Innovation Catalyst Grant Entrepreneurial Fellowship

A pan-Alberta $250,000 entrepreneurial fellowship for recent graduates of advanced STEM degrees to commercialize innovative science-based technologies with a hardware component.

About the program

The Innovation Catalyst Grant (ICG) is an entrepreneurial fellowship funded by the Government of Alberta. Learn about the Government of Alberta Guidelines HERE and submit an expression of interest HERE.

Managed locally by the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge, this program provides recent Master’s or PhD graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines a 2-year runway to develop and commercialize innovative science-based products and services that contain a hardware component. 

Successful candidates will receive up to $250K in funding which includes: 

• an annual stipend
• seed funding to support company expenses
• facilitation of lab and office access
• technical mentorship and support 
• business development and networking opportunities 

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must have graduated from an MSc or PhD program within the past 5 years
• Be a resident of Alberta, with the legal right to work in Canada throughout the program 
• Be the primary technology innovator(s) of a science-based business or product concept, with a clear hardware component 
• Have secured (or be in the process of securing) IP rights by the expression of interest stage
• Are willing and capable to commit to the fellowship as their full-time job 
• Are prepared to incorporate their business in Alberta and operate in Alberta for at least 3-years following program completion

Recipients of the Award by the University of Alberta

•   Innovation Catalyst Grant Recipient Bios (PDF) 

Have questions?

Reach out to the program manager:
Claire Kay  
claire.kay@ualberta.ca