Emerging Innovators Challenge
Highlights
The Emerging Innovators Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for your business to secure up to $5 million in funding. This program is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises like yours overcome barriers and bring transformative technologies to market faster. With funding sourced from the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, you can de-risk your projects and reduce the time it takes to commercialize your innovations.
What’s in it for you?
- Significant financial support: Up to $5 million per project, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
- Flexibility: Funding can be used for scale-up, pilot, demonstration, and first-of-kind projects.
- Expert review: Your submission will be evaluated by a team of experts in science, engineering, business development, and more, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
By being approved, you can accelerate your project development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a sustainable net-zero economy in Alberta. The application process is competitive but straightforward, making it easier for you to qualify and benefit from this substantial financial support.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms:
- No repayment required. This is a non-repayable grant.
Eligible Expenses:
- Scale-up projects
- Pilot projects
- Demonstration projects
- First-of-kind commercial implementation projects
Ineligible Expenses:
- Technologies aligned with concurrent ERA funding calls (e.g., hydrogen, zero-emission vehicle infrastructure)
- Business-as-usual energy efficiency retrofits and audits
- Technologies previously eligible for ERA’s Energy Savings for Business Program suite of funding
Fees:
- No fees associated with the program
Qualifications
- Must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees.
- Strong preference for lead applicants based in Alberta.
- Projects must be piloted, demonstrated, or deployed in Alberta.
- Must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition for reducing GHG emissions in Alberta or enabling a sustainable net-zero economy in the province.
- Indigenous communities and/or organizations are eligible.
- Eligible for up to $5 million in funding with a minimum request of $250,000.
ERA contribution to a single project will not exceed 50% of the project’s eligible expenses.
Disqualifications:
- Large corporations.
- Government labs.
- Municipalities.
- Post-secondary/research organizations.
- Commercialization accelerators/incubators.
- Technologies aligned with concurrent ERA funding calls, including hydrogen and zero-emission vehicle infrastructure.
- Business-as-usual energy efficiency retrofits and audits.
- Technologies previously eligible for ERA’s Energy Savings for Business Program suite of funding.
Description
This program offers up to $5 million to support your business in developing innovative technologies. You can use this money for projects like scaling up, piloting, demonstrating, or implementing new technologies. The minimum amount you can request is $250,000, and the program will cover up to 50% of your project’s eligible expenses.
The funding can help you:
- Reduce the risks associated with your projects.
- Speed up the time it takes to bring your products to market.
- Focus on areas like digital solutions, advanced materials, and low-emission technologies.
This is a great opportunity for your business to get financial support and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a sustainable future. The deadline to apply is December 14, 2023, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
Program Steps
Review Application Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the guidelines provided in the "Call for Expressions of Interest" document. This will help you understand the requirements and expectations for the application.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These include:
- Business Plan
- Financial Statements
- Project Proposal
- Budget and Cost Estimates
- GHG Emissions Reduction Plan
- Any other relevant technical or commercial documentation
Register for the Informational Webinar: Attend the webinar held on October 26, 2023, to gain insights and ask questions about the application process.
Complete the Expression of Interest Template: Fill out the provided template with detailed information about your project, including objectives, expected outcomes, and alignment with the program’s goals.
Submit Expression of Interest: Submit your completed Expression of Interest by the deadline, Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time (UTC-6h).
Await Review and Feedback: Your submission will undergo a competitive review process. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the review team.
Finalize Application: If your Expression of Interest is shortlisted, you will be invited to submit a full application. Ensure all required documents are updated and complete.
Submit Full Application: Submit the full application by the specified deadline, including any additional documentation or revisions requested during the review process.
Review and Approval: The review team will evaluate your full application. If approved, you will be notified of the funding amount and any conditions attached to the grant.
Project Implementation: Upon approval, begin the implementation of your project according to the agreed-upon terms and timelines. Ensure you adhere to all reporting requirements.
Report Outcomes: Produce and submit a final outcomes report detailing project achievements, GHG reductions, job creation, and other benefits. This report will be shared publicly for the broader benefit of Alberta.