How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 150000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-10-31T00:00:00Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation?

Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation is funded by Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

What are Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation's eligibility criterias?

Incorporated in Alberta with at least two years of corporate filings At least one full-time employee on staff Business plan to commercialize the proposed innovation or service

Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation

Last Update: August 19, 2025

AB, Canada

Supports Alberta SMEs advancing innovations in energy grid modernization

Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $50,000 to $150,000

Timeline

Open Date : June 14, 2024
Closing date : October 31, 2025

Financing Type

Researchers And Facilities

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Professional, scientific and technical services

Funds Providers

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

Program status

Open

Overview of the Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation program

The Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation program offers up to $150,000 in financial support to applied research collaborations between NAIT Applied Research and Alberta-based SMEs, aiming to advance grid modernization and energy transition while reducing greenhouse gases. Eligible activities include utilizing laboratory facilities, purchasing equipment for testing, and funding research personnel dedicated to innovative energy projects.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 per project.
A 1:1 cash contribution is required from the industry partner, meaning the applicant must match the requested PSF funding amount.
Total project value is determined by the sum of the PSF funding and the industry partner's matched cash contribution.

Eligible projects & activities

Projects focused on improving energy efficiency within Alberta's electrical grid.
Initiatives supporting the adoption and integration of electric vehicles (EV) into existing energy networks.
Development and implementation of energy storage solutions for grid modernization.
Deployment of alternative energy sources, including remote energy and microgrid systems.
Research and pilot projects involving smart grid technologies.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 147,000

Testing grid-scale lithium battery systems with advanced diagnostics

$ 145,000

Pilot deployment of a community microgrid for remote integration

$ 149,000

Research and installation of smart EV charging in urban settings

$ 146,000

Implementation of smart grid sensors for real-time grid monitoring

$ 148,000

Designing a demand response platform using real-time grid data

$ 149,500

Integration of solar with storage for demand reduction pilot

Eligibility criteria of the Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation program

The company must be incorporated in Alberta with at least two years of corporate filings on record.
The company must have at least one full-time employee.
The company must have a business plan to commercialize the proposed innovation or service.

Who is eligible?

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Alberta
Companies engaged in applied research collaborations in the electrical energy sector

Who is not eligible

Businesses not incorporated in Alberta or not having two years of corporate filings registered in that province.
Organizations that do not have at least one full-time employee.
Businesses without a project aimed at the commercialization of an innovation or a service related to the modernization of electrical networks.

Eligible expenses

Use of laboratory space and equipment, including access to microgrid laboratory facilities.
Purchase of large equipment required for testing and validation.
Salaries and wages for NAIT Applied Research staff and students dedicated to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

Alberta

How to apply to the Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation program

Prepare project idea

Prepare a brief description of your project idea
Ensure the project aligns with eligible research activities and themes

Access and fill contact form

Click the application button or access the contact form
Select "Centre for Grid Innovation" as the contact center

Submit project description

Submit your brief project description through the form
Wait for follow-up communication from the business development team within 5-10 business days

Additional information

Successful applicants will be encouraged to leverage their investment with other funding programs.
Support from the Centre for Grid Innovation (CGI) is available for pursuing additional funding avenues.
Proposals must have an expected completion date no later than December 31, 2026.
Applicants can expect an initial follow-up from the business development team within 5-10 business days after submission.

Apply to this program