Funded programs

The Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) strengthens the region’s innovation ecosystem by funding programs that help entrepreneurs in technology and innovation-based businesses access the support they need to start and grow.

With funding provided by Alberta Innovates, ERIN invests in the community through strategic program partnerships—empowering founders with mentorship, training, expert guidance, and more. These investments are guided by the ERIN Steering Committee to ensure alignment with regional priorities and maximum impact for entrepreneurs across the Edmonton Metro Region. See below for more information on specific programs.

Experts on Demand

Fuel Your Growth with Expert Support

Experts on Demand is a milestone-driven program funded by ERIN and delivered by Edmonton Unlimited. It connects growth-stage companies in the Edmonton Region with specialized industry experts to help solve real challenges and accelerate growth.

Eligible companies receive up to 100 hours of expert support, focused on building internal capacity and delivering measurable business outcomes—from increasing traction and sales to preparing for investment and scaling operations.

Is this for you?
You may be a fit if your company is:

  • Incorporated and based in the Edmonton Region

  • Tech-enabled with market traction

  • Ready to scale and grow

  • Committed to capacity-building and collaboration

Ready to grow?
Visit Edmonton Unlimited’s website to learn more and apply.

Innovators on Campus

Support where you learn

Are you a student, grad student, post-doc, or faculty member at an Edmonton-area post-secondary institution working on an innovative or tech-enabled venture? Innovators on Campus (IOC) is here to support you—right where you are.

Funded by the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), this free program offers one-on-one mentorship, expert advising, and access to resources to help you start or grow your business. Whether you're exploring an idea or scaling an early-stage company, our experienced team is ready to help.

Offered in partnership with seven regional post-secondary institutions—Athabasca University, Concordia University, The King’s University, MacEwan University, NAIT, NorQuest College, and the University of Alberta—IOC brings real-world entrepreneurial expertise directly to campus.

Move your idea forward with support that understands where you’re starting from.

Learn more or connect with your campus advisor through Edmonton Unlimited’s website.

Pitch Clinic

Sharpen your story, strengthen your pitch

Pitch Clinic is a free program designed to help Alberta-based entrepreneurs, students, and researchers craft compelling, investor-ready pitches.

Run in partnership with The University of Alberta and the Edmonton Unlimited, the program offers personalized, one-hour sessions with experienced mentors who will help you refine your messaging, clarify your value proposition, and boost your confidence before stepping into the spotlight.

Whether you're preparing for a pitch competition, investor meeting, or funding application, Pitch Clinic is your opportunity to get expert feedback and practical support—tailored to your goals.

Sessions are held in person at the University of Alberta’s AI Discovery Place in Enterprise Square.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Startup Programs

DEVELOPING NEW BUSINESSES

Startup Programming
ERIN funds early-stage startup programs through Edmonton Unlimited to help innovators turn ideas into viable businesses. Programs include:

  • Business Model 101
    Map out your idea using the Lean Canvas and validate your concept to build a strong foundation.

  • Discover & Validate
    Learn how to talk to customers so you can build something your target audience truly wants.

  • Build, Test & Learn
    Participate in expert-led workshops that equip you with essential entrepreneurial skills and practical tools to navigate startup development.

Explore Startup Programming

Other

  • Community Coffee

    • Join the fun every Wednesday morning from 9:-00 am to 11:00 am for Community Coffee, hosted by Edmonton Unlimited. It's your weekly dose of networking, innovation, and caffeine (oh, and it’s free)!

  • Edmonton Startup Week

    • Edmonton Startup Week is a five-day celebration of our city’s thriving startup community—packed with panels, workshops, socials, and meetups. Whether you're stepping into entrepreneurship for the first time or scaling your next venture, you’ll find real stories, real lessons, and real momentum. Learn more and get involved at Edmonton Startup Week.