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Alberta boosts support for high-tech innovation and research

The Government of Alberta is providing additional funding for Alberta’s high-tech businesses to create a more diversified and resilient economy. 

The Enhanced Innovation Voucher and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Support program will receive $5 million in additional funding to help small innovative and technology-based businesses gain access to services and expertise they need to get their ideas and products to market.

“Our government is committed to making Alberta the best place in Canada to start a new business, build on innovation and get a new idea off the ground. This investment comes at the right time for Alberta’s high-tech researchers and entrepreneurs as we work together to build a more diverse and resilient economy.”

Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade

The program helps small and medium-sized innovative and technology-based businesses access services such as marketing, planning, feasibility or business formation, as well as accelerated technology and product development activities such as prototyping, demonstration and testing.

The program will also double the number of technology development advisers to assist businesses with technical, product development and business expertise.

“With the help of Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures’ programs, we developed and fielded a unique combustion and thermal transfer technology that has proven to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 35 per cent compared with traditional combustion technologies. The vouchers helped us with everything from a market opportunity assessment and patent protection to a commercialization associate.”

Hank Mottl, Director of Engineering, Absolute Combustion International Inc.

Small and medium-sized businesses can find more information about this program and how to apply at: albertatechfutures.ca/industryfunding

Other information

  • Budget 2015 included an additional $5 million (previously funded at $4.1 million) for the Enhanced Innovation Vouchers and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Support Program.
  • The Enhanced Innovation Voucher and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Support Program is delivered by Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF) on behalf of the Government of Alberta.
  • AITF estimates its programs led to 555 new jobs created in Alberta in 2014-15. This includes jobs in life sciences, information and communication technologies, and environmental sectors. 

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