NSERC Alliance – Alberta Innovates Advance Program ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Primary applicants: Faculty researchers and principal investigators at Alberta-based universities - Partner organizations: Alberta Innovates (mandatory partner) - Collaborating entities: Industry partners, other research institutions, and government agencies (encouraged but optional) - Ineligible: Sole proprietors, private companies as lead applicants, non-university research organizations ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant amount: Up to $150,000 per year - Duration: Maximum 2 years (potential total: $300,000) - Matching requirement: Industry or partner co-investment typically required (specific ratio to be confirmed with program guidelines) - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (funds are contributions, not loans) - Payment structure: Annual disbursements based on milestone achievement ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Personnel costs (researcher salaries, technician support, graduate student stipends) - Research and development activities related to emerging technology advancement - Equipment and instrumentation purchases - Materials and supplies for technology development - Professional services (consulting, testing, validation) - Travel for research collaboration and knowledge dissemination - Technology transfer and commercialization activities ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Partnership requirement: Must involve Alberta Innovates as a formal partner throughout the project - Research focus: Projects must advance discoveries toward emerging technology development - Reporting: Annual progress reports and financial accountability reporting required - Milestone-based releases: Funding tied to achievement of pre-defined project milestones and deliverables - Intellectual property: Must align with Alberta Innovates' IP management framework - Project timeline: Adherence to the 2-year maximum project duration - Eligible institution: Applicant must hold a position at an Alberta-based university at time of application and throughout funding period