Start Up Visa (SUV) Program

Download SUV Overview

Alberta IoT is proud to be an official designated organization for the Government of Canada Start Up Visa Program (SUV).

The Alberta IoT SUV Program is built for scaleup companies looking to establish themselves in the Canadian market. We are looking for innovative, tech-based companies with a proven revenue stream interested in coming to Alberta. Companies that will create jobs for Canadians, are economically viable and are looking to integrate into the blossoming tech ecosystem in Alberta.

UPDATE Jul-31-2024:  Announced in April 2024, there is an annual limitation of 10 start-ups that a designated organization such as Alberta IoT can support per year.  We are currently reviewing a large number of applications received and will we be experiencing some additional delay in responding to all applications.

Program Eligibility

Are you an innovative Scale-Up company with a minimum of 2 years of proven revenue and work in the IoT and/or Emerging Tech industry? 

If so, here is a checklist that your company needs to meet:   

  • Can you create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale?  
  • Does each applicant hold 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)?  
  • Do the applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time? 
  • Are you committed to establishing and staying in Alberta for a minimum of 2 years?

Moreover, at the time you receive permanent residence status, you must be able to prove the following: 

  • You provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada.  
  • An essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada.  
  • The business becomes incorporated in Canada.  

If your company meets all the criteria listed above, we encourage you to continue to the online application form to start the process of expanding your business to Canada and joining the vibrant tech community in Alberta!  

What to Expect

Our Start-Up Visa Program goes far beyond just a letter of support, we ensure each of our cohorts is well-equipped with the skills and resources to succeed in the Alberta market. As an Alberta IoT Start-Up Visa applicant, you can expect:

  • 4 Weeks – Canadian Market Entry Program, Live Virtual Sessions (Pre-requisite) 
  • 8 Weeks – Fast Track Business Accelerator Program, Live Virtual Sessions (Focused on Business Acceleration) 
  • 2 Years of Alberta IoT & Science Park Membership 
  • 1 Full Year of Business Mentorship from Dedicated Business Mentors 
  • 1 Full Year of Social Support for you and your family
  • 6 Months of Office Space  
  • Ongoing Exposure and Connections Amongst Alberta’s Business Community  

Looking to Apply?

Step 1: Complete Online Application Form

Step 2: Complete Founder & Company Information Forms

Step 3: Interview Phase 

Step 4: Conditional SUV Program Acceptance  

Step 5: Participate in Canadian Market Entry Program (4-week virtual training program)  

Step 6: Successfully Pass the Business Evaluation Committee  

Step 7: Official SUV Program Acceptance + Letter of Support 

Why Alberta?

Alberta is well on its way to being an internationally-recognized technology 
and innovation hub that attracts talent, business and job-creating investment from across Canada and around the world.  Paired with the high standard of living, diverse and welcoming communities, and beautiful landscapes, Alberta is the perfect place to call home.