What is bioindustrial and circular innovation?
Alberta Innovates’ Bioindustrial and Circular Innovation Program drives transformative solutions and innovation to position Alberta at the forefront of the transition to a carbon-neutral, zero-waste, and circular economy. By leveraging Alberta’s biomass resources, waste streams, industrial expertise, and innovation ecosystem, the program fosters cross-sector collaboration, technological advancement, and value-added opportunities that promote economic diversification, environmental resilience, and social responsibility.
While rapid industrial expansion continues to drive economic growth, it is also creating sustainable development challenges, such as increased GHG emissions, resource depletion, and waste pollution. Addressing these challenges requires capitalizing on Alberta’s competitive advantages by adopting innovative solutions to enhance resource circularity, advance the valorization of biomass and waste, and strengthen cross-sector capacity through targeted R&D initiatives.
Aligned with government priorities, industry needs, and sustainability goals, the program transforms challenges into actionable opportunities by accelerating the development, deployment, and commercialization of environmentally and socially responsible innovations across three focus areas: Bioindustrial Materials, Bioenergy, and Circular Economy. Strategic investments in these areas bridge technology gaps across the value chain, from feedstock utilization and manufacturing to end-use applications and waste recovery. Through cross-sector integration, Alberta is advancing sustainable development, reducing environmental impacts, driving economic growth, and improving social well-being.
Focus Areas
Bioindustrial Materials
Drives the development, scaling, and commercialization of value-added materials derived from biomass resources to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious products and sustainable applications. Investments include novel biomass utilization, low-carbon materials, and green construction.
Bioenergy
Supports the advancement of bioenergy solutions by leveraging Alberta’s existing oil and gas infrastructure, expertise, and biomass and waste resources to drive the province’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Investments include innovative conversion technologies, upgrading and integration, and bioenergy lifecycle optimization.
Circular Economy
Advances the circular economy principles by integrating reuse, recycling, repurposing, and waste elimination into production and consumption practices, fostering innovations that enhance waste recovery to minimize environmental impact, maximize economic value, and create circular opportunities. Investments include product lifecycle circularity, advanced recycling technologies, enabling technologies, and circular design.
