International Technology Partnership Program (ITP): Up to $250K for Commercialization

The International Technology Partnership Program (ITP) supports Alberta’s high potential, high growth, small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they commercialize new products, achieve optimal market position, increase revenue, and potentially expand into global markets.

Through government funding support via the International Technology Partnership Program (ITP), the Alberta government will match an eligible applicant’s contributions for eligible project costs to a maximum investment of $250,000.

Applications for the ITP funding program are currently open on an ongoing basis. To assess your business’ eligibility for funding support, please connect with the Mentor Works, a Ryan Company team for a free funding discovery session.

About the International Technology Partnership Program (ITP)

International Technology Partnership Program (ITP) funding provides small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with support to find and enter a partnership with an “International Project Partner” for further product development or to pilot the technical and business merits of their product with the goal to prove the product value, and advance commercialization.

Funding Amount

Successful applicants for this program may be eligible for the following funding allotments:

• The program will match the Applicant’s contributions for eligible project costs to a maximum Investment of $250,00;
• Applicant’s matching funds must be in the form of 50% Cash and 50% In-kind contributions; and
• The International Project Partner is expected to match the eligible applicant’s contribution.

Applicant Eligibility  

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Exist as a corporatation and have up-to-date corporate filings;
• Be incorporated in Alberta AND/OR incorporated in another jurisdiction and extra-provincially registered in Alberta;
• Be a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership and registered in Alberta.
• Be an SME (less than 500 FTEs & $50M in annual gross revenue);
• Be Alberta-based with an Alberta footprint, including significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta; appropriate Alberta ownership; and discernible intent that operational benefits will flow primarily within the Province of Alberta; and
• Are limited to receiving no more than 2 ITP, either development or pilot awards.

Eligible International Project Partner must:

• Exist as a corporate person, with up-to-date corporate filings;
• Demonstrate that the relationship between the Applicant and Partner/Strategic Partner/Service Provider/Collaborator does not create a conflict of interest;
• Be at arm’s length from the Applicant;
• Provide a letter indicating the Partner’s/Service Provider’s/Collaborator’s intention to participate in the Project at the time of application;
• Have the financial capability to purchase or enter into a distribution agreement of the product upon Project completion of a demonstration; and
• Show tangible resources committed to the Project.

Project Eligibility

Eligible Projects must:

• Include activities such as developing and testing technology and/or piloting in an operational or test environment to move towards commercialization;
• Align with the objectives of the ITP;
• Show that the product is a viable technology at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to 8;
• Include with critical “go/no go” milestones with measurable target outcomes;
• Be completed within an 18-month term;
• Have the participation of at least one International Project Partner(s);
• Outline the financial contribution required by Applicant; and/or
• Comply with other criteria that Alberta Innovates may develop.

Program Timeline

Applications for the International Technology Partnership Program (ITP) are currently accepted on an ongoing basis.

Canadian Grants and Loans for Business Expansion

One of the best reasons for a business to expand its operations is to reach out to a new group of customers. Although a business may already have a strong customer base, opportunities to add new customers by expanding can increase a company’s revenues and introduce new products and services.

Canadian business expansion grants, loans, and other incentives are available for businesses of all sizes to offset strategic growth costs. These funding programs can help your business start exporting, open a new location, or assist with other focus projects.

Download our free Build a Government Funding Plan slide deck resource to learn how government grants, loans, and tax incentives could support your business in strategic growth and innovation efforts such as business expansion, hiring and training, research and development, and capital investment and technology adoption.