Alberta Innovates

Supporting high calibre students undertaking full-time graduate studies in Emerging Technology Areas of scientific research important to Alberta

At a glance

Value

$26,000 master’s, up to two years
$31,000 doctoral, up to four years
$18,000 AGES top-up value
$12,000 Major Award top-up value

Citizenship

Unrestricted

Deadline

This competition is managed through the Graduate Award Competition (GAC)

See GAC application deadline

Degree type

Open to thesis-based students undertaking a full-time graduate program in research areas that are strategically important to Alberta.

Learn more

Research areas

Your research must advance one of the following Applied Digital & Emerging Technology Areas in natural sciences and engineering, in and of themselves, or additionally support one, or more, of the following Thematic Areas of Focus:

Applied Digital & Emerging Technology Topics

  • Communications networks and services
  • Internet of Things (IoT)/Machine-to-machine systems
  • Advanced data management and analytics (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Human interaction with digital media
  • Quantum computing
  • Automation (including robotics)
  • Lightweight materials and technologies
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Nanotechnology
  • Quantum materials

Thematic Areas of Focus

  • Health, Agricultural, and Life Science Innovation
  • Advanced Materials, Defence, and Aerospace
  • Natural Resource Recovery

Eligible research projects involve developing or advancing an emerging technology (ET), as listed here, are considered development. The primary objective must be the advancement of the ET itself, rather than improvements in other products. 

Research projects involving the development of a technology that is not an ET but utilizes ET as a tool, it would be categorized as the use of ET, rather than ET development. These projects are not eligible for funding within this program. 


Preparing your application

You are encouraged to apply for awards when you have submitted your admissions application and received your University of Calgary student number (UCID). You are not required to meet the eligibility requirements in the terms of reference of an award when you apply, but if successful, you must meet the eligibility requirements at the time the award is paid.

Please ensure that you have completed the following two steps before submitting your application:

Read the terms of reference

Awards are based on merit. It is important to read and understand the award terms of reference listed on this page and/or on the agency, or donor website.

Know your eligibility

Read our guide to discover the polices and regulations that determines a student's award eligibility at the University of Calgary.

Award Guide: Eligibility

Terms of reference


Eligibility

You must be able to clearly articulate how your research aligns with Alberta Innovates’ Applied Digital & Emerging Technology Areas and how your research can produce potential environmental, health, economic, social and other impacts for Alberta.

See Alberta Innovates' guidelines.

Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships

Note

The Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships AGES top-up is only available to students who have applied for, and been awarded, both an Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarships award and Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships award.

The Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships Major Award top-up is only available to students who have applied for, and been awarded, both a major award and Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships award.

For the purposes of the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships competition, a major award is defined as having a value of $17,500 or higher.

Application

This competition is managed through the Graduate Award Competition (GAC). The Graduate Award Competition opens November 1 of each year.

To submit your application go to your Student Centre and click the link Apply for Graduate Funding in the Financial Aid section of your home screen. Visit this page for detailed instructions.

 

Learn about the Graduate Award Competition

Deadline

This competition is managed through the Graduate Award Competition (GAC). The Graduate Award Competition opens November 1 of each year.

Attend a Workshop

Set yourself up for success and attend one of our workshops.

UCalgary workshops are hosted by the the Graduate Leaders Circle (GLC). The Graduate Leaders Circle is comprised of Vanier, Killam, and Doctoral tri-agency recipients, the most prestigious awards available to graduate students in Canada. Members serve as mentors to help other graduate students improve their chances for various awards.

FGS Awards workshop

GAC Workshop
Dec. 1, 2025 | 10 am - 12:00 noon

Register

Alberta Innovates Workshop

AB Innovates Workshop
TBD

Participants should view the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships (GSS) Program Guidelines in advance and come to the Q&A session with specific questions in mind.


One-on-one mentoring

Hosted by the Graduate Leaders Circle, scholarship cafes and dedicated one-on-one mentoring sessions are available for students applying for scholarships. Drop-in and scheduled sessions are available.

If you have eligibility questions or you experience difficulties with the application, please contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies office (gsaward@ucalgary.ca).

 

GLC scholarship cafes

Students will be able to register for one 30 minute mentoring session. Signing up for more than one time slot reduces the number of spaces available for students

GAC Cafe #1:
Dec. 4, 2025 | 2 pm - 4:00 pm
Register

GAC Cafe #2:
Jan. 16, 2026 | 10 am -12:00 noon
Register

 

GLC scholarship drop-ins

GAC Drop In #1:
Dec. 8, 2025 | 10 am - 11:30 am
Register

GAC Drop In #2:
Jan. 6, 2026 | 10 am - 11:30 am
Register

GAC Drop In #3:
Jan. 9, 2026 | 1 pm - 2:30 pm
Register