Alberta Innovates has introduced a new funding program offering up to $150,000 CAD to help Alberta-based technology startups accelerate commercialization, attract investment, and bring innovative products to market. The Venture Development Grant consolidates six existing funding programs into a single application process, making it easier for technology companies to access financial support at different stages of growth. The initiative aims to simplify the funding landscape for startups while providing resources to support product development, market validation, and commercialization.
Through the Venture Development Grant, eligible companies can receive up to $150,000 CAD in non-dilutive funding, covering as much as 75% of eligible project costs. Applicants must contribute at least 25% of project costs in cash. The program supports commercialization activities, including prototype development, technical validation, customer discovery, market testing, intellectual property strategy, and investment readiness. Eligible applicants must be Alberta-based, for-profit technology companies with fewer than 250 employees and annual revenues below $50 million. Companies must also demonstrate high-growth potential and be developing an innovative product or technology with commercial applications.
By bringing multiple funding streams under one program, Alberta Innovates aims to reduce administrative complexity and help founders spend more time developing their businesses.
Strengthening Alberta’s Technology Ecosystem
The new grant is part of Alberta Innovates’ broader efforts to support entrepreneurship, accelerate technology commercialization, and strengthen the province’s innovation economy. The initiative aligns with Alberta’s Technology and Innovation Strategy, which aims to create 20,000 new jobs and generate $5 billion in annual technology-sector revenue by 2030.
“Alberta’s innovators are building the companies that will power our province’s future, and they deserve a funding path that is clear and simple. The Venture Development Grant gives high-growth technology ventures one place to start and support that matches where they are, so they can spend less time navigating and more time building.”
— Lindsay Spadavecchia, Interim VP, Commercialization & Talent – Alberta Innovates
The program also includes a readiness assessment across six areas: customer, technology, business, intellectual property, team, and funding. This assessment is designed to help companies identify development gaps and determine their next steps toward commercialization. For Alberta’s growing startup ecosystem, the Venture Development Grant offers another source of government-backed, non-dilutive capital at a time when early-stage companies are seeking alternative ways to finance product development and expansion.
Applications are currently open through a continuous intake process. Interested companies can review eligibility requirements and apply through the Alberta Innovates Venture Development Grant website.
