Frequently Asked Questions

Through investment and grant programs available to companies and researchers, TECTERRA invests in the commercialization of geomatics technology and the development of highly qualified personnel. Our focus is on applications for the resource sectors.

Commercialization
Industry Investment Program: investments ranging from
$100K - $500K

Geomatics Technology Prototyping and Pilot Projects (p2P): investments ranging from $100K - $400K

Alberta University Applied R&D Program: investments ranging from $100K – $300K

GECKO: grants starting at $25K for business plan development

Highly Qualified Personnel
GEO-Placement Program: grants for industry of 50% of an annual salary for a new-hire HQP

GEO-Expert Training Program: subsidies to Alberta universities towards industry training courses, graduate-level courses and technical training workshops

Awards and Scholarships Program for geomatics undergraduate students

Networking Facilitation
Facilitating informative communication and collaboration between end-users, technology providers and the Applied Research Sector

TECTERRA provides different types of funding for different programs. Each program is described as offering either grant funds or investment funds.  When a program provides a grant, it means that the funds awarded do not require payback. Screened and qualified applicants receive grants as a part of TECTERRA's mission to contribute to the growth of geomatics technology and training Alberta and across Canada.

TECTERRA's investment programs operate through Calls for Proposals. These programs provide substantial investments to qualified applicants. Investment programs have a flexible payback model that begins only once the commercialized technology is successful. TECTERRA is a not-for-profit organization and the payback helps the organization be sustainable with the ability to fund other projects. TECTERRA does not take equity or IP in any project/company. Our goal is to facilitate the success of commercializing innovative geomatics technology and to grow the sector in Alberta and across Canada.

Application forms are available for each of TECTERRA's investment and grant programs. You can download these forms from this website. Visit our Programs page to find the specific application you need.

Yes. Currently, a university research group can apply through a qualified industry partner. The industry partner is eligible to apply for TECTERRA’s industry funding as the Lead Project Partner.  Soon, TECTERRA will announce the eligibility of research groups in Alberta to apply directly for applied research and commercialization funding.  TECTERRA’s commercialization programs are aimed at facilitating the introduction of geomatics innovation to the market where it makes a difference in efficiently and effectively managing our resources. University research programs offer a wealth of leading edge technology ripe for commercialization through direct partnerships with industry.

Yes. Soon TECTERRA will announce its University Applied Research Investment Program which will present a funding opportunity for qualified Alberta university applied research groups.  TECTERRA’s commercialization programs are aimed at facilitating the introduction of geomatics innovation to the market where it makes a difference in efficiently and effectively managing our resources. Canadian industry is the channel through which such innovation will make it to market. The Alberta university research group will be eligible to apply for TECTERRA’s applied research funding as the Lead Project Partner.  Stay tuned for more information about TECTERRA’s University Applied Research Investment Program.

TECTERRA is currently discussing with the universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge a funding agreement whereby TECTERRA will be able to directly fund applied research programs leading to commercialization with a definitive business plan through an industry or government partner.

TECTERRA issues CFPs on a regular basis. Please check our Programs section for the next application dates.

No. TECTERRA’s funding is strictly intended for project-specific development expenses including project-related labor charges, prototyping costs and other development expenses. Due to the longer life span of infrastructure and capital equipment, TECTERRA’s funding may only be applied towards project-specific utilization costs of such equipment. TECTERRA’s funding is not intended for corporate development.

No. TECTERRA’s mission is to generate economic value for Canada through the facilitation of commercialization activities in the geomatics industry. TECTERRA is looking for fast-paced commercialization programs that launch new innovation into the market with minimum delay and commercial complexity.

No. TECTERRA is not seeking nor will it accept equity offers in any corporate entity.

The financial arrangement between TECTERRA and the funded entities is kept as flexible as possible and up to the creativity of the funded agency in its proposal. TECTERRA is a non-profit organization. Notwithstanding, TECTERRA is looking for sustainability opportunities to be able to extend its mission as far out as possible to continue to support Canadian industry and applied research initiatives. Therefore, TECTERRA will evaluate proposals primarily based on the economic value generated at large and only partly on the financial return to TECTERRA. Models like royalty payments, loan payback and other simple financial models are being entertained. While TECTERRA’s investment programs are not free grants, it should not be confused with a loan or a line of credit per se. The financial return for TECTERRA is only predicated upon the success of its respective partner and is expected to be balanced with the overall commercial and innovative value of the project.

TECTERRA is offering reasonable repayment options, all predicated upon the commercialization success of the product/service developed.  Details of the options are available in the Call for Proposal including the schedule and amount of payments. TECTERRA is a not-for-profit organization and what we are interested in is the overall economic value created for the partners, the province and the country. With your success, we would like to enjoy financial return to help with our sustainability, which is intended to not be at all as demanding as standard financing or loan models.

 

No. TECTERRA’s mission is to generate economic value for Canada through the facilitation of commercialization activities in the geomatics industry. TECTERRA is looking for fast-paced commercialization programs that launch new innovation into the market with minimum delay and commercial complexity. We are specifically and intentionally staying out of the IP ownership model.  We do not seek or accept any rights to corporate equity or IP. Additionally, we only expect a modest financial return upon the success of the project.

Preliminary CFP responses (i.e. Expression of Interest – EOI) are required to be submitted under non-confidential basis. These responses will be reviewed by TECTERRA’s Business and Technical Advisory Committees fro around academia and industry. Once a project is selected, confidential discussions will take place between TECTERRA’s management and the applicant to develop the definitive agreement. All confidential information before, during and after the project will be handled to legal and industry standards. Confidential discussions can be had with TECTERRA’s management at any time in support of your application.

The Centres program is one of Alberta’s key innovation tools. The Centres currently in operation in Alberta are creating new global market opportunities, solving global health problems and answering Alberta’s energy needs for a sustainable future. The collaborative hubs are fully integrated into Alberta’s universities, training Alberta’s top students, working with local and international industry partners, and providing a strong platform for Alberta’s next generation economy. www.albertainnovates.ca

An NCE CECR is a Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research, funded by Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.nce-rce.gc.ca

The goal of the NCE CECR program is to create internationally recognized centres of commercialization and research expertise in four priority areas in order to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Canadians

The CECR program’s goal is accomplished by investing in research and commercialization centres that yield the following benefits:

• Create sufficient scale and focus to position Canada at the forefront of international research breakthroughs that will yield economic, social or environmental benefits to Canadians;
• Create, grow and retain companies in Canada that are able to capture new markets with breakthrough innovations;
• Draw on existing research and commercialization strength, infrastructure, networks and funding sources to enhance capacity;
• Attract and retain top talent including post-graduate and post-doctoral students from around the world and including internationally recognized business leaders;
• Provide high quality post-graduate and post-doctoral training in innovative and internationally competitive research;
• Strengthen domestic collaboration to address significant research challenges and ensure that benefits spill over to a wide array of firms, sectors and regions of the country;
• Open up new opportunities for Canadian researchers and firms to access world-class research equipment, facilities and networks;
• Develop relationships with major international centres and research programs;
• Accelerate the commercialization of leading edge technologies, goods, services in priority areas where Canada can significantly advance its competitive advantage;
• Attract investment (including foreign direct investment and venture capital); and
• Brand Canada as the host of internationally recognized centres of excellence in commercialization of research results

TECTERRA's next Annual General Meeting will be on June 23, 2011 in Calgary. More details will be available on this website soon.