Business Incubators & Accelerators in Alberta – Directory of Startup Support Programs

Looking for startup support in Alberta? This page lists business incubators and accelerators that serve entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across the province. For each organization, we’ve included the names of the programs they offer, so you can quickly identify the right fit based on your stage, sector, or funding goals.

Whether you’re launching a cleantech startup in Calgary, building a health tech venture in Edmonton, or developing a social enterprise in rural Alberta, this directory will connect you with the province’s leading innovation hubs.

(And if you’re looking for programs in other provinces and territories, check out our guide to Canadian Incubators & Accelerators.)

✅ What Is a Business Incubator and Accelerator?

Business incubators are designed to help entrepreneurs take an idea and turn it into a viable business. They typically support early-stage founders with mentorship, business development guidance, workspace, and connections to funding or academic partners.

Business accelerators, on the other hand, focus on growth-stage companies — usually startups that already have traction and are preparing to scale. Accelerators often run structured, cohort-based programs that provide intensive mentorship, investor introductions, and sometimes direct funding in exchange for equity.

In Alberta, many organizations offer hybrid models, providing both incubation and acceleration services depending on the needs and maturity of the business.

✅ What These Programs Typically Offer

Incubator and accelerator programs across Alberta typically include a mix of the following services:

  • Personalized mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts
  • Structured training in business planning, product development, finance, marketing, and investor readiness
  • Access to co-working or lab space, especially in post-secondary institutions and municipal innovation hubs
  • Introductions to funding sources, including angel investors, VCs, and public programs
  • Sector-specific support in areas like cleantech, agri-tech, AI, life sciences, digital health, energy, fintech, and Indigenous entrepreneurship
  • Opportunities for exposure through pitch competitions, demo days, and investor networking

Some programs are equity-based (especially accelerators with investment components), while many are non-dilutive, supported by public funding or educational institutions.

✅ How to Choose a Program

With dozens of incubators and accelerators across Alberta, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your goals. As you browse the directory below, consider:

  • Stage Fit – Are you pre-revenue, MVP-ready, or generating sales?
  • Location – Programs operate across Alberta’s cities and regions, from Calgary and Edmonton to Red Deer, St. Albert, and rural communities
  • Sector Focus – Many programs specialize in key Alberta industries such as energy, health, agriculture, and emerging tech
  • Equity vs. Non-Equity – Consider whether you’re comfortable giving up equity or prefer non-dilutive support
  • Duration & Format – Programs vary from a few weeks to a full year and may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid

Alberta’s innovation ecosystem is rapidly evolving — backed by strong public and private partnerships, world-class post-secondary institutions, and an increasing number of accelerators focused on tech, sustainability, and inclusive entrepreneurship.

✅ Directory: Incubators & Accelerators in Alberta

Calgary Incubators and Accelerators

Alberta IoT Association

Alberta IoT is a non-profit member-based organization accelerating the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and emerging technology sectors in Alberta. It connects industry leaders, startups, and investors through strategic programming, mentorship, and advocacy. The association also supports businesses in scaling IoT solutions locally and globally.

Programs offered:

Avatar Innovations

Avatar Innovations drives energy transformation by developing innovators within the oil and gas industry. It offers a corporate accelerator, entrepreneurship programs, and access to venture capital for energy transition technologies. Based in Calgary, it aims to position Canada as a global leader in clean energy innovation.

Programs offered:

Calgary Economic Development

Calgary Economic Development is a public-private partnership that promotes economic growth and diversification in Calgary. It provides support to businesses through investment attraction, talent development, and innovation programs. The organization works across sectors to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-focused economy.

Program offered:

Canadian Technology Accelerators

The Canadian Technology Accelerators (CTA) program helps innovative Canadian startups scale globally by providing access to mentorship, market intelligence, and investor networks in key international markets. Run by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, CTA supports export-ready companies in sectors like ICT, cleantech, life sciences, and digital tech.

Programs offered:

Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre

Foresight is Canada’s leading cleantech accelerator, supporting the development and scaling of sustainable technologies. It connects innovators with industry, investors, and government partners to accelerate commercialization and adoption. Foresight’s Alberta-based initiatives help advance the province’s clean economy transition.

Program offered:

Innovate Calgary

Innovate Calgary is the innovation transfer and business incubator center at the University of Calgary. It supports researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups in commercializing new technologies. Services include intellectual property management, venture development, and startup incubation.

Programs offered:

Platform Calgary

Platform Calgary is a non-profit hub that supports tech startups and innovation-driven entrepreneurs. It offers programs, mentorship, and space to help ventures grow and scale in Calgary’s tech ecosystem. Through partnerships and community-building, Platform accelerates innovation in the region.

Programs offered:

The Venture Center

The Venture Centre (formerly The Accelerator) supports entrepreneurs in launching and growing successful businesses in Alberta. It provides mentorship, programming, and funding connections tailored to high-growth ventures. The Centre fosters a collaborative environment for innovation and business development.

Program offered:

Yaletown Partners

Yaletown Partners is a leading Canadian venture capital firm investing in growth-stage technology companies. It focuses on intelligent industry solutions that improve sustainability and productivity in energy, transportation, and communications. The firm manages the Accelerate Funds in Alberta, supporting early-stage startups.

Program offered:

Edmonton Incubators and Accelerators

Alberta Catalyzer

Alberta Catalyzer is a pre-accelerator program supporting early-stage tech entrepreneurs across Alberta. Delivered by Platform Calgary and Edmonton Unlimited, it helps founders validate, build, and grow their startups. The program is part of Alberta’s larger innovation support ecosystem.

Programs offered:

Alberta Innovates 

Alberta Innovates is a provincial agency driving research, innovation, and technology development across sectors in Alberta. It funds entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses through a range of programs focused on health, energy, environment, and emerging tech. The agency also connects innovators to expertise, infrastructure, and networks.

Programs offered:

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

AWE provides capital, training, and advisory services to women entrepreneurs across Alberta. It empowers women to start, scale, and sustain successful businesses through loan programs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills development. AWE is a key player in fostering inclusive economic growth.

Programs offered:

Business Link

Business Link is a non-profit organization that helps Alberta entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. It offers one-on-one support, market research, workshops, and access to funding resources. The organization serves diverse communities, including Indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs.

Programs offered:

Edmonton Unlimited

Edmonton Unlimited is the city’s innovation authority, supporting startups and entrepreneurs to grow and scale. It offers accelerator programs, coworking space, and mentorship to innovators across all sectors. The organization is building a vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystem in Edmonton.

Programs offered:

eHUB Entrepreneurship Centre

eHUB is the University of Alberta’s entrepreneurship hub for students, staff, and alumni. It provides early-stage startup support through workshops, mentorship, and access to funding and workspace. eHUB fosters entrepreneurial thinking and innovation within the university community.

Programs offered:

Health Cities

Health Cities is a non-profit organization based in Edmonton focused on transforming healthcare innovation into economic growth. It builds partnerships between health providers, entrepreneurs, and researchers to commercialize health technologies. The goal is to develop scalable, tech-enabled health solutions for global markets.

Programs offered:

Health Innovation Hub

Health Innovation Hub at the University of Alberta supports life science and health-related startups. It offers coaching, mentorship, funding opportunities, and lab space to accelerate commercialization. The Hub serves as a launchpad for academic and community health ventures.

Program offered:

NAIT Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship

The Mawji Centre supports NAIT students and alumni in developing entrepreneurial skills and launching businesses. It offers workshops, mentorship, and pitch competitions to inspire innovation and leadership. The Centre helps turn student ideas into impactful ventures.

Program offered:

Red Deer Incubators and Accelerators

Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer Polytechnic supports innovation and entrepreneurship through applied research, academic programs, and industry collaboration. It provides access to technical expertise, labs, and startup support for regional businesses. The institution contributes to Central Alberta’s economic development and talent pipeline.

Programs offered:

Medicine Hat Incubators and Accelerators

Fuse42

Fuse42 is a tech and innovation hub in Medicine Hat that connects entrepreneurs with resources to build and grow their businesses. It offers coworking, mentorship, and community events to foster collaboration and innovation. Fuse42 plays a key role in expanding Alberta’s rural innovation ecosystem.

Program offered:

St. Albert Incubators and Accelerators

NABI

NABI is a non-profit incubator providing business coaching, training, and office space to startups in St. Albert and northern Alberta. It supports entrepreneurs from idea to expansion through practical, hands-on support. NABI nurtures a strong regional startup ecosystem focused on sustainable growth.

Programs offered:

✅ Resources for Alberta Entrepreneurs

Alberta Business Ideas

Starting a Business in Alberta

Funding a Business in Alberta

Business Support Organizations

  • Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in Canada: Directory & Entrepreneur’s Guide
  • Chambers of Commerce in Canada: Directory & Entrepreneur’s Guide