VENTURE PILOTS: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BUILT WORLD TECH
Edmonton Unlimited’s Venture Stream is connecting startups, investors, and industry partners driving innovation across the built environment.
Whether you’re working in construction technology, PropTech, smart cities, infrastructure, or sustainable development, Venture Pilots helps founders grow, scale, and bring bold ideas to life.
WHY JOIN VENTURE PILOTS?
- Collaborate with investors and industry leaders shaping the future of our cities.
- Connect with a network of forward-thinking founders and innovation partners.
- Access resources and guidance tailored to your startup’s stage and goals.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Startups focused on transforming how we design, build, and live — from early-stage ideas to companies ready to scale.
WHY JOIN VENTURE PILOTS?
- Collaborate with investors and industry leaders shaping the future of our cities.
- Connect with a network of forward-thinking founders and innovation partners.
- Access resources and guidance tailored to your startup’s stage and goals.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Startups focused on transforming how we design, build, and live — from early-stage ideas to companies ready to scale.
Applications are due by January 20, 2026.
Program Overview
The mission is to accelerate the integration of local innovation into the local economy.
Explore the technology focus, target startups, and program goals with the button below to learn more about Venture Pilots.
FAQs
When is the application due?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting in late January. Complete the application by January 20th to be considered in the first round of selections. We expect all pilots to be approved by June 30, 2026.
How long will the application take?
Once you have a company pitch deck and 1-page summary of your proposed Pilot, the application can be completed in under 30 minutes
Is my company eligible?
If you are a Northern-Alberta based startup with a technology serving the Built World, you are eligible. If you are outside of Northern Alberta but looking to pilot your technology with Alberta customers, you may still be eligible.
What are the benefits of this program?
We are curating introductions between founders and potential customers from construction, engineering, manufacturing and other industries. We are providing some funding towards the implementation of 10 pilots. We are providing each participating startup with a venture coach to help them convert their pilot customer into a long-term sale and to build a customer acquisition strategy based on the experience of the pilot.
What are you looking for in my proposal?
Shovel ready projects that can start in 2026. We want to see a clearly defined pilot with a value proposition to the customer. We are also looking for startups that are positioning themselves to scale – how will this pilot help you grow your business here in Alberta? The selection decision will be considering the investability of the startup in addition to the viability of the pilot.
If I’m a corporation that wants to pilot technologies, how do I get involved?
Reach out to Zack Storms directly: [email protected]
What is the time commitment to participate?
The selection process may require 4-6 hours of your time to answer questions from during the applicant review process. The pilot itself should be a massive time commitment! This pilot should be a key customer for your company. We also ask for light reporting on progress throughout the program. Finally we pair you with a venture coach to help you strategize on how to convert your pilots into a customer acquisition strategy (optional, time commitment of the coach will be capped).
What are the eligible costs for the program funding?
The program can fund pilot-related costs. This can be related to personnel, materials, expertise, or a variety of other expenses needed to execute the pilot. The funds cannot be used for non-pilot business expenses
Why should I participate in this program?
To close more customers, grow your business, and impact your community. We are actively looking for local buyers of participating startups’ products. We are building an investment committee composed of leaders from across the ecosystem that can support applicants with advice, introductions, referrals, and capital. We are pairing funded projects with an exited senior executive that’s been through the scaling journey before. We are convening a community of builders to accelerate the adoption of new technologies in our province. This is more than a program. This is a culture-defining event for the Edmonton Startup Community.
Funded in part by: Government of Alberta
