SOMETHING PREMIER SMITH PREVIOUSLY CANCELED
By Jennifer Kervin
March 28, 2025
Photo by Brian Holdsworth on Unsplash
Alberta’s clean technology ecosystem just got an $8.3 million boost from Ottawa.
Anita Anand, minister of innovation, science and industry, announced on March 25 that the Government of Canada will fund 13 clean technology projects in Alberta.
The funding, administered by PrairiesCan, comes from multiple federal programs aimed at scaling startups, exploring regional hydrogen hubs, and strengthening capacity in Indigenous and rural communities.
“The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to advance the commercialization and adoption of Alberta-made clean technology solutions that offer environmental and economic benefits, including high quality jobs for Albertans,” Anand said in a release.
“These 13 projects will help Alberta businesses and communities capitalize on clean technology advancements while building a stronger and more sustainable economic future across the Prairies.”
The projects are through several federal programs including the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative and the Business Scale-up and Productivity program. This funding supports an estimated 240 jobs and is part of Ottawa’s broader push to build a “Green Prairie Economy,” a framework introduced in late 2023.
Calgary’s Energy Transition Centre gets a lift
One of the largest allocations is $2 million for Calgary’s Energy Transition Centre. The funding will help the downtown-based hub support more clean tech businesses, expand its programming, and deepen collaboration with researchers and investors.
This follows PrairiesCan’s earlier $2.1 million investment to establish the centre, which brings together startups, major energy companies, and academic institutions under one roof.
Momentum grows around hydrogen hubs
Hydrogen continues to be a major focus in Alberta’s energy transition.
Two projects will receive a combined $1.55 million to build out the province’s hydrogen sector. That includes $1.5 million to establish the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub, and $50,000 for a feasibility study exploring hydrogen opportunities in the Grande Prairie area.
The Calgary hub is expected to link with other efforts in Vancouver and Edmonton to create a stronger Western Canadian hydrogen corridor.
The goal is to capture a piece of the growing global hydrogen sector.
Indigenous-led energy projects move forward
Six projects focused on Indigenous communities will share over $1.6 million to study alternative and renewable energy sources.
Funding will support studies of large-scale battery storage, solar photovoltaic projects, and clean energy solutions tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities across the province.
These projects will empower local decision-making and advance energy security in communities that have historically faced energy access barriers.
Robotics and freshwater innovation among business recipients
Calgary-based FulcrumAir, which makes robotic systems for power line construction and maintenance, will receive $1.8 million in repayable funding to expand into international markets. The company is already active in the U.S., Australia, and Europe.
An additional $1.3 million is going toward three projects focused on training and ecosystem-building:AquaAction will get $157,000 to launch the Prairies AquaHacking Challenge, supporting young professionals and students developing freshwater technology solutions.
Pathways Alliance will receive $735,000 to run a mentorship program connecting small and medium-sized businesses with clean tech leaders.
ROA Gateways Corporation is getting $462,000 to launch a digital marketplace for selling clean tech products to natural resource sector companies.
“Clean technology solutions are good for the environment and the economy — making it faster, less expensive, and less invasive to do business,” said George Chahal, member of parliament for Calgary Skyview.
“I’m proud that our government is making investments that advance and adopt clean technology innovations that help Alberta businesses succeed in global markets and create sustainable jobs here at home.”
A bet on local strengths
The funding reflects PrairiesCan’s mandate to support economic diversification across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It also aligns with the federal government’s commitment to help Prairie provinces transition toward more sustainable economies without sidelining their strengths in natural resources.
For Alberta, that means more emphasis on scaling tech that supports — rather than replaces — traditional industries.
Whether it’s robotic tools for utility crews, mentorship networks for small clean tech firms, or feasibility studies on renewable power in Indigenous communities, the common thread is clear: support innovation that’s rooted in place.
And increasingly, place-based innovation is where economic policy is heading.
By Jennifer Kervin
March 28, 2025
Photo by Brian Holdsworth on Unsplash
Alberta’s clean technology ecosystem just got an $8.3 million boost from Ottawa.
Anita Anand, minister of innovation, science and industry, announced on March 25 that the Government of Canada will fund 13 clean technology projects in Alberta.
The funding, administered by PrairiesCan, comes from multiple federal programs aimed at scaling startups, exploring regional hydrogen hubs, and strengthening capacity in Indigenous and rural communities.
“The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to advance the commercialization and adoption of Alberta-made clean technology solutions that offer environmental and economic benefits, including high quality jobs for Albertans,” Anand said in a release.
“These 13 projects will help Alberta businesses and communities capitalize on clean technology advancements while building a stronger and more sustainable economic future across the Prairies.”
The projects are through several federal programs including the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative and the Business Scale-up and Productivity program. This funding supports an estimated 240 jobs and is part of Ottawa’s broader push to build a “Green Prairie Economy,” a framework introduced in late 2023.
Calgary’s Energy Transition Centre gets a lift
One of the largest allocations is $2 million for Calgary’s Energy Transition Centre. The funding will help the downtown-based hub support more clean tech businesses, expand its programming, and deepen collaboration with researchers and investors.
This follows PrairiesCan’s earlier $2.1 million investment to establish the centre, which brings together startups, major energy companies, and academic institutions under one roof.
Momentum grows around hydrogen hubs
Hydrogen continues to be a major focus in Alberta’s energy transition.
Two projects will receive a combined $1.55 million to build out the province’s hydrogen sector. That includes $1.5 million to establish the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub, and $50,000 for a feasibility study exploring hydrogen opportunities in the Grande Prairie area.
The Calgary hub is expected to link with other efforts in Vancouver and Edmonton to create a stronger Western Canadian hydrogen corridor.
The goal is to capture a piece of the growing global hydrogen sector.
Indigenous-led energy projects move forward
Six projects focused on Indigenous communities will share over $1.6 million to study alternative and renewable energy sources.
Funding will support studies of large-scale battery storage, solar photovoltaic projects, and clean energy solutions tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities across the province.
These projects will empower local decision-making and advance energy security in communities that have historically faced energy access barriers.
Robotics and freshwater innovation among business recipients
Calgary-based FulcrumAir, which makes robotic systems for power line construction and maintenance, will receive $1.8 million in repayable funding to expand into international markets. The company is already active in the U.S., Australia, and Europe.
An additional $1.3 million is going toward three projects focused on training and ecosystem-building:AquaAction will get $157,000 to launch the Prairies AquaHacking Challenge, supporting young professionals and students developing freshwater technology solutions.
Pathways Alliance will receive $735,000 to run a mentorship program connecting small and medium-sized businesses with clean tech leaders.
ROA Gateways Corporation is getting $462,000 to launch a digital marketplace for selling clean tech products to natural resource sector companies.
“Clean technology solutions are good for the environment and the economy — making it faster, less expensive, and less invasive to do business,” said George Chahal, member of parliament for Calgary Skyview.
“I’m proud that our government is making investments that advance and adopt clean technology innovations that help Alberta businesses succeed in global markets and create sustainable jobs here at home.”
A bet on local strengths
The funding reflects PrairiesCan’s mandate to support economic diversification across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It also aligns with the federal government’s commitment to help Prairie provinces transition toward more sustainable economies without sidelining their strengths in natural resources.
For Alberta, that means more emphasis on scaling tech that supports — rather than replaces — traditional industries.
Whether it’s robotic tools for utility crews, mentorship networks for small clean tech firms, or feasibility studies on renewable power in Indigenous communities, the common thread is clear: support innovation that’s rooted in place.
And increasingly, place-based innovation is where economic policy is heading.
This article was created with the assistance of AI. Learn more about our AI ethics policy here.
Written ByJennifer Kervin
Jennifer Kervin is a Digital Journal staff writer and editor based in Toronto.
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