Calgary’s Tech Sector Gets $15M Boost to cut emissions and accelerate clean-tech
Alberta’s government is injecting more than $15 million into Calgary-based clean technology projects aimed at driving economic growth, creating high-value jobs, and significantly curbing emissions across key provincial industries.
Funded through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system and administered by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), the capital injection targets seven high-impact ventures spanning the energy, agriculture, manufacturing, critical minerals, and waste management sectors.
The strategic funding is designed to bridge the critical gap between pilot testing and full-scale commercialization, enabling local entrepreneurs to bring market-ready solutions to global supply chains.
“Albertans have never been short on ideas, and Calgary innovators are turning those ideas into technologies with real-world potential,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “These investments are helping entrepreneurs and technology developers strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and create the high-value jobs that will keep Alberta’s industries competitive for years to come.”
The seven funded initiatives feature a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge technologies. Among the headlining projects is the world’s first large-scale used motor oil recycling facility, alongside a groundbreaking electrochemical process that converts bitumen into asphalt using electricity rather than traditional water or heat.
The funding also supports grid efficiency and emissions monitoring. Drone solutions developed by firms like FulcrumAir will make powerline maintenance safer, faster, and lower in carbon output, while made-in-Alberta sensor networks from companies like Qube Technologies enable real-time methane detection and abatement. Additionally, investments are backing lower-emission agricultural inputs and advanced materials specialized for nuclear energy systems and next-generation batteries.
Local leaders and provincial officials highlighted Calgary’s growing reputation as a global hub for commercializing hard-tech solutions.
“Calgary is home to some of Alberta’s most innovative entrepreneurs,” said Tanya Fir, MLA for Calgary-Peigan. “These projects showcase the creativity and expertise that exist in our city and the opportunities that innovation creates for workers, businesses, and communities.”
For local executives, TIER support provides vital capital during the high-risk deployment phase. Patrick Arnell, CEO of FulcrumAir, noted that provincial backing helps demonstrate how home-grown technologies can protect and strengthen global power networks.
Similarly, Alex MacGregor, CEO of Qube Technologies, emphasized that continued backing allows local ventures to rapidly scale up field operations to help more operators detect and reduce methane emissions in real time.
By commercializing these seven homegrown solutions, the province aims to attract private capital, expand export markets for Alberta-made technologies, and hit targeted emissions reductions without sacrificing industrial competitiveness.