Innovation Catalyst Grant

A pan-Alberta entrepreneurial fellowship to support STEM graduates in commercializing innovative science-based technologies

 

Start date

Annual intake

Funding

$250, 000

Duration

2 years

Time Commitment

Full-time

Location

Alberta

About the program

The Innovation Catalyst Grant (ICG) is an entrepreneurial fellowship that supports recent Master’s or PhD graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Sponsored by the Government of Alberta, and managed locally by Innovate Calgary, this program provides a 2-year runway for entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize innovative science-based products and services that contain a hardware component.  

Successful candidates will receive a total of 250K in funding which included: 

  • An annual stipend
  • seed funding to support company expenses  
  • lab and office access through their host university 
  • technical mentorship and support 
  • business development and networking opportunities 

Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must have graduated from an MSc or PhD program within the past 5 years
  • Be a resident of Alberta, with the legal right to work in Canada throughout the program 
  • Be the primary technology innovator(s) of a science-based business or product concept, with a clear hardware component 
  • Can demonstrate access or reasonable steps to commercialize their technology 
  • Are willing and capable to commit to the fellowship as their full-time job 
  • Are prepared to incorporate their business in Alberta and operate in Alberta for at least 3-years following program completion  

How to apply

To apply, log into the Government of Alberta’s online portal that requires a MyAlberta Digital ID (MADI).

Learn more and apply

Have questions? Contact the program coordinator