Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Innovation Catalyst Grant
Supports STEM entrepreneurs to commercialize hardware technologies
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: The Innovation Catalyst Grant page now shows detailed eligibility, application steps, funding terms, and cohort information, including that applications are closed and fellows may receive up to $250,000 over 2 years.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: The Innovation Catalyst Grant page now shows detailed eligibility, application steps, funding terms, and cohort information, including that applications are closed and fellows may receive up to $250,000 over 2 years.
Innovation Catalyst Grant details expanded
The Innovation Catalyst Grant content now includes full program guidance on eligibility, how to apply, and successful applicants instead of only the brief fellowship description. It now states that applications are closed, fellows may receive up to $250,000 over 2 years, and applicants must be recent Master’s or PhD STEM graduates who can commit full-time and work in Alberta after the fellowship. The page also adds the application sequence, including an expression of interest through the Innovation Catalyst Grant Application Form, a full proposal by invitation, an interview and business pitch, expert committee evaluation, and final selection by the universities. The scope is now clearer as a pan-Alberta entrepreneurial fellowship focused on science-based technologies with a hardware component and a 2-year runway to commercialize products and services.
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Innovation Catalyst Grant (ICG) is a pan-Alberta entrepreneurial fellowship for recent Master’s or PhD STEM graduates. It supports development and commercialization of innovative science-based products and services with a hardware component, with up to $250,000 over 2 years in stipend and seed funding.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing and commercializing innovative, science-based products and services with a hardware component
Documents Needed
- Supplemental questions
- Acknowledgement form
- Full Project Proposal
- Budget
- Detailed curriculum vitae of applicant
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Recent Master’s or PhD graduates in STEM disciplines
- Applicants hosted by the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, or the University of Lethbridge
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are unable to commit to the Fellowship full-time
- Applicants who are maintaining monetary-based affiliations with established companies during participation
- Applicants who are attending full or part-time educational training during participation
Eligible expenses
- Personnel, including technicians, program administration, and project manager coordinating research
- Students and post-doctoral participants
- Research operating expenditures, laboratory start-up, supplies, electronic communications devices, and equipment necessary to advance project objectives
- Knowledge mobilization and commercialization costs
Selection criteria
- Predisposition towards deep technology entrepreneurship, including personal attributes, technical competency, R&D experience, and business acumen
- Professional or business-related experience and/or related knowledge
- Long-term entrepreneurial mindset and ambitions
- Commercialization potential, including innovation potential, intellectual property, required resources, and intended outcomes
- Risk identification and mitigation, plus plans to raise additional capital and collaborate with industry, academia, or non-profit partners
How to apply
- Submit an expression of interest through the Innovation Catalyst Grant Application Form.
- Submit a full proposal including a budget by invitation only.
- Interview and business pitch.
- Evaluation by Expert Committee.
- Final selection by universities.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are evaluated through a competitive, merit-based process as outlined in the ICG Program Guidelines.
- Reviewers include internal and external experts under non-disclosure agreements.
- Final decisions are made by host universities with participation and oversight by the Ministry of Technology and Innovation.
Additional information
- Applications are now closed.
- The ICG has annual intakes.
- Applicants should refer to the TRL framework when describing the current stage of their innovation and its expected progression during the fellowship.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovation Catalyst Grant Program
What is the Innovation Catalyst Grant?
The Innovation Catalyst Grant (ICG) is a pan-Alberta entrepreneurial fellowship for recent Master’s or PhD STEM graduates. It supports development and commercialization of innovative science-based products and services with a hardware component, with up to $250,000 over 2 years in stipend and seed funding.
How much funding can be received?
Innovation Catalyst Grant Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Innovation Catalyst Grant program?
To be eligible for the Innovation Catalyst Grant program, you must:
Recent Master’s or PhD graduate in a STEM discipline
Lead innovator of a science-based technology with a hardware component
Resident of Alberta with the legal right to work in Canada throughout the program
What expenses are eligible under Innovation Catalyst Grant?
Developing and commercializing innovative, science-based products and services with a hardware component
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovation Catalyst Grant?
You can contact Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade (JETI) by email at icg.program@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 587-226-3765.
Where is the Innovation Catalyst Grant available?
The Innovation Catalyst Grant program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Innovation Catalyst Grant a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovation Catalyst Grant is a Researchers And Facilities