EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta, through Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), is committing $1 million toward the new Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) Pilot. Funding is sourced from the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund.
LSIP aims to improve collaboration and access to lab services for early-stage clean technology developers in Alberta. It’s designed to provide easier access, greater efficiency, and enhanced affordability when it comes to engaging with post-secondary research institutions in Alberta.
“This program will reduce barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises to access the laboratory testing they need to attract investors and commercialize projects. We’re using the industry-funded TIER program to help bring more technologies from idea to market, creating jobs and growing the economy.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
“This important program was designed to help move clean technology projects toward commercialization, while fostering collaborations between post-secondary research institutions and SMEs and growing a roster of technology solutions that could be eligible for ERA’s primary programming in the future.”
Justin Riemer, ERA, CEO
“Alberta has the world’s best energy research institutions. As start-ups and venture capital chase new ways to get tech to market, this program supercharges Alberta’s position as a global energy innovation leader. It fosters entrepreneurship with researchers, empowers new technology and attracts venture investment into to Alberta.”
Kevin Krausert, CEO and Co-founder, Avatar Innovations
Under the program, a project can receive 60 per cent of the nominal project cost, up to a maximum of $60,000. The program will follow a continuous intake structure until December 31, 2025, or whenever funds are depleted. Incentives will be provided to support services offered by participating post-secondary research institutions to Alberta-based, for-profit enterprises with no more than 499 employees. Eligible activities include testing, validating, characterizing, or otherwise advancing elements of an innovative technology solution.
The three participating Post Secondary Institutions (PSI) are the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. If the program is successful, additional institutions or service providers may be considered for future program expansions.
Participants are not required to be incorporated in Alberta but must have a material, demonstrable Alberta footprint and working to progress a technology in the areas of energy, environment, and emissions reduction.
Applications for LSIP incentives will be made by participating PSIs on behalf of clients and will be used to reduce the cost of lab services provided by the PSI by up to 50 per cent, with the remainder of the incentive supporting administration. No separate application to ERA by the technology developer is required. Engagement, coordination, planning, and contracting for projects will be managed by each PSI.
For more information contact:
Kevin Duncan
Media Relations
Emissions Reduction Alberta
403.431.2859
kduncan@eralberta.ca
ABOUT ERA
Emissions Reduction Alberta has been investing revenues from the carbon price paid by large emitters to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative clean technology solutions for 15 years. Since established in 2009, ERA has committed nearly $985 million toward 298 projects worth $9 billion that are helping to reduce GHGs, create competitive industries and are leading to new business opportunities in Alberta. These projects are estimated to deliver cumulative GHG reductions of 42.5 million tonnes by 2030 and 117.6 million tonnes by 2050.
ABOUT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION (TIER) FUNDING
The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Regulation is at the core of emissions management in Alberta. The TIER system implements Alberta’s industrial carbon pricing and emissions trading system. TIER helps industrial facilities find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology to stay competitive and save money.