Strategic Vision

Innovation is powerful when the purpose is clear, the strategy is well defined, and there is a deliberate path to impact.

We are taking decisive action to ensure Alberta is a global leader in innovation-driven economic growth by removing obstacles to the development and growth of technology-based business. Alberta’s innovation future depends on a clear, focused, and ambitious strategy—one that ensures technology is harnessed not in isolation but as a force multiplier for the province’s economic strengths.  

We are redefining our role to ensure that innovation occurs across industries, creating opportunities that are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with Alberta’s long-term growth priorities.

The 2025 Strategic Plan, titled Breaking Silos, Bridging Innovation outlines three main goals for our organization: 

Alberta Innovates Strategic Plan 2025

Alberta Innovates Business Plan 2025-2028

Alberta Innovates will enhance pathways for startups, scaleups, and emerging sectors to access funding, infrastructure, and commercialization expertise — with targeted support for high-potential opportunities in our four cross-sectoral innovation priorities. 

Commercialization is the critical bridge between research, innovation and real-world application — enabling Alberta to solve complex challenges, diversify its economy, and deliver sustainable, high-impact growth. Alberta Innovates will accelerate the development and scaling of homegrown technologies into globally competitive products and services.

Alberta Innovates is committed to creating a high-performance, outcomes-driven culture and organizational structure that maximizes value for Albertans through excellence in execution, accountability, and impact.

Our innovation priorities

Innovation thrives when technology and industry intersect, unlocking new possibilities that wouldn’t exist within a single sector. We are restructuring our investment approach and operational structure to inform streamlined program and partnership delivery, and an approach to ecosystem support around four cross-cutting priorities that span multiple industries.

Applied Digital and Emerging Technologies

Alberta’s digital future depends on strategic investments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and secure data infrastructure.

These technologies will power next-generation industries, enable precision medicine and digital health breakthroughs, and transform how businesses and governments make data-driven decisions.

  • AI, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity: Building Alberta’s leadership in advanced computing and secure digital infrastructure.
  • Digital Health: Using AI and real-time data analytics to improve health outcomes and healthcare innovation while promoting responsible AI/development/adoption.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making and Smart Infrastructure: Strengthening Alberta’s digital backbone, from smart cities to industrial automation.
  • Data Centres: Expanding Alberta’s capacity to process and store high-value data for industry applications.

Health, Agricultural and Life Science Innovation

Innovation in health, agriculture, and environmental science will ensure Alberta’s long-term economic diversification and global leadership in biomanufacturing, regenerative medicine, and environmental sustainability.

  • Next-Generation Therapeutics: Driving innovation in drug discovery, precision health, medical devices, diagnostics, natural health products, and clinical trials that reaches all Albertans.
  • Sustainable Agriculture and One Health Approaches: Developing advanced agricultural technologies and integrating human, animal, and environmental health research to tackle emerging diseases and ecosystem challenges.
  • Bio-Industrial Technologies for Agriculture and Environment: Developing bioplastics, biofuels, and sustainable biomaterials to reduce environmental impact and support a greener economy.

Advanced Materials and Aerospace

By investing in novel materials and aerospace technologies, Alberta can move beyond raw resource extraction and position itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing, automation, and high-technology aviation.

  • Novel Materials Development: Advancing carbon fibre, critical minerals, and bioplastics to create high-value industrial applications.
  • Aerospace and Aviation Innovation: Supporting next-generation aviation initiatives, drone technology, and space-related research and development (R&D).
  • Advanced Manufacturing and Automation: Investing in robotics, additive manufacturing, and AI-driven industrial processes to modernize production.

Natural Resource Recovery

Alberta’s resource economy is a pillar of its prosperity. By investing in advanced recovery methods, critical mineral processing, and next-generation energy solutions, we are ensuring that the province remains a leader in responsible resource development, enhanced efficiency, and new value-added industries.

These investments will strengthen Alberta’s energy sector while unlocking new opportunities in industrial transformation and global supply chains.

  • Advanced Resource Recovery and Processing: Developing cleaner more efficient methods for extracting and processing Alberta’s energy resources, including enhanced bitumen recovery and low-impact extraction techniques.
  • Critical Minerals and Alternative Resource Utilization: Expanding Alberta’s role in supplying critical minerals for global markets and repurposing natural resources for high-value applications, such as advanced materials and energy storage technologies.
  • Next-Generation Energy Solutions: Investing in hydrogen, waste-to energy, CCUS, and new energy technologies to ensure Alberta’s long-term leadership in industrial innovation and global energy markets.