NSERC-Alberta Innovates Advance Grants

NSERC Alliance Advantage – Alberta Innovates Advance grants invest in projects that, in alignment with Alberta's innovation and technology strategies, advance discoveries to develop emerging technologies that can generate economic, environmental, health and social benefits for Albertans and Canadians. The program has two streams: Stream I offers supplemental funding to Alberta researchers with active NSERC Discovery grants, providing up to $20,000 per year for a maximum of two years. Stream II is the general stream where individual proposals can request a maximum of $150,000 per year for a maximum of two years, with Alberta Innovates providing up to $100,000 per year and NSERC matching at 50% up to $50,000 per year. Projects must advance the readiness of technologies for future market opportunities in emerging technology areas at technology readiness levels (TRL) 2 to 4. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic research and technology validation, supporting activities such as scientific technology assessment, characterization of inventions, proof-of-concept experimentation, testing potential in laboratory environments, and data gathering and analysis. Key goals include improving research efforts that could lead to proof of new ideas, development of emerging technologies, transfer and commercialization of technologies, and development of highly qualified personnel for Alberta and Canada.