIP is crafted to overcome commercialization barriers such as high costs and administrative complexities that traditionally impede the progress of budding innovators. By reducing these obstacles, LSIP is poised to expand Alberta’s technological landscape with new, scalable innovations that are rooted in local expertise but have global relevance. Participating SMEs and PSIs will be required to provide detailed project outcomes, including advancements in technology readiness, to continually justify and refine their approaches within the framework of the program.In conclusion, Alberta’s Lab Services Incentive Program is not merely a funding mechanism but a catalyst for ensuring that innovative solutions born in Alberta are well-equipped to transition beyond conceptualization into impactful, market-ready technologies. It unwaveringly supports the ambition to create a resilient and diversified Alberta economy underpinned by clean technology and advanced research capabilities.
