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PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)
Support for innovation ecosystems in the Prairies
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
A financial contribution is available to support regional innovation ecosystems in the Prairie provinces. The program funds projects that help businesses innovate, scale up, commercialize technology, improve productivity, and support incubation.
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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 a new product or service
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Technology commercialization and late-stage product development
- Business scale-up, market development, export, and investment attraction
- Productivity improvement through technology transfer and adoption
- Ecosystem capacity building and strategic alliance development
- Business acceleration and incubation support
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Financial statements for the past two years
- Interim financial statements, if needed
- Detailed budget
- Proof of other funding sources, where available
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Post-secondary educational institutions
- Business accelerators and incubators
- Indigenous organizations
- Social enterprises
- Municipalities and other levels of government
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations, unless the project is structured as an eligible partnership
- Organizations that are not legal entities
Eligible expenses
- Labour costs, including wages and benefits
- Capital costs such as equipment and machinery
- Project-related operating costs, management fees, and working capital
- Consulting, technical, and professional service fees
- Specialized services, subcontracting, intellectual property, and promotional materials
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Refinancing existing debt
- Buying assets above fair market value
- Amortization costs
- Land acquisition and goodwill
- Costs incurred before the project funding start date
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a due diligence process.
- Projects are assessed against program objectives, market demand, economic benefits, governance, rationale, and financial capacity.
- Only projects with the highest merit and fit with RIE objectives are considered for funding.
- Selected applicants are invited to submit a full application after the EOI stage.
- Successful applicants sign a standard Contribution Agreement before funding is provided.
Additional information
- PrairiesCan provides an orientation to the reimbursement process for successful applicants.
- Successful applicants sign a standard Contribution Agreement.
- Applicants can be connected with other key players and funding sources.
- PrairiesCan encourages support for under-represented groups in the innovation ecosystem.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE). 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 PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)?
A financial contribution is available to support regional innovation ecosystems in the Prairie provinces. The program funds projects that help businesses innovate, scale up, commercialize technology, improve productivity, and support incubation.
How much funding can be received?
PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program?
To be eligible for the PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program, you must:
Not-for-profit organization
Supports businesses or innovators
Legal entity able to sign agreements
What expenses are eligible under PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)?
Technology commercialization and late-stage product development
Business scale-up, market development, export, and investment attraction
Productivity improvement through technology transfer and adoption
Ecosystem capacity building and strategic alliance development
Business acceleration and incubation support
Who can I contact for more information about the PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)?
You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.
Where is the PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) available?
The PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.
Is the PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) is a Grant and Funding