Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) Program (Alberta): How to Apply

If you are developing new materials, products, or technologies that use bitumen beyond fuel, Alberta Innovates’ Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) Program can help fund your next stage of R&D. The program is active with a continuous intake, but the application process is not a simple one-click form. Understanding the steps and Alberta Innovates’ expectations can save you time.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to applying for the Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) Program in Alberta, based on current program rules and intake procedures.

What is the Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) Program?

The BAM Program is delivered by Alberta Innovates and supports the development of bitumen-based advanced materials with strong commercial and Alberta value potential. Your project should be between early testing and pilot demonstration (TRL 3–7).

Key program facts:

Program status: Open
Intake: Continuous (no fixed deadline)
Jurisdiction: Alberta
Applicant location: Can be outside Alberta, but must show clear value to the province
Funding amount: Varies by project and scope

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible lead applicants include:

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Large industry players
Technology developers
Post-secondary institutions
Research and development organizations
Not-for-profits, municipalities, and research labs

Your project must:

Focus on advanced materials or non-combustion uses of bitumen
Be between TRL 3–7 (from early testing to pilot demonstration)
Clearly explain economic, environmental, or supply-chain value to Alberta

Projects outside these criteria are screened out early.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the BAM Program

1. Confirm Your Project Is a Fit

Make sure your project matches the eligibility criteria above. If you need to check if your project aligns with BAM or other Alberta Innovates programs, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm before you invest time in intake discussions.

2. Email the Alberta Innovates Intake Team First (Required)

Unlike many grants, BAM requires an initial intake conversation before you can submit a full proposal.

You must email:
[email protected]
(Energy, Aerospace, Defence & Advanced Materials Intake)

In this email, briefly outline:

Your technology and current TRL
How bitumen is used in your solution
Your commercialization goal
Why Alberta benefits if your project succeeds

This step helps Alberta Innovates decide whether to invite you to proceed.

3. Create or Log In to the SmartSimple Portal

If intake confirms alignment, you will be directed to Alberta Innovates’ SmartSimple online system.

Inside the portal:

Go to Funding Opportunities
Select the Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) program
Start the Continuous Intake Form

4. Submit the Continuous Intake Form

This initial submission is not a full proposal. It is a structured screening form that typically covers:

Technical description and innovation
TRL evidence
Market opportunity
Alberta value proposition
Expected outcomes and next milestones

Only projects that pass this screening are invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.

5. Invitation to Detailed Proposal and Project Approval

If your intake submission is successful:

Alberta Innovates invites you to submit a Detailed Proposal
Alberta Innovates reviews your project for technical details, business potential, and fit with their goals
Approved projects move into contracting and project management

Funding amounts, cost-share ratios, and milestones are finalized at this stage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the intake email
BAM does not accept unsolicited full proposals. Not contacting the intake team first will stall your application.

Weak TRL justification
Saying “pilot-ready” is not enough. You need clear evidence that your project fits within TRL 3–7.

Vague Alberta value
Out-of-province applicants often fail here. Jobs, supply-chain development, emissions reductions, or IP retention in Alberta must be specific.

Treating BAM like a fixed-amount grant
Funding is negotiated. Over- or under-scoping your budget can hurt credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a deadline for the Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) Program?
No. The program has a continuous intake, meaning applications are accepted year-round.

Q: Do I need to be based in Alberta to apply?
No. Applicants can be located outside Alberta, but the project must demonstrate clear and measurable value to Alberta.

Q: How much funding does BAM provide?
There is no fixed maximum. Funding levels depend on project scope, TRL, and strategic fit, and are determined during review.

Q: What types of costs are eligible?
Eligible expenses typically include R&D labour, materials, prototyping, testing, and pilot-scale development tied directly to the project.

Q: Can startups without revenue apply?
Yes. Early-stage companies can be eligible if the technology, team, and commercialization pathway are strong. See also Can You Get Grant Funding Without Revenue? Early-Stage Eligibility Explained.

Next Steps

If BAM looks like a fit, start by preparing a short intake summary and emailing Alberta Innovates before building a full proposal. From there, mapping BAM alongside other Alberta Innovates and advanced materials programs can strengthen your funding strategy.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Alberta Innovates funding — making it easier to see which options match your technology stage, industry, and province. For extra support, GrantHub’s grant writing resources can guide you through preparing a strong intake summary and proposal.

Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM) Program (Alberta): How to Apply