NSERC Alliance – Alberta Innovates Advance Program (Stream II)

Overview of the NSERC Alliance – Alberta Innovates Advance Program (Stream II) program:

Stream II supports researchers at Alberta universities in advancing discovery-stage technologies toward development (TRL 2–4) across information and communication technologies (ICT) or advanced materials. Projects must align with Alberta’s innovation focus areas (Appendix C) and emerging tech topics (Appendix B). Funding is milestone-based and jointly delivered by Alberta Innovates and NSERC through the Alliance program, enabling early-stage technologies to move toward commercialization.

Benefits of the NSERC Alliance – Alberta Innovates Advance Program (Stream II) program:

• Stream II offers up to $150,000/year to support early-stage technology development (TRL 24), helping researchers advance innovation toward commercialization. It promotes training of highly qualified personnel, supports EDI practices, and aligns research with Albertas economic and innovation priorities.

Eligibility criteria of the NSERC Alliance – Alberta Innovates Advance Program (Stream II) program:

• Be a researcher at an Alberta-based NSERC-eligible university
• Business must be physically located in Alberta
• Hold a peer-reviewed NSERC grant (at time of application and funding release)
• Research must align with the programme focus area and emerging tech topic
• Technology must be at TRL 2 to 4
• Submit one application per primary applicant per fiscal year
• Must not hold another Advance grant simultaneously