Applied Research and Innovation Activities Program

Tech Futures is now expanding its funding opportunities to support the development of applied research and innovation activities. Campus Alberta institutions must match Tech Futures’ funding and commit to working with SMEs (which will be encouraged to contribute resources), faculty and students.

In 2011-2012, available program funding is $1,000,000.

Program funds are to be used to increase/improve industry outreach and support, including the following incremental activities:

  • Business development/commercialization personnel and/or related activities
  • Mentoring
  • Small projects, less than $7,500 (market or technical analysis, prototyping, etc.) with an SME partner, with no more than 40% of the entire funding requested to be used for this purpose


Tech Futures will

  1. Commit up to $100k/year in matched funding to any Campus Alberta institution with an approved Tri-Council Research Policy.
  2. Develop a vibrant and responsive Regional Innovation Network (RIN) program, delivering collaboration, networking, information and training support.
  3. Provide regular reviews of other jurisdictions’ progress and best practices; which the Alberta system will benchmark against and implement such best practices when reasonable.
  4. Establish a RIN Advisory Council and subcommittees to provide strategic and operational advice to Tech Futures.


Eligibility Criteria

The Campus Alberta institution must:

  1. Match Tech Futures funding on a cash basis;
  2. Have an approved Tri-Council Policy;
  3. Have submitted a Comprehensive Institutional Plan (CIP) to Alberta Advanced Education and Technology (AET);
  4. Commit to being a member of the RIN system;
  5. Have an established Industry/Innovation/Applied Research or Research Office; which acts as a portal for local industry, offers programs/services to support industry and will act as a gateway to the RIN network of services and opportunities; and
  6. Agree to Tech Futures reporting requirements and SME engagement metrics.


Please note the following institutes are not eligible for this program:

  • TEC Edmonton and Innovate Calgary, as they already receive funding from Tech Futures for these purposes.
  • The University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, as there are other sources of research funding through AET’s Research Capacity Program which support these institutions.


Application Process

The institution must submit a three page (maximum) proposal outlining the use of funds and anticipated outcomes from their use, and a letter from the President or Vice President (Academic or Research).

The proposal must include:

  • Expected outcomes that the funding will achieve.
  • Use of the funds (personnel, projects, seminars, etc.) and how this supports the institution’s plans to grow applied research and development opportunities with SMEs.

Metrics include:

  • Targeted increase in the number of companies contacted as a result of the funding.
  • Targeted number of new projects anticipated as a direct result of the funding.
  • Number of referrals made to members of the RIN system.
  • Funding leverage from proposed projects.
  • Support from other funders (other than the institution) to match this funding.
  • Other factors that the institution believes will contribute to economic development in Alberta (e.g. new jobs, new companies, sales).

The President/Vice President letter must include:

  1. Confirmation that the institution has a Tri-Council approved research policy.
  2. The institution must have completed and submitted an approved institutional research plan with AET as part of their Comprehensive Institutional Plan.
  3. Outline the level of cash support already provided to the applied research or tech transfer office (matching component).
  4. The institution agrees to become a member of its local RIN.
  5. The institution commits to accessing specialized resources for technology transfer and commercialization (not available in its institution) from within its RIN.

In response to this information, Tech Futures will create a contract with the institution and provide funding.

Deadline for indication for intent to apply: August 26, 2011
Deadline for application: September 23, 2011


For further information, please contact:

Terry Ross
Office: 403-210-5218
Cell: 403-615-8572
Skype: terry.j.ross
terry.ross@albertainnovates.ca