Strategic Industries Technology and Knowledge Development Grant

Eligibility

Funding is open to all categories of lead applicant including technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development (R&D) organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, individuals and others, who are advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.

Applicants are not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province and be able to clearly demonstrate alignment to the program's area priorities.

Summary

Strategic Industries supports the development, demonstration, and commercialization of innovative technologies that strengthen Alberta¿s industrial competitiveness, enhance productivity, and create new economic opportunities. This will be done through the Strategic Industries Technology and Knowledge Development grant. This grant invests in projects across key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, aerospace, defence, advanced materials, food, agriculture and environment that contribute to Alberta¿s long-term growth and prosperity.

By fostering collaboration among industry, technology developers, entrepreneurs, research organizations, post-secondary institutions, and other stakeholders, Strategic Industries helps accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies and bring innovative solutions closer to market. Projects supported through the portfolios are expected to generate measurable economic, environmental, social, or technological benefits for Alberta.

The Strategic Industries Technology and Knowledge Development grant supports innovations that diversify the economy, strengthen supply chains, attract investment, create high-value jobs, and position Alberta as a global leader in emerging and high-growth industries. Through strategic investments and partnerships, this grant helps convert ideas into scalable solutions that deliver lasting value to Albertans.

The Strategic Industries Division is comprised of 4 portfolio areas:

1. Aerospace, Defence and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (ADAMM) supports the development of advanced materials, manufacturing processes, aerospace technologies, autonomous systems, and enabling platform technologies that strengthen Alberta¿s industrial competitiveness and diversification.
2. Energy supports the development and deployment of novel technologies, materials, components, and processes that improve the efficiency, reliability, sustainability, and competitiveness of Alberta¿s energy sector. The portfolio advances innovations that enable the production of natural resources, generation of electricity and the conversion, storage, transmission, and management of all energy sources while supporting emissions reduction, energy security, and economic growth.
3. Environment supports the development and application of technologies, tools, and knowledge that protect and enhance Alberta¿s water, land, biodiversity, and natural resources. The portfolio advances innovations that improve environmental stewardship, resource management, monitoring capabilities, and long-term sustainability outcomes.
4. Food and Agriculture supports advancements that improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, resilience, and value-added production through the application of emerging technologies and scientific innovation. The portfolio promotes technologies that enhance resource efficiency, environmental performance, food production, and the growth of Alberta¿s agri-food economy.

This is a continuous intake competition. There is a two-stage process consisting of an Intake Form/Expression of Interest (EOI) and Full Proposal, which is by invitation only. RSO review and RMS submissions are not required for the EOI stage. Only the Full Proposal stage of this competition will be part of the Research Management System (RMS), and approvals will be obtained electronically. 

1. Engagement and Expression of Interest
Before submitting an application, please contact the Alberta Innovates Strategic Industries team to assess if the project scope aligns with Government of Alberta and Alberta Innovates priorities and meets the requirements for project eligibility. To submit an application, an account will need to be registered via the online Application Portal, and an Expression of Interest (EOI) form will need to be completed. The EOI form is available through the portal to access, complete, and submit. Once an EOI is submitted, applicants will typically receive a decision within 2-4 weeks.

2. Full Proposal
Applicants whose EOIs are reviewed and approved will be invited to submit a Full Proposal (FP) through the online application portal. The amount of information requested and level of detail required may differ for low-dollar projects ($250,000 or less) and high-dollar projects (greater than $250,000). Applications should be submitted to the RSO for institutional approval and mandatory administrative review through the Research Management System (RMS) at least 3 days before submitting to Alberta Innovates portal. After submission through the portal, FPs will undergo a preliminary check for completeness and a comprehensive merit evaluation. Applicants will usually receive a decision within 4-8 weeks.

Overhead

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