EDMONTON, AB — Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is expanding its Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) from a successful pilot to a three-year initiative, providing $4.5 million to help innovators access specialized research and testing infrastructure at eight post-secondary institutions in Alberta.
The program provides eligible companies with incentives covering up to 50 per cent of eligible lab service costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per project and $1.5 million available annually. The expanded program will run through September 30, 2029, or until available funding is depleted. Funding is sourced from the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund.
Participating post-secondary institutions (PSI) include the University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, University of Alberta, NAIT, SAIT, Red Deer Polytechnic, Olds College, and Lethbridge Polytechnic.
“Alberta is home to world-class research and testing infrastructure at our post-secondary institutions. By connecting innovators with laboratory services, we are advancing technology development and strengthening our economy for the long term.”
Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta
“ERA is a strong supporter of emerging innovators. Expanding LSIP into a three-year program will provide more resources for small-and medium-sized enterprises to access the laboratory testing they need to attract investors and commercialize projects.”
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
The LSIP pilot program ran from 2025 to 2026, supporting 24 Alberta-based clean technology projects worth a combined value of more than $850,000.
“As a leader in industry-driven applied research, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is thrilled to participate in ERA’s Lab Services Incentive Program. This support empowers us to give emerging agricultural innovators access to our 3,300-acre Smart Farm, researchers and specialized infrastructure, driving practical solutions for farming, food and land across Canada.”
Sean Thompson, Research Chair, Olds College Centre for Innovation
“ERA’s LSIP Pilot Program enabled us to work directly with SMEs to support product innovation. The program provided an effective mechanism for connecting university research infrastructure and expertise with an industry-defined need and supporting technology development within Alberta’s energy sector.”
Pierre Mertiny, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta
“ERA’s LSIP Pilot Program connected Flexpipe with specialized University of Alberta expertise and testing capabilities. The funding enabled critical tensile and in-situ punch-shear testing, producing valuable data to support material qualification, improve design decisions, and reduce the technical risk of advancing our next-generation, low-emissions Flexpipe technology.”
Joel Runka, Director, Technology Engineering, Flexpipe
The program will follow a continuous intake structure until September 30, 2029, or whenever funds are depleted, awarding up to $1.5 million annually. 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 use of PSI facilities, expertise, and equipment to carry out testing, validating, characterizing, and similar services to advance an innovative technology solution. Technology areas of focus must align with ERA’s Technology Roadmap. Participants are not required to be incorporated in Alberta but must have a material, demonstrable Alberta footprint. A one-hour informational webinar will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 10 a.m. MT, register HERE.
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 by up to 50 per cent. No separate application to ERA by the technology developer is required. Engagement, coordination, planning, and contracting for projects will be managed by each PSI.
Contact Information
Kevin Duncan
Media Relations
Emissions Reduction Alberta
403.431.2859
kduncan@eralberta.ca
ABOUT EMISSIONS REDUCTION ALBERTA (ERA)
ERA is one of Canada’s largest clean technology funders, investing in the people and technologies shaping the future of industry. With more than $1 billion invested since 2009, and roughly $150 million awarded annually, ERA is helping breakthrough technology solutions scale from Canada to the world.
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.