Alberta Innovates - Research and Innovation Grants Alberta

Overview

Alberta Innovates is the Government of Alberta's research and innovation funding agency, supporting the development and application of technology to grow Alberta's economy and improve quality of life. With an annual budget of approximately $200 million, Alberta Innovates funds research, technology development, and commercialisation across Alberta's priority sectors: health and life sciences, energy and environment, digital technologies, and agriculture and food. Programs support individual researchers, startups, SMEs, and industry through a range of grants, co-investments, and ecosystem development initiatives.

What You Can Find Here

Health and Life Sciences grants for researchers at Alberta universities and hospitals
Energy and environment R&D grants for clean energy and emissions reduction innovation
Digital technologies innovation funding for AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity
Agriculture and food innovation grants for agri-tech and food processing R&D
Entrepreneurship support through the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures incubator program
Co-investment programs with industry for commercialisation and technology transfer
Campus Alberta grants for post-secondary research and innovation excellence

Who Should Use This

Researchers at Alberta universities, hospitals, and research institutes applying for project grants
Alberta SMEs developing technology in health, energy, digital, or agriculture sectors
Startups seeking Alberta Innovates commercialisation support and funding
Industry collaborators pursuing co-investment programs with Alberta research institutions
Post-secondary institutions applying for Campus Alberta or research excellence programs

How to Get Started

Step 1: Visit albertainnovates.ca to browse current funding programs and open calls
Step 2: Identify the program matching your sector (health, energy, digital, agriculture) and activity (research, commercialisation, entrepreneurship)
Step 3: Read program guidelines and check eligibility requirements
Step 4: Contact Alberta Innovates program staff before applying - they provide pre-application guidance
Step 5: Submit your application through the Alberta Innovates online portal by the stated deadline

Things to Check Before Applying

Most Alberta Innovates programs require applicants to be Alberta-based or conduct Alberta-based activities
Co-investment programs require industry or private sector matching contributions
Health research programs have different eligibility and application requirements from industry programs
Check the open funding calls section regularly - programs open and close on their own schedules

Frequently Asked Questions

What sectors does Alberta Innovates support?

Alberta Innovates focuses on four priority sectors: health and life sciences, energy and environment, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and agriculture and food innovation.

Can companies from outside Alberta apply for Alberta Innovates funding?

Most programs require Alberta residency or Alberta-based activities. Some co-investment programs may allow non-Alberta companies if they partner with Alberta institutions.

Does Alberta Innovates fund basic research?

Alberta Innovates primarily supports applied research and commercialisation. Basic research in Alberta is also supported by the federal Tri-Council agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC).

What is the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures incubator?

Alberta Innovates Technology Futures is an incubation program supporting early-stage technology startups with lab space, mentorship, access to research networks, and seed funding.

How does Alberta Innovates work with federal Canadian programs like IRAP?

Alberta Innovates coordinates with NRC IRAP and other federal programs to provide complementary support. Many Alberta companies use both provincial and federal funding for their innovation activities.