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Part of Grants and funding

Innovation Impact Program

Funds research and innovation equipment and infrastructure at Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions to support commercialization and economic growth.

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Overview

The Innovation Impact Program (IIP) builds on Alberta’s long-standing investment in research and innovation infrastructure. Through strategic investments at Alberta’s post-secondary and research institutions, the program supports research excellence and helps translate research into intellectual property, commercialization opportunities, and economic impact. 

As Alberta’s primary provincial funding partner to the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the IIP supports investments in the equipment and infrastructure needed to attract talent, advance technology development, and strengthen Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.

The program advances the objectives of the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy (ATIS) 2.0 by accelerating innovation, commercialization and long-term economic growth and diversification.

Projects previously funded through the Research Capacity Program continue under their existing grant agreements.

What IIP funds

The program supports:

  • facilities, equipment, and instrumentation
  • applied research and technology development infrastructure
  • large-scale, shared research and innovation infrastructure

Program streams

The IIP offers 4 funding streams designed to support different types of research and innovation infrastructure projects. Applicants should review the IIP Guidelines for complete information on eligibility, funding, application requirements, assessment criteria, and other program requirements.

  • Innovation Tools

    Aligned to the CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).

    About the stream

    The Innovation Tools Stream supports investments in research equipment and instrumentation that help Alberta institutions recruit and retain leading researchers, strengthen research capacity, develop talent, and advance innovation activities with long-term commercialization potential.

    Objectives

    • Strengthen Alberta’s research and innovation capacity.
    • Support talent attraction, retention, and development.
    • Enable intellectual property creation and early commercialization opportunities.

    Eligibility

    • Eligible Alberta universities holding a CFI JELF allocation.
    • Institutions that have, or are applying for, a CFI JELF award. Submissions are restricted to:
      • October 2025 JELF Award Recipients
      • February 2026 JELF Award Recipients
      • June 2026 JELF Submissions
    • Eligible joint partnerships include:
      • Canada Research Chairs (CRC)
      • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
      • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

  • Applied Solutions

    Aligned to the CFI College Fund.

    About the stream

    The Applied Solutions Stream supports infrastructure that helps colleges and polytechnics undertake applied research, technology development and industry-driven innovation activities that address challenges and opportunities in Alberta’s priority sectors.

    Objectives

    • Support industry-aligned applied research.
    • Strengthen partnerships between institutions and industry.
    • Enable testing, prototyping, and demonstration activities.
    • Accelerate adoption and implementation of innovative products, services and processes.

    Eligibility

    • Eligible Alberta colleges and polytechnics recognized by CFI.
    • Institutions that have submitted a CFI College Fund application.

  • Innovation Hubs

    Aligned to the CFI Innovation Fund.

    About the stream

    The Innovation Hubs Stream supports large-scale shared research and innovation infrastructure that strengthens Alberta’s innovation ecosystem, expands collaboration opportunities and creates environments capable of supporting research, commercialization and technology development at scale.

    Objectives

    • Support major shared research and innovation infrastructure.
    • Strengthen industry, institutional and partner collaborations.
    • Expand Alberta’s intellectual property and commercialization capacity.
    • Deliver long-term ecosystem and economic impacts.

    Eligibility

    • Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions recognized by CFI as eligible.
    • Institutions that have submitted a CFI Innovation Fund application. Multi-institutional submissions are permitted. A notice of intent is required by November 30, 2026, 4:30 pm Alberta Time.

  • Exceptional Opportunities

    Aligned to the CFI Exceptional Opportunities Fund where applicable

    About the stream

    The Exceptional Opportunities Stream supports high-priority and time-sensitive opportunities that cannot reasonably wait for a regular competition cycle. The stream is intended to help institutions and partners pursue exceptional initiatives that align with Alberta’s strategic priorities and would otherwise be missed.

    Use of this stream is expected to be limited and considered only in exceptional circumstances. A pre-application discussion with the Program is required before an application is submitted.

Application process

Researchers interested in applying should first consult their institution's Research Services Office (RSO) to discuss their proposed project. The RSO coordinates institutional submissions and ensures compliance with program and provincial requirements.

The Research Services Office should then:

  1. Request portal access by emailing [email protected] at least 2 weeks before the application deadline.
  2. Compile the institutional submission package, including all required application materials and supporting documentation.
  3. Submit the package through the IIP portal before the applicable deadline.

For detailed requirements and process, refer to the IIP Guidelines.

Review process

The IIP uses a multi-stage review process that combines administrative screening, federal peer review, expert assessment, and ministerial decision-making.

Stage 1. Administrative review

Technology and Innovation verifies eligibility, completeness, and alignment with program requirements.

Stage 2. CFI scientific and technical review

The CFI conducts its established scientific and technical review process.

Stage 3. Innovation impact review

An external panel of research experts assesses innovation quality and alignment with provincial priorities.

Stage 4. Commercialization impact review

An external panel of industry and commercialization experts assesses commercialization potential and anticipated economic impact.

Stage 5. Ministerial funding decision

Funding recommendations are provided to the Minister of Technology and Innovation for final funding decisions.

Funding

The IIP provides up to 40% of eligible project costs for approved projects. Funding is provided on a cost-shared basis alongside support from the CFI and institutional and partner contributions.

Funding is conditional upon:

  • meeting all program requirements
  • securing a corresponding CFI award and the remaining project funding from eligible sources

Applications that are unsuccessful through the corresponding CFI process are not eligible for provincial matching support.

  • Eligible partner contributions

    Applicants must demonstrate a credible plan to secure the remaining project funding from eligible sources, including:

    • Alberta Innovates
    • business and industry partners
    • endowments
    • institutional funds
    • licensing fees and royalties
    • non-profit organizations
    • other Government of Alberta ministries
    • other government sources
    • user fees

  • Ineligible partner contributions

    In alignment with the CFI, the following funding sources are not considered eligible partner contributions under the program:

    • Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
    • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
    • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
    • Tri-council programs, including Networks of Centres of Excellence and Canada Research Chairs

Important dates

StreamApplication deadlineDecision date
Innovation ToolsNovember 16, 2026Spring 2027
Applied SolutionsNovember 16, 2026Fall 2027
Innovation HubsNotice of intent November 30, 2026; 
Application March 1, 2027		Summer 2028
Exceptional OpportunitiesContinuous, subject to eligibilityAs required

Applications are submitted through the IIP secure submission portal. All deadlines close at 4:30 pm Alberta Time and move to the next business day when they fall on a weekend or statutory holiday. Research services offices should request portal access by emailing [email protected] at least 2 weeks before the applicable deadline.

Provincial requirements

Additional provincial requirements may apply to certain projects and institutions. These requirements complement federal program requirements and may include approvals, reviews, or compliance obligations established by the Government of Alberta.

Applicants should review the IIP Guidelines and consult their Research Services Office early to determine whether additional provincial requirements apply, including requirements related to the Provincial Priorities Act.

Resources and templates

Application resources

Reporting templates

Contact

For program inquiries, application submissions, reporting requirements, amendment requests and portal access requests, contact [email protected].

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