Alberta Innovates -- Industry R&D Associates Program

This program helps companies reduce the cost of hiring a full-time associate to perform technical research and development work. Alberta Innovates provides funding in the form of a monthly stipend, along with up to $7,000 annually to help cover non-salary expenses.

Dollar sign symbol

Funding Amount

  • Level 1: Up to $52,500, covering up to 75% of a full-time salary (applicants must fund at least 25%)
  • Level 2: Up to $67,500, covering up to 75% of a full-time salary (applicants must fund at least 25%)
  • An additional $7,000 per year may be provided to cover non-salary costs for both levels
  • ‍

    Clipboard symbol with a small checkmark bottom right

    Eligible Applicants

    Applicant eligibility criteria:

    • Must be a for-profit SME incorporated in Alberta
    • Must not have a conflict of interest
    • Must have fewer than 500 employees and less than $50 million in annual revenue
    • Can have no more than two active Alberta Innovates Associates
    • Must not have outstanding debts with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries

    Associate eligibility criteria:

    • Cannot own more than 15% of shares in the applicant company
    • Must not have worked as an associate with the applicant before applying
    • Must have no outstanding debts with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries
    • Must reside in Alberta during the project term

    ‍

    Checkmark

    Eligible Activities

    • Must have clearly defined, critical milestones
    • Must be completed within a one-year period
    • Must comply with any additional requirements set by Alberta Innovates

    ‍

    Clock symbol

    Deadline to Apply

    Book a meeting to speak to our grants team for the latest information regarding the next application intake period or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.

    ‍

    ‍

    Apply for Funding

    88%

    Approval rating across all Canadian funding programs

    93%

    Average time savings to our clients, compared to
    businesses that apply for funding in-house
    Woman on high chair reading a book in a small room with windows