PROGRAMS for Technology Driven Companies

Transcription

1 A SUMMARY OF PROVINCIAL & FEDERAL GRANT & CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMS for Technology Driven Companies NEXT WORKSHOP: Innovation Funding for Launching Commercialization Activities Are you a technology driven business wanting to learn more about innovation funding for your commercialization requirements join us: (If you are looking for a Commercialization Manager position, please send your CV to info@strategictimelines.com.) NOT TO MISS! TECTERRA S TECNOVATE GEOMATICS SHOWCASE June 22 nd, 2016 A Day on innovation, Commerce & Networking for the Geospatial Industry To Register: Use this discount code TECTERRAAFFILIATE for a $25 discount Strategic Timelines is a Supporting Sponsor! The SUMMARY IS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN COMPANIES ANYWHERE IN ALBERTA! Call for assistance to learn more or to contract Strategic Timelines Inc. to assist your secure innovation funding. Prepared by: Eileen Ashmore, MBA, CMC June 17 th, EileenAshmore@StrategicTimelines.com T , F

2 2 Table of Contents Securing Innovation Funding in 2016!...6 Getting Started - Where Is Your Company in the Innovation Cycle?... 7 Step 1: Mapping Your Position... 7 Step 2 Determining Your Innovation s Technology Readiness Level... 8 Step 3 Building a Strategic Funding Timeline... 8 Summary of NEW Funding Programs & Changes...9 PROVINCIAL GRANT PROGRAMS Background on the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade NEW Bill 1 Promoting Job Creation and Diversification Act NEW The Alberta Budget for Economic Development and Trade NEW Investor Tax Credit Background on Alberta Innovates Corporations Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Capacity Building Programs Micro-Voucher, Voucher & Product Demonstration Program Micro-Voucher Program* TRL 2-4 NEW Investment Voucher Program* NEW TRL 3 to Product Demonstration Program ( PDP )* TRL 7, 8 & NEW Commercialization Associates Salary Grant* NEW TRL Above R&D Associates Salary Grant* TRL Alberta Ontario Innovation Program (OAP) Productivity EdTech Challenge NEW Alberta Jalisco Program GE Accelerator Program & AITF Pilot Partnership Alberta Finland Innovation & Commercialization Program Health Product Development Support Program (TRL 4, 5) No EOI Calls Clinical Demonstration Program (CDP) EOI s Accepted on An Ongoing Basis NEW The ASBIRI Small Business Innovation and Research Initiative NEW Alberta-Zhejiang Global Partnership Program Alberta Innovates Energy and Environmental Solutions Next Generation Energy Storage Technologies - $2 Million Request for Qualifications: Establishment of Pre-Qualified Vendors for Project Management Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions Alberta Bio Future Product & Technology Commercialization Program NEW... 24

3 3 TECTERRA - Geomatics Technology Innovation Industry Investment Projects* NEW COSIA Joint Industry Project (JIP) Program Commercialization Support Services Funding Program (CSS)* TECTERRA & PTAC* The Tradeshow Attendance Program (TAP)* GEO Placement Program* Canada France TECTERRA and AxLR SATT Memorandum of Understanding NEW TECTERRA S TECNOVATE GEOMATICS SHOWCASE June 22 nd, Nano Technology Innovation ACAMP Nanobridge Other Alberta Initiatives Alberta Germany Collaboration Fund C-FER Technologies Productivity Alberta now Go Productivity Service Support Programs AlbertaIN NEW CCAT / KNOVO Sector Specific Technology Service Providers CETAC West Decentralized Energy Canada (DEC Canada) Futurpreneur.ca (was Canadian Youth Business Foundation) KINETICA Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada - PTAC TRTech Financing Programs Non-Dilutive NEW Additional Financing Business Development Bank of Canada NEW ATB Financing AFSC Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Alternative Lending Products Investment Groups Dilutive Funding AVAC Ltd. Verdex Capital... 32

4 4 A List of Investment Groups Federal Ven Cap Action Plan A List of Organizations Supporting Technology Innovation FEDERAL GRANT & CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMS NEW Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development National Research Council Program (NRC) NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)* NRC Business Innovation Access Program (BIAP) No Longer Available NRC - CMC-Canada s Management Advisory Service Program (MAS)* NRC IRAP EUREKA Program NRC Youth Employment Program* NRC Concierge Service Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council NSERC* Mitacs* All Other Federal Support Programs Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP)* Canada Israel Energy Science & Technology Fund (CIEST) Canada Media Fund Canada s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Accelerations Projects CENGN Export Development Canada (EDC) Going Global Innovation Program Now Under the Global Commerce Support Program (GCSP) Industry Canada Industrial and Regional Benefits Defence or Security Contracts Industry Canada Technology Demonstration Program International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTP) LOOK North R&D Program The Digital Accelerator for Innovation and Research (DAIR) Wavefront* Western Economic Development Initiative The WINN* WED - The Canada Community Infrastructure Program NEW CLIMATE CHANGE INNOVATION FUNDING Provincial & Federal NEW Environment Focused Funding Programs Clean Energy Fund Existing Programs Carbon Management Canada Research Institutes CCEMC* - Alberta Environment-Climate Changes and Emissions Management Corporation... 42

5 5 Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)* TRL 7 & Also Check: CETAC, PTAC and DE Canada NEW GLOBAL TRADE SUPPORT Provincial & Federal NEW NAME - Global Affairs Canada Canadian Trade Commissioner Service NEW CanExport Program NEW NAME - Alberta International and Intergovernmental Affairs EMPLOYMENT FUNDING Alberta Businesses Job Creation Incentive Program PROGRAM CANCELLED Canada-Alberta Job Grant* Canada Business Network Wage Subsidies NEW CICAN Clean Tech Internship Employment & Social Development Canada Career Focus Program Hiring / Internship Programs: ICT Council Career Connect Program NEW Information & Communications Technology Council GO Talent SAIT Practicums & More Start Up Visa Work Sharing Program Also Check Out AITF, NRC & TECTERRA HQP Hiring Programs LINKS TO FUNDING INFORMATION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT Federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development Alberta Scientific Research and Experimental Development YOUR STRATEGIC FUNDING TIMELINE NOTES ON YOUR FUNDING REQUIREMENTS WHY STRATEGIC TIMELINES INC.? ABOUT CMC - CANADA Appendix A A Summary of the Federal Budget Appendix B Notes on the Alberta Budget For a quick update on NEW Programs/NEW Funding Changes check out Page 9 For a summary of innovation initiatives as outlined by the FEDERAL & ALBERTA BUDGETS check out Appendices A & B

6 6 Securing Innovation Funding in 2016! With today s innovation funding programs, development and commercialization work can be advanced that much quicker than in the past by leveraging innovation funding that is currently available to Alberta technology companies. Never before has there been as much innovation funding and support services to assist technology driven businesses move forward with development and commercialization work. Securing innovation funding often leads to securing more innovation funding, and, with this success, can lead a technology driven business to successfully securing dilutive funding seed, angel and venture capital. Writing funding applications can be very challenging, and, many funding organizations are also asking for your business plan and financial statements/projections. If your company is eligible for funding, Strategic Timelines assists you prepare your application in a way that significantly increases your odds of securing funding. In addition to assisting you secure innovation funding, Strategic Timelines can be contracted to assist you with research and commercialization readiness services. The following consulting services are funded through various funding programs as follows: To conduct a market assessment - funded by AITF s Micro & Investment Vouchers To provide consulting services for business planning, commercialization readiness planning, commercialization strategy development and planning, go-to-market strategies/plans, opportunity assessments, feasibility study, and, market, customer & competitor research funded through TECTERRA S Commercialization Support Services Program (CSS), and To provide advisory services for business planning, market assessment and competitor analysis - funded by the NRC/CMC Management Advisory Program (MAS). Call for a consultation for assistance in directing you to funding programs and / or for consulting services to commercialize your technology. Strategic Timelines is available for hire to assist you successfully secure innovation funding and move your business forward call

7 7 Getting Started - Where Is Your Company in the Innovation Cycle? This document contains most of the major provincial and federal funding programs supporting technology driven businesses through concept, development, prototyping, testing, demonstration through to product launch to full commercialization. To make it easier for you to find the programs that are of most benefit to you, check out the 20 Main Innovation Funding Programs they are marked with an asterisk throughout this document. To determine which funding programs might be available to your company, follow these 3 steps: Step 1: Mapping Your Position To find the most appropriate grant programs for your stage of development and commercialization, determine where your business is in the technology development cycle. Where is your company in the development to commercialization continuum? Check out the following graph: Development Valley of Death Who is buying your product and how will you move to the next buyer set?

8 8 Step 2 Determining Your Innovation s Technology Readiness Level The table below provides TRL definitions and also indicates where AITF s programs fall in the TRL scale. NEW: The AITF Investment Voucher now covers TRL 3 & 4, and, 5 &6. The Product Demonstration Programs funds projects at TRL 7, 8 & now 9. Step 3 Building a Strategic Funding Timeline Carefully review the innovation programs described in this Summary and note key programs in a funding timeline table at the end of this document. Once you ve taken these 3 steps, you ll have a better idea of the types of funding programs available for your company.

9 9 Summary of NEW Funding Programs & Changes Throughout this Summary, you ll see red font text to show that a new funding program has been added, or, if there s been a change to a current funding program. NEW / CHANGES TO PROGRAMS NEW The Alberta Investor Tax Credit AITC Page 11 MANY NEW CHANGES as of November, 2015 to: Micro Voucher, Investment Voucher, PDP, Commercialization & R&D Associates - Pages NEW The Alberta Small Business Innovation Research Initiative ASBIRI Page 23 NEW The Alberta-Zhejiang Global Partnership Program Page 23 NEW TECTERRA COSIA JIP Page 26 NEW - TECTERRA S TECNOVATE GEOMATICS SHOWCASE June 22nd, 2016 NEW - Alberta Bio Future Product & Technology Commercialization Program Page 24 NEW SDTC CCEMC Partnership Page 42 NEW CanExport new funding for export initiatives Up to $99, per company - Page 43 INFORMATION ON ALBERTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE NEW Alberta Provincial Economic Development & Trade Ministry Page 10 Bill 1 PROMOTING JOB CREATION AND DIVERSIFICATION ACT Page 10 NEW SECTIONS AlbertaIN Page 29 Financing Sources Non Dilutive Page 31 Investment Groups Dilutive Page 32 Climate Change Innovation Funding Page 41 Global Trade Funding Support Page 43 Employment Funding Page 44 RECENT FEDERAL AND ALBERTA BUDGETS Federal Budget Page 51 Provincial Budget Page 55 NEW INFORMATION COMING IN THE FUTURE Bill 11: Alberta Research and Innovation Amendment Act, 2016 Bill 20: Climate Leadership Implementation Act Changes with the amalgamation / formation of the Alberta Innovates Corporations The following summarizes the main provincial and federal grant and contribution programs available to technology driven companies there are over 60 funding programs and over 60 support services listed to assist you.

10 10 PROVINCIAL GRANT PROGRAMS Background on the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade The NEW Ministry of Economic Development and Trade was established October 2015 as per the new NDP Budget. Alberta Innovates Corporations including Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, Alberta Innovates Bio-Solutions, and, Alberta Innovates Energy & Environment Solutions are now under the NEW Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. As of October, $228M of the $299 budget was allocated to the Alberta Innovates Corporations Alberta Innovates Tech Futures, Alberta Innovates Energy & Environment Solutions and Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions. Another $5 million in investment to the voucher programs has been provide along with doubling up on hiring Technology Development Advisors throughout the province. As of the March 8 th, 2016, the day of the Throne Speech, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade introduced Bill 1 Promoting Job Creation and Diversification Act. Bill 1 will form the cornerstone for job creation and diversifying the Alberta economy for years to come. NEW Bill 1 Promoting Job Creation and Diversification Act The following summarizes the Minister s mandate for the establishment of programs. The Minister may establish programs that focus on supporting working people and job creators, attracting investment and diversifying Alberta s economy, including, without limitation, programs that (a) create partnerships that support entrepreneurship and a focus on innovation, (b) increase access to capital, (c) help businesses to grow and succeed, (d) help working people upgrade their skills and secure employment, (e) help communities and regions build on their economic strengths, (f) increase the development and adoption of Alberta innovations, and (g) support export development. AITF may be one of the main conduits for delivering services as outlined in Bill 1. More to come on this in the future. As per the April 14 th, 2016 Budget the following provides information on the budget for Economic Development and Trade. NEW The Alberta Budget for Economic Development and Trade Economic Development and Trade. Consolidated expense is budgeted at $343 million in This budget includes $183 million in transfers to the Alberta Innovates Corporation, as four corporations are amalgamated into one under this ministry in Economic Development and Trade is leading implementation of the new jobs, investment and diversification package. Over two years, this $250 million package will provide:

11 11 $90 million for a new Alberta Investor Tax Credit that will provide investors a tax credit for investing in eligible small and medium enterprises in Alberta. $75 million for a new Capital Investment Tax Credit that will provide a tax credit supporting the first time acquisition of new and used property in value-added agriculture, manufacturing and processing, tourism and culture industries. $25 million for the Alberta Enterprise Corporation. This will be invested by the Corporation in early stage as well as clean technology focused venture capital to spur innovation and help grow companies and increase employment in this sector. This is in addition to the $50 million included in Budget 2015 for investments by the Corporation. $25 million for attracting and supporting new businesses. This includes $10 million in support to entrepreneurs and small or medium-sized enterprises commercialization efforts; $10 million to expand the Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator in Leduc, and $5 million to attract major new business investment or company headquarters to Alberta. $25 million for apprenticeship and training. This includes a $15 million program to support apprenticeship focused training opportunities and $10 million to provide occupationally focused training opportunities. $10 million to support regional economic development initiatives that drive investment, business growth, job creation and diversification throughout Alberta. The following section summarizes some of the main provincial grant and contribution programs supporting innovation throughout Alberta. NEW Investor Tax Credit The new 30% Alberta Investor Tax Credit (AITC) encourages investment in SME s in non-traditional sectors to diversify Alberta s economy and create new jobs. The sectors are information technology, clean technology, health technology, interactive digital media and game products, and post-production, visual effects and digital animation sectors.

12 12 Background on Alberta Innovates Corporations Alberta Innovates Technology Futures was formed as of January 1 st, AITF incorporates the past work of Alberta Ingenuity, the Alberta Research Council, icore and nanoalberta. Alberta Innovates is comprised of 5 departments (1) Bio-Solutions, (2) Health Solutions, (3) Environment & Energy Solutions, (4) Technology Futures and the (5) Alberta Research & Innovation Authority. Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) facilitates and funds technology development and commercialization of knowledge-intensive industries in Alberta. Technical services provided are advisory services, industrial research, technology assessment development & demonstration, and testing & analysis. Alberta Innovates has 90+ years of operational experience. 520 world-class scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians and business experts (nearly 100 employees have Ph.D. s) 1 million square feet of research space and 1,000+ industry clients annually 6 Regional networks currently there are 6 Technology Development Advisors in the province and this will be doubled up into The Centres program is one of Alberta s key innovation tools for creating new global market opportunities, solving global health problems and answering Alberta s energy needs for a sustainable future. The collaborative hubs are fully integrated into Alberta s universities, training Alberta s top students, working with local and international industry partners, and providing a strong platform for Alberta s next generation economy. Current Centres are: - Alberta Glycomics Centre (formerly Alberta Innovates Centre for Carbohydrate Science) - Alberta Innovates Centre for Machine Learning - Alberta Innovates Centre for Integrated Biomedical Technology (Biovantage) - Imperial Oil - Alberta Innovates Centre for Oil Sands Innovation (COSI) Now part of Alberta Innovates Energy and Environment Solutions - CETAC-West - Environmental and clean technologies - TRTech - Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Alberta Innovates also provides full or partial funding for Innovate Calgary, TEC Edmonton, TECConnect in Lethbridge, TECTERRA, PTAC and ACAMP. The Alberta Research & Innovation Authority provides strategic advice and recommendations to the Government of Alberta.

13 13 Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Capacity Building Programs There are 14 granting programs with Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) 1. The micro-voucher program for up to $10,000 - TRL The investment voucher for up to $100,000 TRL The Product Demonstration Fund up to $101,000 - $300,000 TRL The Productivity EdTech Challenge up to $150,000 - No Call for Proposal at this time 5. The R&D Salary grant for hiring Ph.D. or Masters' graduates for R&D work TRL The Commercialization Associates Salary Program for hiring a Marketing / Business Development Manager to take the technology to market TRL Above 6 7. The Alberta-Finland Innovation Commercialization Program (EOI by Request) 8. The Alberta-Ontario Innovation Program 9. Alberta-Jalisco Program 10. The GE Accelerator Program & AITF Pilot Partnership 11. Health Product Demonstration Program 12. Clinical Demonstration Program 13. NEW The ASBIRI Small Business Innovation and Research Initiative, and 14. NEW ALBERTA-ZHEJIANG GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM. Intake is now a continuous process for most of these programs. For the Micro-Voucher, Investment Voucher, Product Demonstration Program and Commercialization Associates Salary Program, please review the new Program Guides dated as of November 2015 for further detailing. Micro-Voucher, Voucher & Product Demonstration Program The Micro-Voucher Program, Voucher Program and Product Demonstration Program have been designed to support innovation and creative problem solving in the Alberta Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. These programs are for SME s - an incorporated company with fewer than 500 full time employees and less than $50,000,000 annual gross revenue. Micro-Voucher Program* TRL 2-4 NEW The Micro-Voucher is designed to support technologies in the early developmental stages, from TRL 2 to TRL 4 inclusive for early start up development with funding up to $10,000, which is paid directly to a Service or Product Provider. The Service or Product Provider provides any one or more of the following items for the benefit of the Applicant: Market assessments; Industry Development; Corporate training; Conferences (with the support of a Technology Development Advisor); Intellectual property assessments; and/or Acquisition of materials and/or equipment critical to the Applicant s operations.

14 14 The Applicant must pay a minimum cash contribution of 25% of the Project Costs directly to the Service or Product Provider. Strategic Timelines Inc. is a service provider for this program. Investment Voucher Program* NEW TRL 3 to 6 The Voucher is designed to support technologies in the mid-to-late developmental stages but may include some early developmental stages too, specifically from TRL 3 to TRL 6 inclusive. The Voucher is intended to fund the SME to work in collaboration with a Project Partner to advance the technology closer to commercialization. AITF s Investment to a successful Applicant is within the range of $10,001 to $100,000, which is paid directly to the Project Partner named in the Application. A maximum of 3 Service or Product Providers can be contracted. This voucher program is for: New product research and development; Leading-edge design, engineering and prototype development; Advanced product testing and refinement; Patent development Advanced market assessments; and/or Other technology development activities may be considered on a case by case basis. The Applicant must pay a minimum cash contribution of 25% of the Project Costs directly to the Project Partner as a deposit. Strategic Timelines Inc. is a service provider for this program for advanced market assessment. The Enhanced Voucher program topped up $4.1 million with another $5 million allowing for 200 voucher projects to be funded versus 120. These additional funds will also be used to hire 6 new Technology Advisors up from the current 6 TDA s working at different locations throughout the Province. NEW Note that the voucher programs can be accessed more than once if the application is a new application for a different technology. Product Demonstration Program ( PDP )* TRL 7, 8 & NEW 9 The PDP is designed to support technologies in the more advanced stages of development, focusing on TRL 7, 8 & 9. The PDP is intended to fund the SME to work in collaboration with a maximum of 3 Project Partner (s) for the purpose of showcasing the performance, method and features of a prototype in the general marketplace or alternately, showcasing the complete technology product to a strategic customer in an operational environment, and validating its economic and technical feasibility. AITF s investment is in the range of $100,001 to $300,000, which is paid to either the Applicant or the Project Partner named in the Application, depending on the structure of the Project. Funding is for: Technology optimization critical for market acceptance; Manufacturing of a prototype for demonstration project; Applications for regulatory approval and certifications critical for market acceptance; Testing of a prototype in an operational environment; and/or Results assessment/verification of technical data.

15 15 Before AITF advances funding, the Applicant and Project Partner must enter an Agreement governing the Investment and contribute a combined minimum of 50% of the Project Costs to the Project, which can include cash and/or in-kind resources to be applied against Project Costs as incurred. Particulars of the contribution must be provided with the Application. ELIGIBILITY The following criteria must be met for any of the above 3 grant programs: The Applicant: The Applicant must meet the following minimum requirements: Be a SME; Demonstrate why AITF s support for the Project is necessary for success; Exist as a provincially, extra-provincially or federally registered corporation which has legal status to operate on a for-profit basis in Alberta, and which retains a significant physical presence in Alberta; Show evidence of adequate operational capital and sound financial resources to develop and/ commercialize the innovation or technology; Be able to provide evidence of the viability of the technology or innovation and its market value; Be an advanced technology-oriented business developing innovative new products for growing markets; Have a plan for applying the research results, and marketing or exploiting products or processes in the best interest of the Applicant and the Alberta economy; Does not have an outstanding balance or otherwise owe money to any Alberta Innovates organization, subsidiary, or partner; Satisfy due diligence searches by AITF. as further outlined in Section 5.1; and The Service or Product Provider (Applicable for the Micro-Voucher Program only) The Service or Product Provider the person or entity named in the Application who is providing services and/or products to the Applicant during the course of the Project must meet the following criteria: Must have demonstrated qualification, capabilities and capacity to successfully perform the work required or deliver the applicable product in or for the Project in a timely manner; Must be Arm s Length from the Applicant (cannot have any legal relationship with the Applicant); Does not have an outstanding balance or otherwise owe money to an Alberta Innovates organization, subsidiary, or partner; and Must provide the service(s) and/or product(s) at reasonable market rates. The Project Partner (Applicable for the Voucher Program and PDP only) The Project Partner is defined as the entity named in the Application that will provide services and/or products to the Applicant during the course of the Project. The Project Partner must meet the following criteria:

16 16 Exist as an incorporated organization, government institution or agency, or academic institution. Note: Project Partners do not need to be located in Alberta, however the Project must be relevant to Alberta; Must have demonstrated qualification, capabilities and capacity to successfully perform the work required in the Project in a timely manner; Must be Arm s Length from the Applicant (cannot have any legal relationship with the Applicant); Must provide the service(s) and/or product(s) at reasonable market rates; Does not have an outstanding balance or otherwise owe money to an Alberta Innovates organization, subsidiary, or partner; and Must have a strong influence on a relevant target market. Mandatory attachments are the Business Plan, Financial Statements, and, Source of Funds. The Project The Service or Product Provider(s) or Project Partner(s) (as applicable) must perform the work required to complete the Project and charge the amounts for that work as set out in the quotations provided in the approved Application. The Project must meet the following requirements: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) The Application must clearly identify why Program support is necessary for the Project s success; If subcontractors are used, this must be indicated in the quote or letter of interest; For Projects under the Voucher Program or PDP, the Project activities must be stepped with a maximum of six critical go/no go Milestones; The Project must be a logical fit within the Applicant s business strategy; The Project must have a Project Start Date, as further described in Section 4.1, and the Project cannot commence prior to fully executed Agreement as outlined in Section 6.2; The Project must be completed within one (1) year of the Project Start Date for the MicroVoucher Program and within two (2) years of the Project Start Date for the Voucher Program and PDP unless an extension is specifically approved in writing by AITF as outlined in Section 6.19; and The technology or innovation should address a technology gap or current market requirement.

17 17 Commercialization Associates Salary Grant* NEW TRL Above 6 The second salary grant, the Commercialization Associates Salary Grant, addresses the growing need for highly trained business and management personnel in Alberta high-tech industries with the objective of increasing business and marketing expertise. A salary grant is available for hiring for: - Manufacturing analysis and planning - Product validation - Exploring new product market opportunities - Marketing & sales initiatives - Partnership activities including engaging clients, licensees, distributors, etc. and/or - Financial strategy. The Program is designed to fund an Applicant to employ a Level 1 or Level 2 Commercialization Associate, on a Full Time basis for the Project Term; or a Level 3 Commercialization Associate on a Full Time or Part-Time basis (see chart) for up to a maximum of two years. The following table is all new information. (A commercialization allowance of $7,000 per year is also provided.) Note the 4 new levels and funding thereof. The Commercialization Associate must meet the following minimum requirements: (a) Cannot have more than 15% ownership in the Applicant; (b) Cannot have been a Commercialization Associate for the Applicant other than in the case of a re-application as outlined Section 5.3; (c) The Commercialization Associate may be a current employee with less than six (6) months employment with the Applicant; (d) Does not have an outstanding balance or otherwise owe money to an Alberta Innovates organization, subsidiary, or partner; (e) Be prepared to be a Full Time Employee of the Applicant, unless approval is expressly given for a Level 3 Part-Time Commercialization Associate as outlined (f) Is legally entitled to work in Canada; (g) Is prepared to live in the Province of Alberta for the duration of the Investment in the Project, unless the Applicant can provide evidence that having the Commercialization Associate living elsewhere will support global market entry; and (h) The Commercialization Associate must be qualified for the role as evidenced by but not limited to, a post-secondary certification, diploma, or degree, and/or relevant business experience. Preference will be given to individuals with formal business education (such as a Bachelor of Commerce or Masters of Business Administration).

18 18 Applicant Qualifications The Applicant must meet the following minimum requirements: (a) Be an SME; (b) Demonstrate why AITF s support for the Project is necessary for success; (c) Exist as a provincially, extra-provincially or federally registered corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship which has legal status to operate on a forprofit basis in Alberta, and which retains a significant physical presence in Alberta; (d) Show evidence of adequate operational capital and sound financial resources to execute the Project; (e) Be able to provide evidence of the viability of the technology or innovation and its market value; (f) Be an advanced technology-oriented business developing innovative new products for growing markets; (g) Have a plan for applying the research results, and marketing or exploiting products or processes in the best interest of the Applicant and the Alberta economy; (h) Does not have an outstanding balance or otherwise owe money to any Alberta Innovates organization, subsidiary, or partner; (i) Is prepared to employ the Commercialization Associate as a Full Time Employee, or Part-time in the case of the Level 3 Part-Time Commercialization Associate. This provision expressly excludes hiring a contractor or consultant. If the Applicant requires either of these, it is suggested they consider a Voucher application; (j) The Applicant may not have more than 3 concurrently AITF-funded Industry Associates, combining r&d Associates and Commercialization Associates; (k) Be prepared to provide the Top-Up; (l) Satisfactory due diligence searches as further outlined in Section 5.1; and (m) Identify other sources of funding. NEW this application can be done in 2 parts where the applicant submits company information and gets approval to proceed, and, the 2 nd part is submitted once a candidate has been selected. Also note that this in application is now an online form. R&D Associates Salary Grant* TRL 1-6 The R&D Associates Salary Grant program provides a salary grant for R&D activities for hiring a Graduate of a Master s or PhD program within five years of the application date. It is a $62,000 salary grant that includes a $7000 research allowance that has the potential to be renewed in year 2. The Applicant is not required but is encouraged to subsidize the r&d associates salary beyond the investment. The salary grant can apply to research projects that are: 1. Pre-competitive research focusing on a targeted or applied research question or problem leading to Proof-of-Concept of an inventive idea. 2. Prototype development leading to a demonstration product for technology validation, market capture and new investment opportunities, and / or 3. Demonstration & feasibility investigation of innovative technologies leading to new or enhanced products and processes.

19 19 Company Eligibility: This program is available for SME s and Large Companies Candidate Eligibility: - The candidate must be qualified in the area of R&D and must either have a Master s degree or Ph.D. within 5 years prior to the funding application date. - If the candidate is currently employed by the company, it must be under 12 months to be eligible to apply for the program. Key Criteria: The submission must clearly outline the initiative project description, project plan, describe R&D facilities, describe the training environment and provide the commercialization strategy. Information on the candidate must be detailed including letters of reference, academic record, career track record, and candidate suitability. Benefits must be clearly outlined with regard to the candidate growth and the company growth. Note that if both the R&D Salary Grant & Commercialization Grant are accessed, Start Up & Large Companies are limited to maximum 2 concurrent recipients and SME s to 3 concurrent recipients. Alberta Ontario Innovation Program (OAP) The Alberta-Ontario Program supports cross-provincial collaborations between industry and academia to solve key industry challenges in both provinces. The program is managed by Alberta Innovates- Technology Futures (AITF) and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE). Industry-academic projects can also leverage existing NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) programs that fall within NSERC's mandate. The Alberta-Ontario Program focuses on industry needs that can be tackled through research and development activities and have economic benefits for both provinces (e.g. jobs creation or retention, increased productivity, increased ROI, innovation, etc.) In general, companies may exploit research results for their own advantage or that of their supply chains. AITF and OCE can connect companies within each province. Industry can be connected to the best researchers who can provide innovative solutions to real-world challenges. OCE and AITF will use talent matching capabilities if needed by the companies. This program will support projects that develop innovative products and/or services addressing industrial challenges in priority areas for Alberta and Ontario. EOI s are closed at this time. Typical activities: 1. Applied research and development that moves innovations to market or sector-wide adoption. 2. Activities leveraging Highly Qualified Personnel (students, postdoctoral fellows, research assistants and technicians) and resources in both provinces leading to product or process development, product design and validation, demonstration, pilot trials and early-stage clinical evaluations of approved devices that demonstrate feasibility to customers and/or investors. 3. Activities that confirm the market potential, customer demand, and commercialization plan for the innovation. 4. Use of unique facilities and equipment available in the academic institution.

20 20 Sectors: Advanced materials and manufacturing, energy and environment (including water), Nanotechnology, Agriculture, forestry, Advanced health technologies, Life sciences, biotechnology, Information, communications technologies, digital media. The Alberta-Ontario Program will provide funds to approved projects as follows: - AITF can contribute a minimum of $50,000 and up to a maximum of $250,000 CAD. - OCE can contribute a minimum of $50,000 and up to a maximum of $250,000 CAD. - For industry-university projects, NSERC CRD may match the cash contribution from industry, exclusive of overhead, up to twice the net industry cash if the in-kind contribution is at least the same as the net industry cash. - For industry-college projects, NSERC ARD grant may match industry's total cash and/or in-kind contributions. Industry partner(s) are required to match 1:1 the AITF and OCE contributions with cash. A matching inkind contribution is also required. For example, if OCE and AITF each contribute $50,000, the industry partner(s) are required to provide a total of $100,000 in cash and $100,000 in-kind. In-kind contribution may be matched by NSERC if the researcher is from an academic institution. OCE funds flow to the academic partner; AITF funds may flow to AITF's research centers, National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) researchers, academic partner or the industry partner to offset some of the R&D costs (i.e. research activities) directly associated with the proposed projects. Where NSERC eligibility applies, NSERC CRD may match the cash contribution from industry, exclusive of overhead, up to twice the net industry cash provided the in-kind contribution is at least the same as the net industry cash. See sample calculation below for NSERC CRD grants. Gross Contribution ($) Institutions Overhead ($) (35% example) Net Contribution ($) NSERC CRD Leverage ($) Industry Cash 50,000 12,962 37,037 37,037 Industry Inkind* 50, ,000 37,037 Total Industry 100,000 12,962 87,037 74,074 CRD Grants support well-defined projects undertaken by university researchers and their private-sector partners. Project Composition Eligibility At least one industry partner(s): a) industry partner with operations both in Alberta and Ontario, b) multiple industry partners (one with operations in Ontario, the other one with operations in Alberta). One research partner from an Ontario accredited public academic institution (university, college). One research partner from an Alberta accredited public academic institution (university, polytechnic, or college), AITF, NINT researcher or industry partner R&D. A project duration of no more than 24 months. Industry Partner Eligibility All projects must involve at least one eligible industrial partner that is in a position to apply and benefit from the results of the project.

21 21 Must exist as a provincially or federally registered corporation, partnership or a sole proprietorship that has legal status to operate in either Alberta or Ontario and which retains a significant physical presence in either Alberta or Ontario. Must be for-profit. Must be an innovation-driven business developing products or services addressing industry innovation challenges. One of the companies can play the role of demonstrating the product or services to be commercialized in either province. Must be in good financial standing with OCE and AITF. Must be a company with sound business plans and secure financial backing. Productivity EdTech Challenge With support from Innovation and Advanced Education, this pilot program aims to facilitate the codevelopment of next-generation learning management and training technologies to accelerate skill development, increase productivity, and improve safety in Alberta s business sectors. Through a competitive application process, project funding between $50,000 and $150,000 is available for EdTech-driven productivity development or demonstration projects with strategic customers. Successful proposals will: 1. Improve the operational performance of established companies or organizations through the use of educational technologies; and 2. Build opportunities for Alberta companies (startup or SME) to demonstrate their capability to provide solutions and work with larger, established partners with human productivity and/or learning challenges. Eligibility: Applications can be received from any Alberta-based company, SME, or startup. Each proposal will identify a host company or organization as part of the proposal. The host, also known as the strategic customer, must have sufficient resources to adequately test and evaluate the technology application, as well as serve as a strong validation partner for the relevant target market. No call for proposal at this time. NEW Alberta Jalisco Program The Alberta-Jalisco program is designed to provide opportunities for Alberta, Canada and Jalisco, Mexico to collaborate in research and technology development leading to future educational, labour and commercialization opportunities in the priority areas of Mobile; Internet of Things (Sensors); Life Sciences (E-Health & E-Agriculture); and, Green Technology - that will enhance relations and trade between and provide mutual benefit to both regions. In March 2016, the Jalisco delegation is planning to travel to Calgary and Edmonton for the Jalisco/Alberta Symposium on Innovation and Commercialization. Interested parties should AITF directly.

22 22 GE Accelerator Program & AITF Pilot Partnership The GE Accelerator Program is offering small- and medium-sized Alberta enterprises an opportunity to license and commercialize GE technologies. Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures (AITF) is piloting the program with GE and helping match eligible entrepreneurs with GE-developed IP. Full program to be announced. Alberta Finland Innovation & Commercialization Program This program funding is by invitation only. Health Product Development Support Program (TRL 4, 5) No EOI Calls The Health Product Development Program assists Alberta-based health technology SMEs in the development of new health products. The program includes two levels of project funding: Phase I Proof-of-Concept: The project aims to establish that a concept and principle, based on solid research results, can be realized in a functioning prototype of a product. The function of such an initial prototype can be refined during product development. A Phase I project is expected to be within Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-5. The program provides funds covering up to 100% of the total project cost to a maximum of $100,000 for a Phase I project. Phase II Product Development: The project aims to develop a health technology into a marketable product. It involves refining the function of a prototype, integrating components and optimizing user interaction and interfaces. A Phase II project is expected to be within Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-7. The program provides funds covering up to 100% of the total project cost to a maximum of $150,000 for a Phase II project. See the Program Guidelines for TRL details. The Health Product Development Program aims to: Support Alberta SMEs and inventors to successfully develop their innovative concepts or early-stage prototypes into marketable products; Provide critical funding for product development, with focus on the commercialization gap. No EOI at this time. Clinical Demonstration Program (CDP) EOI s Accepted on An Ongoing Basis The Clinical Demonstration Program's primary objectives are to: - Support Alberta companies as they develop their innovative concepts or prototypes into marketable products, and - Provide critical funding for clinical testing of health technologies such as medical devices, assistive technologies, diagnostics, ehealth and mhealth to determine safety and efficacy of the technology. The CDP will fund 50% of the total project cost up to a maximum AITF contribution of $200,000. Projects should be completed in 18 months and the projects will be milestone-gated. Testing and Characterization ACAMP provides testing and characterization services to companies in the micro and nano industries. Services include analyzing failure modes.

23 23 NEW The ASBIRI Small Business Innovation and Research Initiative On January 22 nd, 2016, the President and Chief Executive Stephen Lougheed and Cory Fries, VP of Investments & Legal presented to the A100 club about a new Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for Alberta. Announced with the Alberta Budget and to be administered through Alberta Innovates Technology Futures and Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, this program will foster demand-pull innovation, by matching the technologies and expertise of Alberta Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to the critical challenges of large end-users in the public and private sector. For Alberta-based SMEs, the SBIR program provides funding support, mentorship, and potential first-client opportunities to develop technology solutions with real market potential. For end-users, the program mitigates the risk of technology adoption while supporting the development of a solution to a known challenge, by providing them with the opportunity to try and, ideally, procure the resulting solution. This program will foster so-called demand-pull innovation by matching the technologies and expertise of Alberta s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the critical challenges of large end-users in the public and private sectors. This initiative is expected to generate economic, social and environmental outcomes for Albertans. The program is managed and administered by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures. Alberta Innovates Health Solutions will contribute to the program when health-related challenges are being addressed. NEW Alberta-Zhejiang Global Partnership Program The aim of the Program is to provide for-profit SMEs from the two partner jurisdictions with assistance in establishing global partnerships, as well as accessing grant funding to support strategic, industry-driven commercialization projects that involves novel and innovative products and materials. Both AITF and ZSTEC are seeking to generate economic and social benefits for both Alberta and Zhejiang. To be eligible for funding, projects that align with at least one of the following technology sectors will be prioritized: Biotechnology (oncology and diabetic research and technology development) Information and communication technologies (multimedia, telecom & network, geomatics and electronics) Nano medicine technologies Life Sciences Medical product development Agriculture and forestry technologies Energy saving and renewable energy technologies Environmental technologies Wherever possible, AITF and ZSTEC will assist companies interested in engaging the Program by providing matchmaking services to support EOI project development, leveraging the networks of both agencies and their partners. AITF will also be organizing a delegation of up to eight (8) Alberta companies to participate in the Zhejiang International Technology Transfer Conference ( ZITTC ) in Ningbo, Zhejiang from June 6th

24 24 8th, Delegates must be eligible to travel to China, with appropriate documentation in place. AITF will select delegates based on alignment with the technology sectors as indicated above, as well as the development stage of the technology and capacity to engage in the Zhejiang market. Both Multi-National Enterprises ( MNE ) and SMEs are invited to attend; however preference will be given to SMEs. Step One Expression of Interest Applicants from both jurisdictions who have agreed to collaborate on a project are each invited to submit an EOI to their respective jurisdiction deadline July 4, 2016 Step Two Proposal The Step Two schedule will be announced prior to the announcement of Stage One EOI decisions. Please note that AITF provides funding on a Milestone basis with eligible costs reimbursed upon successful completion of each Milestone. ZSTD provides funding on a lump-sum basis at the beginning of a Project. Project terms should not exceed 3 (three) years. Alberta Innovates Energy and Environmental Solutions Alberta Innovates Energy and Environmental Solutions works to identify technologies to meet its targets for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and exceptional water management by providing steering committee technical expertise, monitoring, 3 rd part research validation, and, a review of findings with recommendations. Next Generation Energy Storage Technologies - $2 Million This program is for accelerating the deployment of intermittent renewable electricity in Alberta. - $2 million in funding available - AI-EES is seeking the most promising technologies for grid-scale energy storage in Alberta - Check the website for more information as it becomes available. No CFP at this time. Request for Qualifications: Pre-Qualified Vendors for Project Management The purpose of this ongoing Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to establish a Resource List of highly skilled Pre-qualified Vendors to provide Project Management Services to AI-EES. After all responses are reviewed, the Resource List will be established, and AI-EES will maintain the Resource List as one method by which to enter into Contracts on an as needed basis. Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions Alberta Bio Future Product & Technology Commercialization Program NEW Funding is available for taking a new bio-product to commercialization - up to $250k to $1M in assistance - a letter of intent is due by Sept 2nd. The Program aims to increase the value derived from Alberta's abundant, renewable biomass resource. Eligible projects include those that need pilot or scale-up work, or prototype development and will be ready for the market within three years. The Program has three streams: Equipment Utilization, Product and Technology Commercialization - and Research and Innovation - launching into the summer of The ABFP&TC Program will run until March 2019.

25 25 TECTERRA - Geomatics Technology Innovation TECTERRA supports the commercialization of geomatics technology and training with investment and grants. Industry Investment Projects* This program focuses on providing investments ranging from $150k to $500k with 50% matching focused on integrated resource management (IRM). Program funds can be used for all phases of product development and commercialization from early development through to prototyping, pilot and market launch activities for projects with a duration of 6 12 months. The entire application process takes under four months time. Investments are available for qualifying applications from industry Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), from entrepreneurs, and early-stage businesses in Canada. Payback is upon successful commercialization of the product/service. Applications are NOW being taken on a continuous basis. NEW COSIA Joint Industry Project (JIP) Program COSIA is an industry consortium of thirteen Canadian oil sands companies that together control nearly 90% of oil sands production. These thirteen COSIA members have agreed to cooperate and share intellectual property on the issue of environmental performance and sustainability. As an associate member, TECTERRA is empowered to assist the COSIA members in discovering new innovative technologies for their existing problems. These problems are expressed in three levels: Opportunity Areas, Gaps, and Challenges. Potential innovative solutions from SMEs can be presented to COSIA via the Joint Industry Proposal. The public COSIA Challenges are clear pain points for the members and provide a market pull for technology solutions. As an associate member, TECTERRA can provide access to the more detailed Gaps and Opportunity Areas for SMEs and Large companies who are interested in developing innovative technology solutions for some of the most pressing environmental problems in the Canadian oilsands. Commercialization Support Services Funding Program (CSS)* Commercialization Support Service funding provides up to $50,000 in grant funding with 25% of funding from the applicant company. This program addresses mmajor challenges to the success of new geomatics business ventures for specialized business knowledge and the initial resources available to small companies to acquire and use this knowledge. The CSS program offers Canadian geomatics entrepreneurs the financial support to develop and adopt adequate business skills and practices. The CSS program covers strategic planning and mapping of programs & tactics to strategy, go-to-market techniques, opportunity assessments (opportunity assessments may involve market & customer research), financing options and exit strategies, entrepreneurial coaching and other management resources and assistance (HR management, project management, supply chain management, risk management, intellectual property management). It has been extended to include business plan development, and, sales mentorship support. A review committee meets once a month to review the CSS proposals. Consulting work is completed by an approved service supplier. (Strategic Timelines is an approved service supplier.)

26 26 TECTERRA & PTAC* TECTERRA and PTAC have been engaged in identifying and supporting the introduction of new geomatics technologies that would have the greatest positive impact on the petroleum industry. Input from the petroleum industry, geomatics experts and government was provided through a series of workshops, resulting in the following highest-value opportunities. No Calls for Proposals at this time. The Tradeshow Attendance Program (TAP)* This program provides sponsorship funding to assist geomatics technology entrepreneurs and professionals attend relevant industry events, tradeshows and conferences in support of their technology commercialization efforts. Must apply 45 days prior to trade show up to $20,000 per year. GEO Placement Program* This program is designed to create economic value for small Canadian companies by facilitating the engagement & employment of a HQP with a bachelor s degree with preference for Masters or PhD geomatics study for new hires, or, positions focusing on sales and marketing as per each defined CFP. The HQP being hired must be a net-new hire with the intention of having that position serve a long-term business need within the company. A non-repayable grant up to $50,000 or 50% of the position salary for a period of one year is available. Applications are now being accepted on a continuous basis. GET-Pro Program free equipment training in the Geomatics Lab. Geomatics Lab for test and development in applied geomatics R&D. Alberta Applied Research Project Funding for geomatics researchers in post-secondary institutions between $100,000 to $500,000 at U of C, U of A & U of L, and, $50,000 to $300,000 at SAIT, NAIT and MRU. Canada France TECTERRA and AxLR SATT Memorandum of Understanding With President Francois Holland s visit to Canada, a memorandum of understanding was signed. The goal of the MOU is to reciprocally facilitate technology transfers and commercialization between French and Canadian applied research projects and companies in various geomatic sectors. AxLR SATT is a technology transfer acceleration company that assists innovative projects derived from academic research, reach maturity and commercialization. NEW TECTERRA S TECNOVATE GEOMATICS SHOWCASE June 22 nd, 2016 Keynote speakers will be Manjit Minhas, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Minhas Breweries and Distillery, and, Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist Leonard Brody. TECNOVATE will feature the commercial potential of companies and exhibitors with a geospatial focus from across Canada. To register: Strategic Timelines is a proud sponsor!

27 27 Nano Technology Innovation ACAMP The Alberta Centre for Advanced Micro Nano Technology Products (ACAMP) (Fee for Service) is a not for profit organization that provides specialized services to micro nano technology clients. Clients have access to world-class equipment, facilities, expertise and a network of organizations that support and develop micro and nano technology devices, advanced materials and manufacturing worldwide. ACAMP s services encompass key areas identified as critical for the commercialization of MNT products - Marketing & Business Development, Product Development, Packaging and Assembly, Test and Characterization. Located in Alberta, with offices in both Edmonton and Calgary, support is provided to corporations worldwide. ACAMP is an approved institutional partner for Nanobridge. Services include: Access to Equipment ACAMP has a variety of different types of equipment that companies can access who are part of the micro and nano industries. Packaging and Assembly ACAMP has assembled a class 1000 clean room for new product package assembly and testing. Engineers can process and assemble a variety of packaging technologies: each package technology enables microscopic components to interface with real world applications. The clean room contains state-of-the-art equipment required for handling microsystems and nano technology products. Product Development ACAMP s team of senior engineers work with SMEs in the areas of manufacturing, intellectual property and development. ACAMP supports companies in the final state of product development where prototypes are taken to the market. Services include: design for manufacturing, product review and advice, product and package design and assembly, fabrication support, reliability testing and characterization. Nanobridge AITF offers funding and project support through three programs: advancemnt (prototyping), MNTorship (entrepreneurship) and complemnt (ecosystem engagement). Proposals for the MNTorship program and complemnt are reviewed throughout the year. Nanobridge is administered by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta and funded by AITF. Other Alberta Initiatives Alberta Germany Collaboration Fund The German-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research (GCCIR) offers a new funding program aimed at supporting joint product development and commercialization activities between SMEs in Alberta and a partner company in Germany. Albertan SME's defined as 1 to 499 employees and less than $50 million in gross revenues. At present, the maximum project contribution by GCCIR is 250,000 CAD and the Canadian company matches this amount. On the German side, the ZIM program provides matching funding to the total amount of the total Alberta funds. Projects can include applied R&D, proof of concept, prototype development or technology demonstration but not commercialization. The German-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research (GCCIR) is pleased to announce that they are currently accepting applications to the Alberta-Germany Collaboration Fund for Product Development

28 28 and Commercialization, a joint program between the GCCIR, Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education, and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. Link: Germany-fund-targets-commercialization.aspx C-FER Technologies C-FER is a wholly-owned subsidiary with a world-class laboratory supporting full-scale equipment qualification testing at high pressures, temperatures, load conditions and in sour environments for the oil and gas sector. C-FER focuses on facilitating the use of leading edge technology in Oil & Gas and Pipeline operators involved in the development of very challenging resources, such as heavy oil, deep water offshore, and in the Arctic. They offer research & development, full-scale testing and engineering consulting in the areas of Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Risk, Reliability and Integrity Management, Composites, Equipment Design, Software Development and Full- Scale Testing. C-FER is known for organizing and managing Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) Productivity Alberta now Go Productivity Go Productivity is offering their services nationwide re LEAN implementations in the Energy, Construction, and Manufacturing Sectors. They were a service started by the government of Alberta but are now a private, not-for profit organization. Service Support Programs AlbertaIN NEW AlbertaIN is a community driven and community owned online directory representing Alberta's innovation sector service providers. AlbertaIN is a strong and dynamic service provider network in Alberta that will assist you navigate the innovation landscape faster and easier. Here s the website link: to learn more. Strategic Timelines Inc. is a member of AlbertaIN - an honor! Here s a list of the participating AlbertaIN service providers: Airdrie Economic Development Alistair Ross Technology Centre Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions Alberta Innovates Energy and Environmental Solutions Alberta Health Solutions Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Apparel Innovation Centre AVAC BioAlberta Boast Capital Boostr Bow Valley College Chiu School of Business Business Link Calgary Economic Development Calgary Public Library Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement(CETAC West) CARIN Chic Geek Climate Change & Emissions Mgmt CMC Research Institutes

29 29 Community Futures Lethbridge Region NRC Concierge Creating Value Cybera Easy SR&ED Ec Dev Lethbridge/TecConnect Fundica Futurpreneur Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurhip & Innovation Innovate Calgary Invest-Tech Kinetica MITACs Momentum Mount Royal Institute for Community Prosperity Mount Royal Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship New Tech Meetup NRC-IRAP NSERC Office of Small and Medium Enterprises and Government Services Canada Olds College Centre for Innovation Red Deer College RINSA SAIT Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) South Grow Startup Calgary Strategic Timelines Inc. TECTERRA The INC. The SEDGE Strategic Social Enterprise Learning Opportunities Town of Cochrane Economic Dvlpmt Trico Foundation Supporting Innovation Capacity TRTECH TSGI Corporation Uncommon Innovation University of Lethbridge Industry Liaison Office Many of these organizations are mentioned and/or detailed in this Summary. Next Summary, more information will be provided on AlbertaIN members and there will be more members added too. Alberta Research & Innovation Activities Program Campus Alberta Alberta Innovates Technology Futures has expanded 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. 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. CCAT / KNOVO KNOVO is an initiative of the Calgary Council For Advanced Technology (CCAT) with its core funding provided by Status of Women Canada. KNOVO aims to create the conditions whereby professional women in technology are fully represented in decision-making and leadership positions in Calgary s business community. This will be achieved through a combination of building personal capacity and enhancing organizational capabilities. New Funding Program from the Status of Women: The Advancing Tech Women in Non-Traditional Sectors Initiative (ATW) will be focused on increasing

30 30 retention and advancement opportunities for women in information and communication technology careers within four fields: construction, manufacturing, natural resources, and skilled trades. Sector Specific Technology Service Providers CETAC West The Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation-WEST (CETAC-WEST) is a private sector, not-for-profit corporation committed to helping small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in the development and commercialization of new environmental technologies. Established in 1994 by Environment Canada, CETAC-WEST dedicates its services to SMEs in the four western provinces through its office in Calgary. Beneficial linkages have been formed between technology producers, industry experts, and investment sources to facilitate this process. Since establishment over fifteen years ago, CETAC-WEST has reviewed over 500 project opportunities throughout Western Canada. Decentralized Energy Canada (DEC Canada) DEC is a not for profit organization that is a national technology accelerator that supports decentralized energy technology heating, cooling or electrical energy that is produced, managed and/or stored at the point of consumption. This includes onsite energy generation, microgrid infrastructure and energy efficiency measures. Accelerator focus is on applied research prototypes/pilots, market entry/first customer, and, commercialization/market growth. Check out Formerly, WADE CANADA. The World Alliance for Decentralized Energy (WADE) works to accelerate the worldwide development of high efficiency cogeneration, onsite power and decentralized renewable energy systems that deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits. Futurpreneur.ca (was Canadian Youth Business Foundation) Futurpreneur provides resources, mentoring support and financing through pre-launch to growth and expansion. Up to $45,000 may be available to launch their business. Futurpreneur can also provide a loan up to $15,000 0 an additional $30,000 may be available from BDC via an expansion financing agreement between the two organizations. (Financing programs are through BDC.) KINETICA Innovate Calgary s KINETICA is new energy technology accelerator program focused on working closely with the energy industry to identify its leading challenges and make connections to the world s most promising emerging technologies. KINETICA matches your innovation with industry requirements, and, works with you to de-risk your solution you must have a validate prototype in the TRL 5 7 range. The Health Accelerator run through TEC Edmonton is like a sister accelerator working in a somewhat similar manner as KINETICA but in health acceleration. Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada - PTAC PTAC facilitates innovation, collaborative research and technology development, demonstration and deployment for a responsible Canadian hydrocarbon energy industry to help Alberta become a global leader in sustainable energy production. PTAC works with partners to identify critical technology gaps and apply world-class innovation management strategies and research to develop solutions for the

31 31 energy and environment sectors. Technology R&D Information Sessions and/or posting proposals on PTAC s website are ways to source for R&D funding & support. AUPRF The Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund is a unique collaborative platform between the Alberta Government, The Alberta Energy Regulator, and, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) is managed by PTAC. AUPRF is for applied research projects for high priority environmental and social matters related to oil and gas exploration and development in Alberta. Check with PTAC for more information. TRTech Programs The Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, CDMN Softlanding check out for all services. Financing Programs Non-Dilutive NEW Additional Financing Business Development Bank of Canada Calgary, November 17, 2015 The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) announced today that it has earmarked $500 million in additional financing for Canadian SMEs impacted by the decline in oil prices. It will also provide advisory solutions to help companies adjust their business operations to weather the impact of the current economic downturn. BDC s strategy is intended to help promising companies with projects aimed at diversifying their business, increasing their operational and environmental efficiency, improving financial management as well as purchasing new technology and equipment. BDC also announced that it will release its next economic study on November 30, NEW ATB Financing As of the October 2015 Alberta Budget, ATB has been provided with another $1.5 Billion in financing increasing the wholesale borrowing agreement to $7 billion this could mean $4 to $5 billion more in additional lending. ATB s loan portfolio is $40 billion. AFSC AFSC offers 2 programs -The Value Added & Agribusiness Program (VAAP) - designed to provide enterprises with suitable financing to start, develop and grow their businesses. VAAP loans are available to Canadian citizens or landed immigrants who meet Alberta residency requirements that are incorporated in Canada & registered to conduct business in Alberta. Loan Uses: To start, expand, purchase, or upgrade facilities, equipment, or other capital assets needed for your business & also covers working capital expenditures, including training costs that support new or expanded operations or products for value added or agribusiness enterprises and change of ownership. The maximum loan amount is $5 million. If you qualify, you can re-borrow up to the maximum limit as loans are paid down or paid out. Repayment can be over 20 years. Pre-pay or pay out can be made at any time with no penalty. The second program, the Commercial Loan Program provides an alternative source of loan capital to individuals and businesses involved in commercial enterprises in Alberta. You can use the program to start, expand, purchase, or upgrade facilities, equipment, or other capital assets needed for your commercial enterprise.

32 32 Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) If a woman owns 51% of more of an enterprise, she may qualify for financing through AWE. The Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) offer s programs (including loans) for women who plan to expand their business and create jobs and wealth in the Alberta economy. Business advice and mentoring is also available. Alternative Lending Products Fundica in its Dec 4 th, 2015 newsletter provided information on alternative lending products and they are: A Merchant Advance: get a capital advance by exchanging a fixed amount of credit and/or debit card receivables (sales) at a discounted price. Business Loan: A fixed daily repayment schedule versus accessing debit and/or credit card sales. Factoring: An advance on outstanding accounts receivable while waiting for customer payment. Fundica s partners OnDeck, FundThrough and Merchant Advance Capital were listed. Investment Groups Dilutive Funding AVAC Ltd. Verdex Capital AVAC manages an early-stage venture capital fund-of-funds investment pool, and the Accelerate Fund, an angel co-investment fund. AVAC has established Verdex Capital as its key Ag Tech investment arm. AVAC has directly invested in over 115 businesses and is an indirect investor in 4 national venture capital funds with over $118 million in present and past portfolios reporting in an excess of $1 billion in sales. (AVAC is no longer offering subordinated debt with a payback based on a multiple of % of sales.) Late January, 2016 AVAC announced its 6 th Limited Partner investment (and the 3 rd time it has invested in the $175M inovia Investment Fund). A List of Investment Groups AVAC Angel Accelerate Co-Fund angel funding up to 50% of capital in a co-round - early stage co-investment fund VA Angels (Venture Alberta) Angel investors of A100 members Foundation Equity II venture capital - invest post revenue stage (late stage) inovia Most active tech VC in Alberta Yaletown Venture Partners VC Alberta office New Clean Tech fund Chrysalix VC Alberta active clean tech focus 32 Degrees Capital private capital early stage oil and gas companies and energy service, equipment and manufacturing businesses Azure Capital - early stage technology companies that are at the forefront of a transformative opportunity for growth Avrio Ventures VC in food and agricultural products Banff Venture Forum an annual event held at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel BDC.ca VC divn over $400MM to finance companies in health, clean tech, diversified, communications & IT CNSX low cost prospectus public offering venture exchange can $1MM C100: 48hrs in the Valley CAN Consul Palo Alto - twice a year mentors, workshops, investors, strategic partner networking CTA New York CAN Consul Tech Accelerator - workshops, investor meet, strategic partner networking Tenet Medical medical equipment/product development partnering*

33 33 CrowdSourceCapital.blogspot.com, Crowdfunding.pbworks.com, kickstarter.com, fundbreak.com profounder.com, indiegogo.com, bigideagroup.net, EdisonNation.com, Quirky.com Most recently announced - The Leaders Fund - $100M to invest in high growth SAAS companies. Above information provided courtesy of Invest-Tech Federal Ven Cap Action Plan The new Venture Capital Action Plan is making available: - $250 million to establish new, large private sector-led national funds of funds (a funds of funds portfolio consists of investments in several venture capital funds) in partnership with institutional and corporate strategic investors, as well as interested provinces. - Up to $100 million to recapitalize existing large private sector-led funds of funds, in partnership with willing provinces. - An aggregate investment of up to $50 million in three to five existing high-performing venture capital funds in Canada. - Additional resources to continue developing a robust venture capital system and a strong entrepreneurial culture in Canada. A List of Organizations Supporting Technology Innovation 32 Degrees Capital A.I.M. Centre for Innovation ABCTech, Alberta Council of Technologies AccelerateAB AcceleratorYYC AEC, Alberta Enterprise AGG, Alberta Geomatics Group Alberta Innovates Assembly ASTech Foundation - TECHRev AvrioVentures Banff Venture Forum Boast Capital Canadian Cloud Council CCAT / KNOVO CetacWest COSIA Cybera Democamp Digital Alberta EnerTech Capital Innovate Calgary Manning Innovation Awards OSLI, Oilsands Leadership Development Plug and Play, Canada Podium Ventures SAIT ARIS Facilities Startup Calgary Strategic Timelines Inc. Sustainable Industrial Dev - 21 st Tec Edmonton Tecconnect Lethbridge Technology Alberta THECIS TrTech VA Angels W21 C Yaletown Venture Partners New Tech Meet-Up Above information provided courtesy of TechRev Spotlight on Innovation (and augmented).

34 34 FEDERAL GRANT & CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMS The following section summarizes some of the main federal grant and contribution programs supporting innovation throughout Canada. NEW Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Stay tuned for more information in the future. National Research Council Program (NRC) NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)* NRC's IRAP program offers technical & business advisory services, funding to stimulate innovation, financial assistance a contribution to a NRC project, and, networking & linking services for developing, adapting & adopting new technologies. IRAP funding is accessed for technology builds for unknown product and service developments which may generate new intellectual property. In working with an ITA, you provide a proposal outlining all costs and NRC IRAP provides a contribution to facilitate building the technology. For example, if funded, the business shares 25% of the total project costs for T4 employees and NRC provides up to a 75% contribution with payments as milestones are reached. If contractors are hired, the contribution may be up to 50% of the contractor costs. NRC Business Innovation Access Program (BIAP) No Longer Available The BIAP Business Innovation Access Program funds well defined issues related to innovation that a SME cannot do on its own. This includes technical services (product optimization, process development, analysis or optimization, and, specialized testing), and, business services (market research, marketing strategy development, competitive analysis and business strategy development). Eligible service providers are research institutions or accredited colleges / universities (learning institutions and publicly funded research institutions). (Funding is paid directly to the SME with up to $50,000 available for incorporated SME s. Sole proprietors/partnerships are not eligible. BIAP is administered under the IRAP program and therefore your first call is to your ITA. NRC - CMC-Canada s Management Advisory Service Program (MAS)* The NRC-CMC-Canada MAS program assists a company s management team define issues, set priorities and establish action plans. An ITA meets with the company and then submits a MAS Client Profile to CMC-Canada. CMC-Canada provides the names of three Certified Management Consultant members for the client company to select the most suitable candidate. The company chooses one of the consultants to conduct a 5 day assessment. This agreement with IRAP obligates the CMC-Canada service provider to abide by certain terms and conditions to ensure equitable and transparent service to clients. This program is for technology driven businesses, and, companies experiencing barriers to growth. (Strategic Timelines Inc., through its principal, provides advisory services funded through the MAS program.) Note that the MAS program is funded by NRC and a client pays a nominal fee to CMC- Canada.

35 35 NRC IRAP EUREKA Program Canadian innovators can access technology expertise and markets internationally this program is managed through the National Research Council. NRC Youth Employment Program* Up to $30,000 in contribution funds per graduate for 6 to 12 months employment is available. Projects range from business & technology improvements to technology innovation. NRC Concierge Service The Government of Canada's Concierge Service provides a single access point where small and medium-sized enterprises can find high-quality, timely advice to help them innovate and accelerate their growth. In collaboration with over 40 federal and provincial partners, the Service improves innovation and economic opportunities for SMEs by helping them navigate the available innovation resources and support programs. Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council NSERC* NSERC provides programs to assist industry conduct research accessing university researchers, and one program to assist companies requiring R&D secure university undergraduates for a work term. The Collaborative Research and Development (CRD) Grants are intended to give companies that operate from a Canadian base access to the unique knowledge, expertise, and educational resources available at Canadian postsecondary institutions and to train students in essential technical skills required by industry. The mutually beneficial collaborations are expected to result in industrial and/or economic benefits to Canada. The research institute applies directly to NSERC for this program. This program is delivered through educational institutions like SAIT and universities. The Applied Research and Development (ARD) Grants are intended to provide companies that operate from a Canadian base access to the unique knowledge, expertise and capabilities available at Canadian colleges and to train students in essential technical skills required by companies. The mutually beneficial collaborations are expected to result in economic benefits to the company and/or Canada. ARD Grants support well-defined applied research and development projects undertaken by college researchers with their private-sector partners. Direct project costs are shared by the company partner(s) and NSERC. Projects may range from one year to three years in duration. This program is delivered through educational institutions like SAIT and universities. The Experience Awards (previously the Industrial Undergraduate Student Research Awards IUSRA) offer companies access to talented natural sciences and engineering undergraduate students as per a defined work term. This cost-shared program allows students to address company-specific R&D challenges while gaining valuable industrial experience. Experience Awards also let companies identify potential future full-time employees. A company or a student applies directly to NSERC for this program.

36 36 The Engage Grant University or college researchers can apply to launch a research collaboration with an industrial partner through a short term research and development (R&D) project that applies their expertise to address a company challenge. Partnering companies gain by having the expertise of academics focused on their R&D issues, and, also by discovering what the researchers and the students working with them have to offer. In addition to the above programs, the NSERC office will assist a company find specific research expertise in their region. See NSERC s website for more information on all of these programs as well as information on the Industrial Research Chairs, Strategic Projects and Networks. Mitacs* Mitacs promotes academic-industrial R&D while supporting the development of future innovation leaders. In particular, Mitacs: - Helps companies identify their innovation needs and matches them with academic expertise - Fosters cutting edge research tied to commercial outcomes - Builds international research networks, creating innovation leaders in Canada and abroad, and - Provides professional and entrepreneurship skills training for graduate students, so they have the tools to meet emerging innovation needs. MITACS offers a suite of research and training programs which enable companies to connect with top Canadian and international researchers. Accelerate Internship Program Provides matching funding of $7500 for hiring a Master s or Ph.D. graduate students or Postdoc s graduates. The minimum internship unit is 4 months which can be scaled up for larger or longer projects with any number of interns and any duration based on 4 month increments depending on project needs. The fund matching rate is 1:1 or $7500 from Mitacs and the remaining funds from the client company. For large projects, Mitacs contributes a higher ratio of funding. Elevate Program Elevate is a 2 year program that provides post doc funding for conducting R&D for 1 to 2 years at $57,500 for each year. The host company funds $25,000 of this $57,500 in funding. It also includes a professional training program for postdoc participants to build on research management skills that they can apply to the industry project they are working on. This is a competitive application. For more information call Victoria Hodgkinson vhodgkinson@mitacs.ca or Oba Harding oharding@mitacs.ca

37 37 All Other Federal Support Programs Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP)* This program has replaced the CICP program. It was created to bolster innovation in Canada s business sector. The Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) helps companies bridge the precommercialization gap by procuring and testing late stage innovative goods and services within the federal government before taking them to market by: - Awarding contracts to entrepreneurs with pre-commercial innovations through an open, transparent, competitive and fair procurement process. - Testing and providing feedback to these entrepreneurs on the performance of their goods or services. - Providing innovators with the opportunity to enter the marketplace with a successful application of their new goods and services. - Providing information on how to do business with the Government of Canada. The BCIP targets innovations in five areas environment, safety/security, health, enabling technologies, and military protecting the soldier. For eligible companies in the pre-commercialization stage (TR levels 7-9), the BCIP program invites submissions from innovators of a testing plan for delivery of their innovative good or service through a contract priced up to $500,000 (Standard component) or $1 Million for the Military component. The innovation would be procured by PWGSC (Public Works & Government Services Canada) for use in any federal department and many agencies but the IP remains with the innovator. Note that this is now a permanent program. For companies that are building an innovation that can be used by the Federal government, this is an opportunity to test your product with the same. And it's an important and timely step to take to full commercialization. And, it opens up the possibility of doing business with the federal government - which could mean repeat orders and also, orders from other government departments. If your innovation fits, this could be an excellent commercialization strategy. Note that the innovation must be considered to be a first sale. This program is now on continuous intake for Calls for Proposals - this is good as you can submit your proposal as soon as your innovation is ready rather than waiting for the CFP. Honorable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works & Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has communicated that PWGSC is taking steps to reduce the time it takes to match innovations with government departments and sign a contract. Further steps to facilitate additional sales to the government after the BCIP test will also be underway. Also for companies in Round 4 & 5, and, approved for BCIP and not yet contracted, these companies have up to 2 years time to conduct further testing with other government departments. Check with BCIP as to how this works with regard to assistance with testing in other government departments. Canada Israel Energy Science & Technology Fund (CIEST) The Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) stimulates collaborative research and development between private sector companies in both countries, with a focus on the commercialization of new technologies. In support of this mandate, and with offices in both countries, CIIRDF: Promotes the benefits of Canada-Israel R&D collaboration

38 38 Offers a matchmaking service that brings together Canadian and Israeli companies seeking R&D partners Invests in bilateral R&D initiatives Canada Media Fund The Canada Media Fund (CMF) is a not-for-profit funding agency, mandated by Canadian Heritage, which financially supports Canadian content creation for the television and digital media industries. The CMF is funded by Canada s cable and satellite distributors and the Government of Canada. The Canada Media Fund champions the creation of successful, innovative, Canadian content and software applications for current and emerging digital platforms through financial support and industry research. The CMF offers multiple Funding Programs which are available through two streams. Through the Convergent Stream, the CMF supports the creation of convergent television and digital media content. Through the Experimental Stream, the CMF encourages the development of innovative, interactive digital media content and software applications. Eligibility requirements are detailed in the guidelines specific to each program. Some of the programs are equity investing, non-interest bearing, recoupable investment and non-repayable. Canada s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Accelerations Projects CENGN Commercialization acceleration support equivalent to $50,000 to $100,000 may be available. Check out: cengn.ca/upcoming-events/ Export Development Canada (EDC) EDC offers financing, bonding/guarantees and credit services for Canadian exporters.

39 39 Going Global Innovation Program Now Under the Global Commerce Support Program (GCSP) This program is for companies looking for international partners for research and development collaboration. Up to 75% of travel and other expenses are covered and $5000 to $75,000 is available for approved projects. This program is offered through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Industry Canada Industrial and Regional Benefits Defence or Security Contracts Companies that secure defence or security contracts are obligated under this program to undertake business activities in Canada valued at 100% of the value of the defence or security contract. This allows Canadian companies to become a partner or supplier to the company securing the contract. At this time there are approximately 60 defence and security contracts that represent approximately $20 billion in current and future business activity. Check out: Industry Canada Technology Demonstration Program Up to 50% of the costs of creating a next generation manufacturing project for the aerospace, defence, space and security industries. Funding is for large scale projects that includes at least one SMC and one academic institute. International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTP) The International Science and Technology Partnerships Program is designed to foster and support bilateral research projects which have the potential for commercialization between Canada and identified partner countries (India, China, Brazil and Israel). It supports up to 50% of the Canadian costs of approved joint research projects proposed by companies and universities/colleges and other private sector research and development institutes. This program is offered through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. LOOK North R&D Program The objective of this program is to address the current and future information requirements identified by sourcing technologies that can meet those needs and supporting their development through to a commercial ready state. The LOOK North R&D team will work closely with its established network of other Centres of Excellence, academic and public research facilities, and the private sector to identify technologies with the potential to meet articulated sector needs, that have been developed beyond the proof-of-concept stage, but may require additional development to reach operational maturity. LOOKNorth s R&D program aims to advance development and integration of space-based, terrestrial and subsea technologies to meet the monitoring needs of the Northern resource sector, with an initial focus on space-based Earth observation technologies.

40 40 The Digital Accelerator for Innovation and Research (DAIR) DAIR provides high-tech entrepreneurs access to free high performance cloud-based computing and storage resources to help them rev up product development and gain a competitive edge in the global market. Wavefront* Wavefront is Canada s Centre of Excellence for Wireless Commercialization and Research thereby accelerating the growth and success of wireless companies by connecting them with critical resources, partners and opportunities, to drive economic and social benefits for Canada. Wavefront products and services are available to wireless and non-wireless companies looking to leverage mobile technology. They include a comprehensive suite of accelerated commercialization and mentorship programs, international market linkages, state of the art wireless product development and testing infrastructure, and wireless training programs and events. One source of funding is through Wavefront s securing and administering allocated NRC IRAP funding. Wavefront is a catalyst for growth and time to market for Canadian companies, enabling them to create more jobs, acquire new customers, and generate revenues faster. On May 7 th 2013, Innovate Calgary & Wavefront announced a new partnership that will directly support the growth and commercialization of wireless technology companies in Southern Alberta. Western Economic Development Initiative The WINN* Small and medium size businesses can apply for funding for a variety of tasks that are essential to taking a product from the R&D stage to the market such as product testing and technology demonstrations, equipment purchases and installation, regulatory approval, marketing and intellectual property protection. Up to $100 million in repayable assistance over the next 5 years will be provided. Sectors supported health and life sciences, clean technology and energy, aerospace and defence, nanotechnology, and information and communication technology. WINN funding focuses on assisting commercialize new technologies and comes as a repayable loan. Funding is competitive and only the strongest applications succeed. WED - The Canada Community Infrastructure Program With Canada s preparing to celebrate our 150 years as a confederation, the federal government has announced this program to invest $150 million over the next 2 years to support projects that rehabilitate existing community facilities. Pretty exciting for communities to refresh and then for all of us to celebrate 150 years!

41 41 NEW CLIMATE CHANGE INNOVATION FUNDING Provincial & Federal Many of the programs listed above provide innovation funding to support reduction of GHG s. All of the AITF & IRAP programs support innovation that will positively impact on the environment. As well, the CCEMC and the SDTC are designed with this end goal in mind. This section of the Summary focuses on the new programs underway here are the programs and initiatives underway at this time. Call for a consultation for assistance in directing you to the programs that we know today will receive additional funding and that in the future may lead to other programs as per both the new Federal and Alberta Budgets - Strategic Timelines is available for hire to assist you successfully secure innovation funding. NEW Environment Focused Funding Programs Clean Energy Fund A federal initiative - $300 million was promised by the Liberals in the election campaign. $100 million is for clean tech producers tackle environmental problems and create new jobs. $200 million year is to support clean technology in the natural resources sectors, fisheries, mining, energy and agriculture. In addition to this from the Paris talks is Mission Innovation where 20 countries are participating to dramatically accelerate public and private clean energy innovation. The Liberal government has also committed to a Canada Infrastructure Bank that issues green bonds to fund such projects as electric vehicle charging stations and networks, renewable energy transmission lines, retrofits for buildings, and, clean power storage. Lastly the Liberal government promised a $2 billion Low Carbon Economy Trust that will provide funding to projects that materially reduce carbon emissions. This will be under a new Pan Canadian Climate Change Plan with the provinces. Bill Gates in conjunction with Mission Innovation will be working on the Breakthrough Energy Coalition initiative. Note the world s largest nuclear complex, Bruce Power, plans to re-furbish 6 nuclear reactors to deliver more power in central Canada estimated at $13 billion 2 units have been repaired. TransCanadaCorp and the Ontario government are also owners.

42 42 Existing Programs Carbon Management Canada Research Institutes CMCRI is leading the transformation of Canada s industrial economy to thrive in a low carbon world. CMCRI s unique approach encompasses support for the development of novel technologies as well as support for the policy and economic landscapes that will allow for the scale-up of new solutions. CMCRI is building research institutes to help clients (businesses and university researchers) take their bench scale research and pilot/test it in CMCRI facilities with the end goal to assist in scaling up bench scale research to commercial offerings in the future. This is the step that s needed between early stage research and commercialization. CMCRI currently has two institutes that they are developing. A field research centre has been established in Brooks, Alberta for testing/piloting underground storage of carbon. The other is in Richmond, BC for testing/piloting carbon capture and carbon conversion technologies to be opened in CMCRI aims to streamline and simplify the path from bench scale research to commercialization so that researchers and technology developers have greater success bringing their products to market. CMCRI is actively looking for clients, supporters and collaborative partners for its programs and institutes. Inquiries are welcomed from researchers, technology developers, end users and stakeholders in industry and government. CCEMC* - Alberta Environment-Climate Changes and Emissions Management Corporation This program targets emission reductions from energy efficiency projects that demonstrate significant, verifiable, immediate, and sustainable reductions in GHG emissions. It is expected that these results will be achieved using the best available commercial results. Note NEW SDTC CCEMC partnership. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)* TRL 7 & 8 An arm's-length foundation created by the Government of Canada which has received $1.05 billion as part of the Government's commitment to create a healthy environment and a high quality of life for all Canadians by helping to commercialize clean technologies. Focus is on pre-commercialization demonstration novel first of a kind technologies. SDTC operates two funds - the $550 million SD Tech Fund supports projects that address climate change, air quality, clean water, & clean soil. The $500 million NextGen Biofuels Fund supports the establishment of first-of-kind large demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels. SDTC operates as a not-for-profit corporation & has been working with the public & private sector including industry, academia, nongovernmental organizations, the financial community & all levels of government to achieve this mandate. Note as per the SDTC website: The aim of our due diligence process is not to eliminate applicants but rather to ensure that critical business considerations are made at the time of development and demonstration, as a strong business case plays an important role in improving a technology s likelihood of adoption down the road. For that reason, we work to ensure that applicants demonstrate the managerial, business planning, financial, strategic and technological expertise to bring their innovations

43 43 to market. Timing: The last SOI opened August 26 th for Submission October 14 th. By the end of November, a CFP would have been sent to screened applicants with full proposal to be completed into mid-january. With Board approval the demonstration would start into July Also Check: CETAC, PTAC and DE Canada. NEW GLOBAL TRADE SUPPORT Provincial & Federal NEW NAME - Global Affairs Canada Canadian Trade Commissioner Service NEW CanExport Program The CTCS offers an extensive network of international business contacts and hands-on knowledge of international markets through Canadian presence in more than 150 cities worldwide CTCS gains market intelligence and insight, and uncover opportunities for Canadian companies. The CanExport program will be very helpful to all of you who are exporting and/or planning to export. This $50M fund is administered through the Trade Commissioner Service and provides matching funds to incent Canadian SMEs to explore a *new* market (i.e. does not apply to any country markets where you ve had even one sale within the past 24 months). Projects could range from market research, market activities in the export market, promotional efforts, promotion of language training or other educational services, and, more up to $99, in funding available per company/project. Contact: Yvonne.Gruenthaler@international.gc.ca or Mark.Schroeter@international.gc.ca. The Government of Canada has created various support programs to assist Canadian innovators with commercialization, international partnerships, and new market opportunities abroad These include the Soft-Landing Program, InnovationScan, and the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) Program. CDMN Soft Landing Program (3 cohorts per year) for eligible Canadian technology companies wishing to explore new markets. Successful applicants receive up to $4,000 in expense reimbursement towards travel/accommodation + associated costs for co-locating with a foreign accelerator partner. Both start-ups and larger, more established SMEs can apply provided you use the funds to research a *new* market. The next intake of applications is about to open (Fri 29 Jan Fri 12 Feb). Innovation Scan an internet portal showcasing Canadian innovators seeking strategic partnerships with qualified investors, technology scouts and Fortune 500 companies. Canadian Technology Accelerators, in particular, are a helpful platform for Start-Ups in fundraising mode for Series A or later (no Seed/Angel seekers) as well as companies looking to secure strategic/technical partnerships or customer acquisition once they ve achieve acceptable traction and scalability potential. To give you an idea of how CTAs can help Canadian companies, check out these CTA Video Testimonials. Another initiative you might find of interest is the 48 Hours In The Valley

44 44 program. Intakes occur on an ongoing basis; Summer 2016 cohort nominations will begin in the New Year. For larger, Key Sector Events, there usually is a Trade Commissioner presence to assist Canadian companies. Many times, Trade Commissioner from the region will also attend, sometimes bringing local buyers. The TCS typically organizes a networking reception and/or a B-2-B matchmaking event. Key NEW NAME - Alberta International and Intergovernmental Affairs Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations identifies strategic growth opportunities for Alberta industry through international partnerships and manages 10 international offices. This department facilitates export development and investment attraction from targeted international markets. Key activities include: - Providing international market intelligence to export-ready Alberta companies - Showcasing Alberta s technologies, products and services - Facilitating networking events and programs, and contact introductions in priority markets - Promoting Alberta's investment opportunities to targeted companies in priority markets - Assisting Alberta companies in accessing foreign markets. EMPLOYMENT FUNDING Alberta Businesses Job Creation Incentive Program PROGRAM CANCELLED This $178 million program over 2 years provides a $5,000 grant starting January 1 st 2016 for new hires in businesses, charities and non-profits. The goal is to create 27,000 new jobs. Canada-Alberta Job Grant* Under the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, employers will be able to receive a minimum of one third direct training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per training in government contributions. Canada Business Network Wage Subsidies Check out the numerous wage subsidy programs at: NEW CICAN Clean Tech Internship Colleges & Institutes Canada - Employers who hire an intern will be eligible for up to a $12,000 subsidy. Interns are college and institute graduates from a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) program. Interns currently on leave from STEM studies may also be eligible. Employers may look for their own interns or may request CICan provide them with potential candidates. The Clean Tech Internship will provide interns with opportunities to work for eligible employers who are improving environmental and economic outcomes in Canada. Employment & Social Development Canada Career Focus Program The only activity supported under Career Focus is a career-related work experience. This activity is restricted to post-secondary graduates and should be tailored to meet the skill gaps of the young people. Client assessment is therefore required for all potential Career Focus participants. Call or check out:

45 45 Hiring / Internship Programs: ICT Council Career Connect Program There are a number of hiring / internship programs that offer some salary assistance support. Funding has not been announced for 2014/2015. Check out: for numerous employment programs. NEW Information & Communications Technology Council GO Talent OTTAWA, February 9, The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is pleased to announce their newest immigration project, Global Onboarding of Talent to Canada Initiative (GO Talent). Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, GO Talent is an exciting new initiative that provides employers with early access to global ICT talent on route to Canada as well as predeparture integration services for internationally educated ICT professionals (IEPs) in their last stages of immigration), ultimately heightening their chance of obtaining ICT positions prior to their arrival to Canada. GO Talent s purpose is rooted in the importance of integrating global ICT talent into Canada s labour market to strengthen the digital economy. ICTC s Labour Market Outlook finds that over 182,000 ICT positions will need to be filled across all sectors in Canada by 2019 and closing the gap between the demand for and the supply of ICT talent and skills will help accelerate Canada s digital advantage in an increasingly connected global environment. Canada s digital economy currently employs 865,000 ICT workers, with a third of those jobs filled by immigrants. Strategically, IEPs will continue to play a key role in the growth of Canada s digital economy. There are simply not enough Canadian-born workers specializing in relevant fields to fulfill employers needs. ICTC s GO Talent will connect IEPs with employers and link them to employment opportunities as well as provide labour market orientation, support and referrals, all before they arrive in Canada. The initiative will also help prepare IEPs for the workforce by delivering intensive, skills development training while they are still abroad. Comprehensive training will be supplied through informative training sessions with ICTC staff members, employers and also via tools available on ICTC`s website. The training will provide the steps towards credential recognition. SAIT Practicums & More SAIT posts 8 week unpaid or paid practicum, full time, or contract positions on a periodic basis. To find out more, be in touch with Donna deman Work Experience Coordinator, donna.deman@sait.ca Start Up Visa Canada is targeting immigrant entrepreneurs who have the potential to build innovative technologies and compete on a global scale, and, create jobs. It entails getting support from a designated Canadian organization. (Citizen & Immigration Canada) Work Sharing Program The Federal Program through Services Canada the Work-Sharing (WS) is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers. Work-Sharing is a three-party agreement involving

46 46 employers, employees and Service Canada. Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement must agree to a reduced schedule of work and to share the available work over a specified period of time. Also Check Out AITF, NRC & TECTERRA HQP Hiring Programs LINKS TO FUNDING INFORMATION Here s a few links to many other funding programs that may be of assistance to you. Fundica The Funding Portal SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT Federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program is a federal tax incentive program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada that will lead to new, improved, or technologically advanced products or processes. The SR&ED Program is the largest single source of federal government support for industrial R&D. Claimants can apply for SR&ED investment tax credits for expenditures such as wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead, and SR&ED contracts. Alberta Scientific Research and Experimental Development The Alberta Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit benefits businesses of all sizes and in all sectors that conduct research and development that will lead to new, improved or technologically advanced products or processes. The credit is worth 10 per cent of a company's eligible expenditures up to $4 million, for a maximum credit of $400,000. It will be refundable for all companies.

47 47 YOUR STRATEGIC FUNDING TIMELINE The following table can be used to outline the potential grant, contribution, and, interest free repayable loans that may be available to your company given that eligibility criteria is met. Just list the programs that you see that might be helpful for your development, demonstration or commercialization requirements. Estimate the potential and probable funding. Determine your funding project start date and they work backwards to determine your funding submission date. Indicate which funding programs take priority in terms of securing funding, and, lastly assign a rating as to the difficulty level in securing each funding program. Then call Eileen Ashmore at Strategic Timelines to discuss all of your options and where to start first. Program Product Focus Business Requirement DEVELOPMENT FUNDING TRL 2-6 Total Potential Funding Total Probable Funding Submission Date Funding Project Start Date Priority Difficulty Level DEMONSTRATION FUNDING TRL 7-8 COMMERCIALIZATION FUNDING PROGRAMS TRL Varies Total Potential Funding Priority 1 High & Immediate within 3 months, 2 Medium within 6 months & 3 Low within 12 months time. Difficulty level 1 Very easy and quick application, 5 Moderately difficult, 10 Very difficult and time consuming For more assistance, call today to build your Strategic Funding Timeline for accessing grant funding in 2016!

48 NOTES ON YOUR FUNDING REQUIREMENTS 48

49 49 WHY STRATEGIC TIMELINES INC.? Strategic Timelines Inc. assists manufacturing, engineering, technology & technical firms build strong and sustaining business foundations for launching their initiatives whether they are Starting, Growing, Funding or planning for Exit. Brief Background: When the consultancy was first started in 1987, many clients were manufacturing clients who needed assistance writing applications to secure large government grant funding to support their technology developments and/or ISO implementation. These clients also contracted market research, competitor research and customer research to assess the feasibility of bringing new products or services to existing or new markets. In the mid / late 1990 s, consulting services focused on assisting micro to mid-size professional services, engineering, technical & technology companies build strategic business plans, operating (action) business plans, and, marketing strategies & plans for immediate execution supported with follow-on coaching. Today, the consultancy does all of the above focusing on the specific planning and research requirements of technology driven businesses at start-up to assess business viability, and, market / financial feasibility; marketing/business development planning for growth; securing innovation funding, &, building 30/40/50 page business plans for debt and/or equity funding, and, strategic frameworks / timelines for planning ahead for exit and succession. Education & Specialization: Eileen Ashmore, MBA, CMC is the President of Strategic Timelines and with her expertise and experience with B2B-SME s, you ll become quickly oriented to what you need to do to move forward and capitalize on opportunities while shoring up your weaknesses. In the last 28 years, over 300 client projects have been completed for manufacturing, professional services, engineering, technology & technical firms. Eileen has an MBA specializing in Marketing & Distribution Systems & the Certified Management Consulting (CMC-Canada) designation. Prior to working in the management consulting industry, Eileen Ashmore worked in the personal financial planning and investment industry as an account manager and stock broker thereby bringing both an investment and personal financial planning background to assist clients make important and timely business decisions. Volunteer History: Past volunteer with the Salvation Army, Toastmasters and Medical Mercy Canada.

50 50 ABOUT CMC - CANADA Slaying Your Dragon! Eileen Ashmore, is a Certified Management Consultant. The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation is the profession s only international certification mark, recognized in 43 countries. It represents a commitment to the highest standards of consulting and adherence to the ethical canons of the profession. CMC-Canada (the Canadian Association of Management Consultants) administers, and its provincial institutes confer, the CMC designation in Canada. For more information, please visit