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Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Alberta, Canada
Supports Alberta SMEs advancing innovations in energy grid modernization
Researchers And Facilities
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : June 14, 2024
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1 employees minimum
Audience
- Startups
Activities funded
- 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:
$ 146,000
Implementation of smart grid sensors for real-time grid monitoring
$ 148,000
Designing a demand response platform using real-time grid data
$ 147,000
Testing grid-scale lithium battery systems with advanced diagnostics
$ 145,000
Pilot deployment of a community microgrid for remote integration
$ 149,500
Integration of solar with storage for demand reduction pilot
$ 149,000
Research and installation of smart EV charging in urban settings
Eligibility
- 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
1
Prepare project idea
- Prepare a brief description of your project idea
- Ensure the project aligns with eligible research activities and themes
2
Access and fill contact form
- Click the application button or access the contact form
- Select "Centre for Grid Innovation" as the contact center
3
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.
