More than $15.6 million through PrairiesCan will increase access to equipment and testing facilities, expert advice, networking, and investment attraction for Alberta innovators

August 30, 2024 – Edmonton, Alberta – PrairiesCan

Alberta is home to leading innovators and businesses that contribute to vibrant communities, quality jobs and a resilient Prairie economy. Our Government is making targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations that support these businesses to innovate, grow and compete globally. In partnership with all orders of government and industry, the federal government is committed to enabling Alberta’s small- and medium-sized businesses to capitalize on new opportunities and build on the region’s strengths in creating products and services that the world needs.

Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of more than $15.6 million for 16 projects across Alberta that are providing innovators access to specialized equipment and knowledge to test, refine, and commercialize their advanced products and technologies. Projects are focused on a wide range of key economic sectors, including digital technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and clean technology

Examples of projects receiving support include:

• The Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association is receiving more than $3 million to enable over 20 Alberta business to participate in its Green Building Technology Network. This is an industry-led approach that is accelerating the adoption of innovative low-carbon building solutions by facilitating real-world technology demonstrations, delivering business growth services for small businesses and sharing the latest expertise regarding cleaner building technologies, products and practices.

• ELIXR Simulations is receiving more than $1.3 million to deliver training and launch business development tools to accelerate the production and adoption of extended reality technologies, better positioning Alberta businesses to capitalize on rapid growth in the immersive technology sector.

• The University of Alberta is receiving more than $1.3 million to establish the Canadian Cluster for Laser and Advanced Manufacturing—an applied research, networking, and information hub that will facilitate the expansion of Alberta laser cladding manufacturers into new industries and international markets.

• Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie is receiving over $390,000 to develop and provide sugar and botanical testing services at the National Bee Diagnostic Centre in Beaverlodge to support the Canadian beekeeping industry and establish a Canadian honey authentication system to increase sales of Canadian-made honey in national and international markets.

Today’s investments are expected to directly support more than 1,100 jobs and leverage approximately $11 million in additional funding from other orders of government and industry. This announcement supports the principles of the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, a long-term commitment to seize new possibilities to create good-paying jobs in a globally competitive economy by working together with partners across the Prairies.