Project Seed Funding in Grid Innovation

As part of the Distributed Energy Management Initiative (DEMI), the Project Seed Funding (PSF) program aims to stimulate innovation in Alberta’s electrical energy sector by contributing up to $150,000 CAD to applied reseach collaborations between NAIT Applied Research and small-medium enterprises with the aim to progress grid modernization and energy transition initiatives, and the ultimate goal of reducing green-house gases. 

Potential project work would involve one of the following themes:

  • energy efficiency
  • grid electrification
  • electric vehicle (EV) adoption 
  • energy storage
  • alternative energy
  • remote energy and microgrid implementation
  • smart grid technologies    

Overview

Funding for successful applicants ranges from $50,000 to $150,000. A 1:1 cash contribution from the industry partner is required —meaning the applicant must match the requested amount with an equal cash contribution (for example, if the industry contributes $50,000 in cash, NAIT will match it with $50,000 in PSF funding, resulting in a total project value of $100,000.)


Eligibility for the Project Seed Funding Program

To be eligible for the PSF program your company must:

  • be incorporated in Alberta with at least two years of corporate filings on record
  • have at least one full-time employee on staff
  • have a business plan to commercialize the proposed innovation or service

Eligible Use of Funds

Funding can be used for the following research activities:

  • utilization of lab space and equipment including our microgrid laboratory
  • purchase of large equipment required for testing and validation
  • work hours of NAIT Applied Research staff and students dedicated to the project

Deadlines for Applications

We are currently accepting PSF proposals until Oct. 31, 2025. To be considered, proposals must have an expectation of completion by Dec. 31, 2026.

Successful applicants to the PSF will be encouraged to lever their investment with other funding programs. CGI will provide its support for such endeavours.


How to Apply

Click the button below and fill out our contact us form:

  • Select "Centre for Grid Innovation" under "Which Centre would you like to contact?" 
  • Submit a brief description of your project idea and our business development team will follow up within 5-10 business days

Success stories from the PSF program

NAIT partners with startup to develop industrial batteries that use saltwater

AquaCell Energy has developed an energy storage solution using salt-water. Helped along by NAIT Applied Research, Keith Cleland was able to develop and upscale this technology.

Read the Article