Ecosystem Development Partnerships Program

Strong innovation ecosystems don’t happen by accident—they’re built through collaboration, shared infrastructure, and coordinated support for entrepreneurs and researchers. For organizations playing a convening or enabling role in Alberta’s innovation landscape, the Ecosystem Development Partnerships Program offers funding support to help strengthen how the province’s innovation system works as a whole. Delivered by Alberta Innovates, the program focuses on initiatives that connect services, align priorities, and amplify Alberta’s strengths across key sectors such as agri-food, clean technology, health and medical innovation, biotechnology, and emerging technologies.

Rather than funding individual research projects or product development, this program is geared toward nonprofits, industry-led organizations, and enterprises that help innovators succeed at scale. Supported projects often involve building or expanding shared programs, platforms, networks, or partnerships that benefit many innovators at once—whether that’s improving access to expertise, accelerating commercialization pathways, or fostering collaboration between industry, post-secondary institutions, and ecosystem partners. Funding levels vary by project and are provided as non-repayable contributions, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed for alignment with Alberta Innovates’ strategic priorities.

For organizations working to strengthen Alberta’s research and innovation economy, this program can be a valuable way to turn collaborative ideas into lasting ecosystem impact. Exploring the full program details can help determine whether your initiative is the right fit.