ADVANCED MATERIALS CHALLENGE

The program aims to fund projects that enhance the circular economy and create low-emission products, including concrete, plastics, food, wood, carbon materials, and chemicals.

Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)

Overview of the ADVANCED MATERIALS CHALLENGE program:

The Advanced Materials Challenge seeks to support the scale-up, pilot demonstration, and first-of-kind projects that contribute to the circular economy and the development of low-emission products. The initiative focuses on increasing the competitiveness of Alberta's manufacturing and resource sectors, fostering new industries with export potential, and reducing the carbon footprint of material supply chains. Potential technologies include non-combustion products from bitumen, improved circularity in the plastics value chain, waste management, recovery and recycling, processing of critical minerals, and producing materials from carbon dioxide. An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 27 from 1-2 p.m. MST (UTC-7h).

Benefits of the ADVANCED MATERIALS CHALLENGE program:

Financial Support: Funding of up to $5 million per project, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
Advancement Opportunities: Enables the development, demonstration, and scale-up of innovative technologies.
Competitive Advantage: Boosts the competitiveness of Alberta's manufacturing and resource sectors.
Emission Reductions: Supports initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across industries.
Industry Growth: Promotes the development of new industries with potential for export and global leadership.
Circular Economy Enhancement: Encourages sustainable practices like waste reduction, recycling, and material reuse.

Eligibility criteria of the ADVANCED MATERIALS CHALLENGE program:

Eligible Applicants:
Innovators, technology developers, SMEs, and not-for-profit organizations.
Municipalities, Indigenous communities, associations, and universities.
Commercial and industrial building owners.
Project Location: Technology solutions may originate globally but must be piloted, demonstrated, or deployed in Alberta.
Value Proposition: Applicants must show clear benefits to Alberta's economy, environment, and industry.
Partnerships: Collaboration with post-secondary institutions, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and co-operatives is strongly encouraged.
Scope of Projects: Projects should focus on circular economy solutions, low-emission products, or technologies like plastics circularity, bitumen-derived products, or carbon-based materials.