Alberta Innovates Funding Programs – Complete Guide for 2025

Published on: August 10, 2025

Author: Team Navoriah

Alberta Innovates is one of Canada’s most comprehensive provincial funding bodies, driving innovation across health, agriculture, clean technology, energy, and emerging technologies. Their programs are designed to help Alberta-based innovators—from startups to established enterprises—move ideas from concept to commercialization.

This guide covers all currently active Alberta Innovates funding programs, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, intake status, and how to apply, so you can identify the right fit for your project.

1. Voucher Program

Purpose: Supports Alberta SMEs in reducing technical and business risk during product commercialization.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) with:

  • < 500 full-time employees

  • Annual revenue < $50M

• Must contribute at least 25% of project costs in cash

• Can use up to three service providers (post-secondary institutions, R&D labs, consultants, etc.)

Funding Amount:

• $10,001 to $100,000 per project

What’s Funded:

• Product prototype development

• Advanced testing and validation

• IP assessment and protection

• Market assessment and commercialization planning

Intake: Continuous (open year-round)

Application Process:

1. Connect with a Technology Development Advisor

2. Submit an online application via the SmartSimple portal

3. Review by internal and external subject matter experts

   
   

2. Micro Voucher Program

Purpose: Designed for early-stage innovators to take the first steps toward commercialization.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME (same size criteria as Voucher Program)

• Project must be completed within 6 months

Funding Amount:

• Up to $10,000

What’s Funded:

• Early-stage design and engineering

• Initial market studies

• Patent and IP strategy development

• Small-scale testing and validation

Intake: Continuous

Application Process:Similar to the Voucher Program but with a shorter project scope and smaller funding envelope.

3. International Technology Partnership (ITP) Program

Purpose: Helps Alberta companies form international partnerships for collaborative technology development and commercialization.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME (same criteria as above)

• Must have an international project partner

• Project completion within 18 months

• First sale expected within 2 years of project completion

Funding Amount:

• Up to $250,000 from Alberta Innovates

• Must be matched by the applicant and the international partner (total project value at least $500,000)

What’s Funded:

• Joint R&D and product development

• Technology adaptation for foreign markets

• Testing and validation in international settings

Intake: Continuous

Application Process:

1. Identify an international partner

2. Connect with a Tech Development Advisor

3. Submit a Letter of Intent and full application

   
   

4. Agriculture & Environment Program

Purpose: Funds innovative solutions in agriculture, forestry, environment, clean tech, data science, and health applications.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based organizations, SMEs, or post-secondary institutions

Funding Amount:

• Varies by project scope (often $100K–$500K range)

What’s Funded:

• Sustainable agricultural practices

• Bio-based products and processes

• Emissions reduction and waste valorization

• Data-driven environmental solutions

Intake: Typically competitive with set deadlines

5. Alberta Digital Traction Program

Purpose: Supports Alberta-based tech companies in scaling their digital solutions and accelerating market traction.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME

• Must have a validated product ready for market expansion

Funding Amount:

• Up to $100,000 for commercialization and scaling activities

What’s Funded:

• Sales and marketing strategies

• User acquisition campaigns

• International market entry

Intake: Open intake (rolling)

6. Bioindustrial and Circular Innovation Program

Purpose: Accelerates commercialization of bio-based products and circular economy innovations.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME or organization in agriculture, forestry, energy, or environment sectors

Funding Amount:

• Typically $100K–$500K

What’s Funded:

• New bioproducts from agricultural or forestry feedstocks

• Circular economy technologies

• Process innovations to reduce waste and emissions

  
  

7. Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) Program

Purpose: Develops high-value non-combustion uses for Alberta’s bitumen, supporting diversification of the energy sector.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME, research institution, or industry partner

Funding Amount:

• Project-specific (often large-scale)

What’s Funded:

• Bitumen-derived carbon fibers, asphalt binders, building materials

• Pilot-scale demonstrations and commercialization activities

  
  

8. Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program

Purpose: Funds technologies that partially upgrade bitumen to reduce viscosity and improve market value.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based companies in energy and technology development

Funding Amount:

• Large-scale funding based on project scope and industry partnerships

  
  

9. Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program

Purpose: Connects Alberta SMEs with post-secondary researchers to solve technical challenges.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME partnered with an Alberta post-secondary institution

• Must contribute a portion of project costs

Funding Amount:

• Generally $25K–$100K (matched)

  
  

10. Industry R&D Associates & Commercialization Associates Programs

Purpose: Places highly qualified professionals (HQPs) into Alberta SMEs to support R&D or commercialization projects.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME with a defined innovation project

Funding Amount:

• Salary and benefits for the associate (usually 1–2 years)

  
  

11. Product Demonstration Program

Purpose: Helps innovators move from prototype to market-ready solution by funding large-scale demonstrations.

Eligibility:

• Alberta-based SME with a tested prototype

• Strong commercialization plan

Funding Amount:

• Project-specific; often significant to support real-world validation

  
  

Why Alberta Innovates Matters

For Alberta innovators, these programs can mean the difference between a stalled idea and a market-ready product. With streams for early-stage research, prototyping, commercialization, and international expansion, Alberta Innovates covers the full innovation lifecycle.

At Navoriah, we help businesses:

• Identify the right Alberta Innovates program for their stage and sector

• Build high-impact, fundable proposals

• Navigate partner matching, budget preparation, and reporting requirements

  
  

📩 Ready to Secure Alberta Innovates Funding?

We specialize in positioning Alberta-based innovators for success in competitive funding environments.

Let’s talk: info@navoriah.com Website: www.navoriah.com