NEWS RELEASE EDMONTON, ALBERTA, July 8, 2022 – Alberta’s population is expected to continue to grow and exceed 6 million people by 2050 and with that, demand for water will continue to increase. Ensuring Alberta has the quality and quantity of water needed is a priority for our province. To tackle those challenges, Alberta Innovates is launching a call for proposals for the 2022 Water Innovation program (WIP). The WIP 2022 Call for Proposals will make up to $9 million in funding available for approved projects. Priority areas of interest further described in the Program Guide include: Integrated approaches to water management, Management of climate change impacts, and Water and wastewater management in rural, Indigenous and remote communities. Successful applicants are eligible to receive up to $750,000. The program will support up to 50 per cent of the total project costs, and co-funding of projects with other funding agencies is encouraged. Alberta Innovates’ WIP is designed to help the Government of Alberta achieve the outcomes of the 2014 Alberta Water Research and Innovation Strategy and the goals for the Water for Life Strategy, which are to: Provide safe, secure drinking water, Maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems, and Preserve reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy. The program builds on Alberta’s strengths to help create and apply relevant, reliable and credible knowledge and information that will lead to an innovative and responsive water system for the province. “A safe and secure supply of water is critical for a strong economy, vibrant communities, and healthy environment. While Alberta appears to be a water rich province, we have our share of water challenges. The innovation that is spurred through the Water Innovation Program will help protect and care for our valuable natural resource. Alberta Innovates is proud to offer this year’s call for proposals, and we look forward to the results that flow from this program.” John Zhou, Chief Cleantech Officer and Vice President, Clean Resources, Alberta Innovates BACKGROUND: Interested applicants are encouraged to submit expressions of interest (EOI) by 3:00 p.m. MDT on September 14, 2022. Those EOIs will be evaluated by October 31, 2022. Applicants who are invited to move on to the next application stage will need to submit their full proposals by January 12, 2023. Following evaluation of proposals, applicants will be notified of their application status by March 15, 2023. Visit the Water Innovation Program Call for Proposals page for full details. Alberta Innovates invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive provincial economic growth and diversity. We ignite the power of innovation through our work with researchers, industry and entrepreneurs to move Alberta to a lower-carbon future, promote the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans. Alberta Innovates provides technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice and support, opportunities for partnerships, and funding to advance the best ideas. We support a broad range of research and innovation activity – from discovery to use. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do – bringing together bright minds and great ideas. Learn how Alberta Innovates.