NAIT Centre for Grid Innovation - Project Seed Funding
Bring your Grid Vision to Life with 50% Project Funding through NAIT’s Centre for Grid Innovation
Are you an Alberta-based innovator developing the next breakthrough in decentralised energy? Are you working on cutting-edge grid solutions like microgrids, solar-battery systems, smart inverters, or demand-response technologies? Apply Now.
You may be eligible for between $50,000 and $150,000 in funding to test and validate advanced technologies and your grid innovation in collaboration with NAIT’s Centre for Grid Innovation applied research experts.
Gain access to CGI’s state-of-the-art microgrid lab — a real-world testing ground with solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, VPP capabilities, and smart grid systems. Here, innovators and SMEs can fast-track product development, validate performance, and showcase solutions in an environment designed to accelerate market success. The lab also offers grid simulation opportunities, enabling users to test how advanced technologies interact with various grid conditions, such as voltage and frequency fluctuations, demand response events, and islanding scenarios.
Work side by side with experienced industry solutions specialists, student talent, and commercialisation strategists to transition your innovation toward market readiness.
Retain 100 % of your IP. NAIT does not claim ownership over outcomes and supports your commercialisation and long term success
Leverage NAIT’s strong applied research reputation—recently ranked third in Canada’s top 50 research colleges with over $18.2M in funding secured in 2024 alone
Who Should Apply?
Eligible organisations include:
Incorporated Alberta SMEs with at least 2 years’ corporate filings
At least one fulltime employee on staff
Have a business plan to commercialize the proposed innovation or service
Applicant must provide a 1:1 cash match – for example a $50,000 industry contribution will be matched by $50,000 from NAIT, resulting in total project value of $100,000.
Ideal candidates are those prepared to pilot innovative distributed energy resource (DER) systems, smart grid controllers, or renewable integration prototypes in areas such as energy efficiency, grid electrification, electric vehicle (EV) adoption, energy storage, alternative energy, remote energy and microgrid implementation, as well as smart grid technologies.
The benefits:
Technical project guidance and lab access
Collaboration with NAIT applied research experts and emerging STEM talent
Strategic support moving your technology to market readiness
A pathway to test and refine your solution in a real world grid environment
Click here for more information.