Clean Technology Program 2026-2027

Eligibility

Post-secondary institutions are eligible. The Applicant Representative (Principal Investigator) must be an eligible project holder according to UCalgary policies.

Projects must advance technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.

Summary

Alberta Innovates' Clean Technology program supports technologies and mechanisms for energy decarbonization that facilitate the achievement of net-zero goals set by industry participants. The program consists of three focus areas:

1. Renewable and Alternative Energy
2. Energy Storage and Minerals
3. Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen

To apply to any of the focus areas above, please refer to the Clean Resources Continuous Intake Program Guide. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis unless intakes are paused or closed.

Before submitting an intake form, you must contact the appropriate Clean Energy Intake Coordinator as listed on the each focus area's webpage (linked above).

Funding Considerations

Project funding can be up to and typically does not exceed $2 million per project from Alberta Innovates. The continuous intake programs normally support 25-50% of total project costs, with remaining funding from other project partners and other funding agencies (including cash and in-kind support). Alberta Innovates encourages co-funding of projects with other funding agencies and does not limit the amount of stacking towards the applicant's contribution. All applicants are expected to provide a portion of the funding towards a project, which can include cash and in-kind contributions from project partners or other sources of funds.

Submission Process

This is a continuous intake program. It is the PI's responsibility to observe the standard Research Services internal deadline of 3 business days ahead of submission to the funding sponsor.

Intake Form (Clean Resources Continuous Intake Program)

Research Services review and RMS approval are not required at this stage.

Full Application (by invitation)

Please choose the 'Clean Technology Program 2026-2027' funding opportunity in RMS.

1. Applications must be submitted to Research Services (RSO) for institutional approval and mandatory administrative review through the Research Management System (RMS) at least 3 business days (at 12:00 p.m.) ahead of submission to the funding sponsor.
2. Complete a Pre-Award/Application record in RMS and 'Submit for approvals' (Under Save & Progress) in good time to allow for approvals from your Department Head and/or ADR prior to the RSO internal deadline.
3. Upon review and approval, the PI may submit the application to the funding sponsor.

Overhead

Not applicable. Alberta Innovates does not allow overhead as an eligible expense.

Pre-application deadlines

Pre-application program deadline

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

RESOURCES

Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!

Contact the following Research Service units for support with:

Projects Involving Indigenous Research:

Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST).

Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.

Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.

For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.

Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.

EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice.

Contact edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Research Security:

The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

Pre-Award Submissions:

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application