Lab Services Incentive Program

The Alberta Laboratory Services Incentive Pilot (LSIP) is a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development of innovative, emissions-reducing technologies in Alberta. Developed by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), LSIP supports connections between startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and Alberta’s world-class post-secondary research institutions (PSIs), offering access to specialized laboratory facilities and expertise. By subsidizing lab services such as testing, validation, and research support, LSIP helps innovators overcome financial and logistical barriers, enabling faster progress toward commercialization.  For detailed program information, download the program guide here.

Lab Capacity at UCalgary

UCalgary’s lab services capabilities for companies in the energy, environment and emissions reduction space are concentrated at the Institutional Infrastructure for Innovation (III), formerly known as the CERC Lab. III’s experienced team of engineers and scientists, in combination with advanced analytical capabilities and research-grade laboratory and bench-scale equipment, have produced a significant body of high-impact knowledge and results. Almost 20 ventures have accelerated their lab-to-market journey at the III over the last three years.

Our laboratory services cover a broad range of analytical techniques including GCFID, GCTCD, GCMS, High Temperature Simulated Distillation (D2887 and D7169), TOC/TIC/Total Nitrogen, UV-VIS, Microcarbon and LCMSMS for organic analysis. We also operate ICPQQQ, IC, TGA, DLS/Zeta, RI, VSM, Digital Viscometer, microscopy, Interfacial Tensiometer and BET for inorganic/elemental/particle analysis. In addition, we provide laboratory instrument trouble shooting and repair, method development, data interpretation, project mentoring beyond the analytical skills and has established a strong Quality Assurance / Quality Control program for published data. 

Microscopic imaging may also be accessed at UCalgary include CT, SEM, TEM and XPS.

LSIP Objectives

• Ease of access: Lab services are accessible to clients in terms of responsiveness, collaboration, and reduction of barriers to entry.
• Efficiency of delivered services: Lab services are provided within targets for timelines, budget, etc.
• Enhanced Affordability: Lab services are provided at a reduced cost to clients due to the incentive.
• Technology advancement: Technologies for which lab services are provided move up the Technology Readiness Level scale towards commercialization via improvements in performance and/or cost, validation of claims, etc. 
• Capacity building: Alberta’s PSIs and SMEs collaborate to gain and share knowledge, insights, and best practices arising from the lab services provided.