Program update: As of April 1, 2022, service providers will no longer be required to sign on investment agreements. Alberta Innovates will fund successful applicants directly. Service providers are still required for this program and must be identified in your application.
Accelerate your new product technology development
The Micro Voucher Program is designed to de-risk novel technological solutions.
We do this by providing qualified high potential, high growth, technology or knowledge-based Alberta small and medium enterprise (SME) up to $10,000 in funding, combined with coaching, to accelerate the pathway to commercialization and scale-up.
The program is a good fit for high potential, high growth, technology or knowledge-based Alberta small and medium enterprise (SME) that:
- has a novel technology with an opportunity for intellectual property
- functional requirements and features that are defined, and can prove that the concept is technically feasible.
- has a management team and executed foundational business agreements
- can identify target customer, customer segments and possible markets
- has completed an initial high-level competitive position analysis and understands any regulatory hurdles to entering the market
- can point to pricing and business models of similar products in the industry
- has a technology readiness level between 3 and 7
- can complete the proposed project within six months
- has connected with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) for coaching
Qualified SMEs may be eligible for up to $10,000 for the purpose of one or more of the following activities:
- Design, engineering and prototype development;
- Product testing and refinement;
- Patent development; (excluding patent maintenance fees)
- Advanced market assessment or segmentation analysis;
- Advanced business and/or marketing strategies; and/or
- Other technology development activities that will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: the applicant pays a minimum 25 percent cash contribution of the total eligible project costs.
How the program works
This program is an open-call format. Apply now.
Are you interested in submitting a new application?
- Familiarize yourself with the new program documents below.
- Connect with a Technology Development Advisor.
- Access our applicant portal to submit your application online.
- Any questions? Contact us at intake@albertainnovates.ca or 403-210-5229.
Are you currently working on an existing application?
Draft applications in our grants management system started prior to July 5th, 2021, will closed as of July 5th, 2021 at 12:00pm. You will need to start a new application on or after July 6th, 2021.
We’re here to help with any questions you might have. Please reach out to your technology development advisor or project advisor, or email a program associate at inbox_grants@albertainnovates.ca.
Program resources
Program documents
- Micro voucher program guide
- Micro voucher examples of eligible activities
- Micro voucher reporting & payment schedule
- Micro voucher financial resources
- Micro voucher agreement template
- Micro voucher final report form
Program documents for applications submitted on or before July 5, 2021
- Micro voucher program guide
- Micro voucher reporting & payment schedule
- Micro voucher agreement template
- Micro voucher final report form
Related programs and services
The Micro Voucher Program is part of a suite of small business and entrepreneur funding programs focused on the commercialization of new product development and technology solutions. Other related programs and services are:
- Voucher
- r&D Associate
- Commercialization Associate
- Product Demonstration
- Search other programs
- Connectica, a database to help connect Alberta’s innovative technology entrepreneurs to publicly funded or not-for-profit services, funding and facilities.
To connect with the innovation ecosystem and technology entrepreneur supports in your region, check out the Regional Innovation Networks.
The impact of Alberta Innovates’ programming for 2021
