There are a number of resources to help Alberta inventors. These include the following:
- Grant funds may be available via Alberta Innovates for innovators to move their ideas to commercialization. Various programs currently exist, including Entrepreneurial Investments, Agriculture, Forestry & Food, Clean Energy and Health Innovation.
- For small- and medium-sized businesses there is the Alberta Innovates Micro voucher grant. With this grant, up to $10,000 may be available to cover 75% of the costs for patent development.
- For businesses in the mid-to-late developmental stages there is the larger Alberta Innovates Voucher grant. With this grant, up to $100,000 may be available to cover up to 75% of the costs for patent development.
- The Business Development Bank of Canada’s BDC Capital can sometimes assist entrepreneurs in knowledge-based industries with a high-growth potential by providing financing for prototype production and patents. Typically this is in the form of a loan.
- The Government of Canada’s NRC-IRAP Research Grants may provide funding to offset a portion of technical labour and subcontractor costs (of up to 60-80%) to assist with the development and/or commercialization of innovative products, processes, or services
- Red Deer College’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing provides design, 3D CAD modelling, design engineering, proof-of-concept and prototype fabrication services to local inventors and businesses.