Apply For Funding For Innovative Products And Get To Market Faster

The Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing is your portal to the greater Alberta innovation community. We’re connected to local, provincial and federal innovation organizations, have innovation experts co-located with us, and we can draw upon the broader expertise of Red Deer College to help you succeed.

If you’re an entrepreneur or a small-to-medium-sized enterprise with a big idea, we want to help you connect with the programs and services you need to win in the market.

Program and network opportunities  

Depending on your company and venture, you may be eligible for the following programs and funding for innovative products. Please use the contact information provided to determine eligibility and obtain further details. 

Alberta Innovates Voucher Program 

The Alberta Innovates (AI) Micro-Voucher, Voucher and Product Demonstration Programs help small technology and knowledge-driven businesses take their ideas and products to market faster. These programs target companies seeking to commercialize new technology or innovation.

As an approved service provider for the Alberta Innovates Voucher Program, Red Deer College can assist with both the development of voucher applications and the implementation and project management of vouchers for successful recipients.

For further information on eligibility and application process, please contact the central Alberta Technology Development Advisor:

Matthew Cornall (BA, Hons)

Technology Development Advisor

Alberta Innovates 

Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network

Matt [dot] Cornall [at] albertainnovates [dot] ca

Office: 403.342.3475

Cell: 587.876.3490

National Research Council Canada - Industrial Research Assistance Program

The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is a federal initiative which assists small and medium-sized technology companies with new product development. They provide advisory services and financial contributions for qualified small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada to help them grow their businesses and innovative capacity. 

For program details, including eligibility criteria, please visit NRC-IRAP. 

If you would like more information and guidance on proposal submission please contact:

Rebecca Bjustrom

Industrial Technology Advisor

National Research Council

Red Deer Office 

Rebecca [dot] Bjustrom [at] nrc-cnrc [dot] gc [dot] ca

Office: 403.342-3457

Other Partners & Funding Organizations

Connectica

Connectica is Alberta's new self-service tool for SMEs and service providers connecting innovators to funding, programs, services and more. Simply enter your search criteria and view the list of resources available to you through innovation networks in Alberta.

Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN)

CARIN is a partnership of industry, academia, government and local economic development agencies with the purpose of promoting the creation and growth of technology and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in central Alberta. 

CARIN’s program components:

• Prototype and process development and problem solving
• Innovation, technology and business training
• Industry networking and advanced technology applications

CARIN’s more than 400 members are actively involved in RDC's Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing projects. If you would like to be added to the contact list, please email carin [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca.

Concierge

Concierge helps Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises identify and access federal and provincial government programs that support innovation. In addition to providing information, Concierge will connect you with a network of public sector partners, programs and resources to help you grow through technological innovation. 

Learn more at Concierge or contact them at 1-855-534-8433.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

NSERC aims to make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports university students in their advanced studies, promotes and supports discovery research, and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects. NSERC researchers are on the vanguard of science, building on Canada’s long tradition of scientific excellence. NSERC offers an Applied Research and Development Grant (ARD) to college researchers teamed with industry partners.  

Central Alberta: Access Prosperity

Access Prosperity is an economic development organization focused on promoting economic growth in the central Alberta region. It represents over 40 regional municipalities.  Access Prosperity is a comprehensive network and information resource about business in central Alberta.  It works with key industry leaders, business experts and government bodies to facilitate growth, global business expansion and diversification of the region.

Additional funding organizations: 

• Alberta Advanced Education
• Heritage Fund for Medical Research
• Association of Colleges and Technical Institutes (AACTI)
• InnoTech
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
• AVAC Ltd  
• Ag and Food Council
• Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMEF)    
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
• Social Sciences and Humanities (SSHRC)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSERC)
• Sustainable Development Technologies Canada (SDTC)
• Western Diversification (WD)
• Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)