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.
Expressions of interest: June 15 to September 1, 2025.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit their expression of interest early to receive feedback from program managers.
Full proposal: September 30, 2025
- By invitation only.
About the program
The Innovation Catalyst Grant (ICG) is an entrepreneurial fellowship funded by the . Learn about the Government of Alberta Guidelines and submit an expression of interest .
Managed locally by the 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, 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 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø
Have questions?
Reach out to the program manager:
Claire Kay
claire.kay@ualberta.ca