Prototype Development Program
NAIT received funding in 2006 for a Prototype Development Program (PDP) to help industry evaluate and develop new ideas and services. Since this time, the PDP has helped build a more effective regional innovation system in Alberta.The PDP supports the development of technologies, entrepreneurs, and companies by funding technical consultancy and product development. These activities include:

• designing and developing prototype devices, systems, processes, and products;
• analyzing, testing, troubleshooting, and evaluating new technologies; and
• assessing and commercializing new technologies and products.

NAIT Shell Manufacturing Centre (NSMC)
The NSMC is a unique $14.6-million multi-disciplinary facility dedicated to helping the Alberta manufacturing industry become globally competitive.

Supported by the federal and provincial governments, industry, and NAIT, the NSMC provides an environment where organizations can embrace innovation, generate ideas, and improve their productivity. novaNAIT plays a direct role in arranging NSMC services for internal and external clients.

Technology Commercialization Challenge
The novaNAIT Technology Commercialization Challenge gives innovators and entrepreneurs from NAIT and the greater Edmonton area a chance to win free access to novaNAIT technical or business development services.

Competitors pitch their technology, product, or business ideas to a panel of judges made up of representatives from novaNAIT, industry, and the financial community. The winner gets $10,000 in novaNAIT services.

The objective of the competition is to increase the amount of applied research and technology transfer at NAIT and improve access to novaNAIT services.

• 2008's novaNAIT Technology Commercialization Challenge winner
• Watch the video

Youth Technopreneurship Program HATCH Contest
The HATCH contest gives NAIT students and recent grads a chance to make their business plan a reality with $20,000 in seed money, including access to space and services at the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation.

The contest has two phases. Entrants submit business plans for ideas with a technology, science, or knowledge-based focus in phase one. In phase two, selected entrants will present their business plans to a panel of judges made up of members from Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) NAIT, novaNAIT, and business and industry.

In addition to the $20,000 seed money, the winner will have access to a panel of advisors from industry and the investment community to assist with commercial strategy development.

• HATCH opportunity