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Major innovation fund : call for proposals
Supports Alberta-led research and innovation
Funding available
$ 3,000,000 - $ 7,000,000
Deadline
November 1, 2018
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
Alberta Comprehensive Academic and Research Universities, including the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, and Athabasca University
See full eligibility
Overview
The Major Innovation Fund supports Alberta-led research and innovation projects at Alberta post-secondary institutions. It advances strategic technology development, commercialization, and talent growth through collaboration with Alberta institutions, industry partners, and eligible project costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 7,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 3,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research and innovation projects in the MIF challenge areas
- Knowledge mobilization, commercialization, and technology innovation activities
- Projects that build research excellence and innovative capacity
- Projects focused on pre-commercialization ready technologies and commercialization plans
Documents Needed
- MIF application form
- Budget
- Letters of support
- CCVs
- Cover letter authorized by a designated institutional representative at Vice-President level or above
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Alberta Comprehensive Academic and Research Universities, including the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, and Athabasca University
- Only eligible Alberta post-secondary institutions may apply and hold MIF funding
- Only eligible institutions, not individual researchers, may submit a proposal
Who is not eligible
- Individual researchers may not submit a proposal
- Industry or other partners are not eligible to apply or hold MIF funding
Eligible expenses
- Personnel, including technicians, research assistants, post-doctoral fellows, and program administration
- Students and post-doctoral fellows as per Tri-Agency guidelines
- Research operating expenditures, laboratory start-up, and supplies
- Knowledge dissemination and commercialization costs, including patent costs up to 5% of the total project cost
- Travel to partnering institutions or organizations, and professional and technical services or contracts directly related to the funded projects
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital infrastructure, including buildings
- Faculty salaries
- Indirect costs of research, including overhead costs
- Establishment of scholarships
- Sub-competitions within the program
Selection criteria
- Strategic context, including need, anticipated outcomes, strategic fit, and benefits to Alberta and Canada
- Research plan and scientific excellence
- Competitive context, including regional advantage, innovation environment, and stakeholder analysis
- Budget requirements, including costs and contributors
- Management and measurement, including governance, sustainability, risk management, and performance measurement
How to apply
- Complete the MIF Application Form.
- Send the application electronically to the contact listed in the call for proposals.
- Include a cover letter authorized by a designated institutional representative at Vice-President level or above.
- Submit the application package in the required order: MIF Application Form, Budget, Letters of Support, and CCVs.
Processing and Agreement
- A grant agreement will be developed for awarded projects.
- The agreement must be signed by both parties before payment is released.
- The agreement permits the lead institution to sub-grant to eligible Alberta partnering post-secondary institutions in line with the project scope.
- Institutions must regularly report on financial status and outcomes achieved using program templates.
- The reporting schedule includes annual progress and financial reports and regular quarterly meetings between project leads and government representatives.
Additional information
- Application status is closed.
- A grant agreement must be signed by both parties before payment is released.
- Awarded projects must regularly report on outcomes progress and financial status.
- Annual progress and financial reports are required, with regular quarterly meetings between project leads and government representatives.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Major innovation fund : call for proposals Program
What is the Major innovation fund : call for proposals?
The Major Innovation Fund supports Alberta-led research and innovation projects at Alberta post-secondary institutions. It advances strategic technology development, commercialization, and talent growth through collaboration with Alberta institutions, industry partners, and eligible project costs.
How much funding can be received?
Major innovation fund : call for proposals Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $7,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Major innovation fund : call for proposals program?
To be eligible for the Major innovation fund : call for proposals program, you must:
The lead institution must be an Alberta Comprehensive Academic and Research University.
The project must include required Alberta post-secondary and industry partnerships.
The proposal must align with the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy priorities.
What expenses are eligible under Major innovation fund : call for proposals?
Research and innovation projects in the MIF challenge areas
Knowledge mobilization, commercialization, and technology innovation activities
Projects that build research excellence and innovative capacity
Projects focused on pre-commercialization ready technologies and commercialization plans
Who can I contact for more information about the Major innovation fund : call for proposals?
You can contact Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade (JETI) by email at Neil.Sulakhe@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-427-6022.
Where is the Major innovation fund : call for proposals available?
The Major innovation fund : call for proposals program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Major innovation fund : call for proposals a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Major innovation fund : call for proposals is a Grant and Funding