U of A Innovation Fund

About the Innovation Fund

The University of Alberta Innovation Fund is a for-profit entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of the U of A. Through the visionary support of donors, the Innovation Fund will transform challenges into opportunities. It will make it possible for innovators to transfer ideas from the academy into products, processes and businesses that will improve people’s lives.

The opportunities and challenges of today’s world are dynamic and fast-moving. Meanwhile, startups and other innovators face key hurdles in accessing crucial early capital and the supportive environment they need to thrive. Through the visionary support of donors, the University of Alberta Innovation Fund brings to bear new funding opportunities alongside a supportive community of educators, mentors and champions.

Returns are reinvested back into the Fund to promote an entrepreneurial mindset and culture, and to provide educational opportunities that further accelerate investment. The result is a self-growing fund that also advances commercialization through a collaborative cohort, go-to-market supports and other essential programming.

Together, we’re speeding the pace of innovation and launching Alberta ideas to the global stage.

The Fund was created for 5 main reasons: 

1. To unlock the potential of new ventures from concept to reality and to create high-value jobs to build Alberta’s economy and contribute to global innovation. 
2. To leverage areas of excellence that can solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. 
3. To generate financial gains and inspire more entrepreneurs. 
4. To strengthen the University’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship. 
5. Directly benefit provincial economic priorities, including the Alberta Recovery Plan and economic diversification.

Why now?

Extraordinary, world-changing ideas are not new to the U of A. With our research strengths, the U of A can lead in translating ideas into economic and social benefits. But we are at a tipping point. There are more market- ready ideas than existing funding can fuel. A dedicated fund within the U of A ecosystem creates a greater chance for success. 

We need the Innovation Fund now to ensure that the world doesn’t miss out on an idea that will power tomorrow’s industries and improve quality of life.

How it works

The Fund will pursue investments in the following areas:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Health
• Energy
• Agriculture

Funding is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, U of A alumni (a connection to the U of A is preferred but not required) and a diverse team with a full-time commitment. Their work should address a challenge that will result in positive social impact while leveraging our sector-focused areas of excellence. Returns will be reinvested into the fund, creating momentum for new discoveries, compounding returns and opening up opportunities for more enterprises.

Beyond just the financial investment, we have set up opportunities for education, mentoring, follow-on funding and scaling through strategic networks. 

The Innovation Fund is powered by a multidisciplinary team of U of A students. These student-led operations include outreach to find companies to invest in, as well as running weekly Venture Connect Hours. 

The Impact of Your Donation

The University of Alberta Innovation Fund will:

• Catalyze the movement of research from bench to the marketplace, enabling innovators with bold ideas to solve real-world problems
• Create new jobs, advance society and diversify the economy for real-world impact
• Embed an entrepreneurial culture at the U of A by incentivizing commercialization and supporting start-ups
• Help ensure that students carry forward the skills and connections needed to become our next generation of entrepreneurial leaders

How To Help 

We launched the Fund with $5 million and are aiming to raise over $10 million in support of the U of A Innovation Fund. 

Donors will receive a tax receipt for their gift and all gains are recycled back into the fund.

Contact

kelly.spencer@ualberta.ca
(780) 492-0333
Kelly Spencer

Giving Theme

Technology, Business

Ways to Give

Monthly or Annual Recurring Donations