How much funding can be received?

The Capacity Building Pilot Program by the Digital Technology Supercluster offers up to $2M in funding to develop digital talent and scale SMEs, with a focus on increasing diversity and expanding access to global markets. Eligible activities must involve a consortium led by a Supercluster member or associate, demonstrate innovation in digital technology, and be incremental to existing projects.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides substantial financial support for qualifying projects by blending co-investment strategies with a focus on tangible project outcomes. The financial approach is strategically designed to maximize the impact within the Canadian digital technology sector.

The program offers up to $2 million for the pilot initiative.
Co-investment constitutes at least 25% required from project partners and/or other sources, with up to 75% of the total project costs funded by the Supercluster.
Individual project budgets are expected to be between $100,000 and $500,000.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant aims to bolster the digital technology sector by developing talent and scaling small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Eligible projects focus on fostering diverse talent and facilitating SME growth and market access.

Projects developing a diverse digital talent pool, particularly focusing on Indigenous people, underrepresented groups, and women.
Initiatives aimed at scaling SMEs through resource provision and enhancing supply chain links for global market access.
Innovative projects that are incremental to normal business activities of the participating organizations.
Consortium-based projects involving at least three partners, including an industry partner.
Projects that expand and leverage existing capabilities, talent, and infrastructure beyond current Supercluster participants.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the project's structure and collaborative nature of the applicant's consortium.

The lead applicant of the consortium must be a Member or an Associate of the Digital Technology Supercluster.
The project must include a minimum of three partners, with at least one partner from the industry sector.
The proposed initiative must be incremental, meaning the project is new and not possible without the consortium's involvement or the Supercluster's co-investment.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant supports capacity-building projects in the digital technology sector by encouraging collaboration and co-investment among Canadian entities to foster innovation and talent development.

The lead applicant must be a Member or an Associate of the Supercluster.
A minimum of three project partners must form a consortium, including at least one industry partner.
Projects should be new initiatives that are not part of the regular business activities of any participating organizations and should be impossible to execute without the partnership and co-investment opportunities provided by the Supercluster.
Projects are encouraged to establish and strengthen linkages beyond the Supercluster's direct participants and make strategic use of existing capabilities, talent, and infrastructure.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies operating within Canada as the eligible locations are determined by their membership or association with the Digital Technology Supercluster.

Eligible applicants must be Members or Associates of the Supercluster, which is based in Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Capacity Building program are based on four equally weighted categories, which ensure that the projects contribute significantly to the digital technology ecosystem.

Quality and relevance of the project proposal: Clarity in addressing current or future needs, complementing existing programs, and articulating benefits to the ecosystem.
Ecosystem impact: Contribution to job creation, skills development, and the project's positive impacts on stakeholders beyond the consortium, along with a sustainable benefits plan.
Team and experience: The consortium's ability, experience, and collaborative advantage, including the sharing of risks, costs, and benefits, and ensuring no disproportionate advantage to one participant.
Management and finance: A realistic project management plan with clear timelines, goals, responsibilities, and a well-structured cost justification.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Download the EOI template from the Digital Technology Supercluster website.
Prepare a brief outline of the proposed project addressing the eligibility criteria.
Contact xx@digitalsupercluster.ca for guidance, if needed, during the EOI preparation phase.
Submit the EOI to xx@digitalsupercluster.ca by the published submission deadline.
Step 2: Proposal Preparation
Once your EOI is accepted, download the proposal instructions and form from the Digital Technology Supercluster website.
Develop a detailed project plan addressing all sections, including objectives, milestones, and expected outcomes.
Prepare a budget using the provided Excel template, following the funding guidelines for eligible costs.
Step 3: Proposal Submission
Ensure all proposal sections are complete and adhere to the evaluation criteria.
Submit the completed proposal and budget to xx@digitalsupercluster.ca.
Step 4: Review Process
The proposal will undergo external review for eligibility and quality against the evaluation criteria.
Conduct of management and financial due diligence by the Supercluster.
Await a decision and feedback from the Digital Technology Supercluster.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

All applicants will receive written feedback on their proposal, whether they are recommended for funding or not.
The Digital Technology Supercluster may modify the review process based on advice from the Program Advisory Council to ensure objectives are met.
Co-investment must be at least 25% from project partners or other sources, meaning the Supercluster covers up to 75% of project costs.
The Digital Technology Supercluster provides templates for Expression of Interest and financial budgeting, both required for the application.
Expressions of Interest and Proposals need to be submitted directly via email to the specified Digital Technology Supercluster address.
Projects must be incremental and not previously supported by other mechanisms; demonstrating a new or expanded scope that necessitates the co-investment.
A minimum of three project partners is required, including at least one industry partner, forming a consortium.
Project proposals are evaluated on four equally weighted categories, emphasizing collaboration, ecosystem impact, and sustainable job creation.

Apply to this program

Empowering Canada’s Digital Ecosystem

The Capacity-Building program by Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster seeks to enhance the nation's digital talent and scale its SMEs. This initiative is pivotal for fostering diverse digital skillsets and fortifying Canada's position in global technology markets.

Detailed Insight into Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster Capacity-Building Program

The Capacity-Building program is an integral component of Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster's strategy to advance the nation’s digital landscape. This initiative focuses on developing a diverse and inclusive digital workforce to meet future demands, particularly noting the involvement and enhancement of opportunities for Indigenous peoples, underrepresented groups, and women within the digital technology sector. By nurturing a varied talent pool, the program aims to bridge the gap between current educational and professional practices and the evolving needs within the technology industry.

The program is structured to escalate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of Canada’s economy. By facilitating better resources and strategic partnerships, the program ensures that these enterprises can thrive and access global markets efficiently. The notion behind this initiative is not only to enhance individual business capabilities but also to strengthen the entire digital ecosystem in Canada, fostering a network of interconnected businesses with improved supply chain dynamics and innovation capacities.

Eligible projects must demonstrate a collaborative approach, necessitating the formation of a consortium with diverse partners from the industry, academia, and not-for-profit sectors. This requirement underscores the importance of multifaceted collaboration in building robust projects that can not only achieve individual project objectives but also contribute meaningfully to the broader ecosystem. Projects selected for this program are those that present new initiatives, made possible through the program’s support, thereby ensuring that the projects are incremental and strategically aligned with the overarching goals of expanding Canada’s digital capabilities.

Additionally, the financial framework of the program is designed to encourage substantial investment from participants, requiring a minimum 25% co-investment alongside the support provided by the Supercluster, which can cover up to 75% of the total project cost. The funding can range from CAD 100,000 to CAD 500,000 per project, ensuring that the projects have a significant scope and sufficient resources to achieve their ambitious goals.

The grant is not merely financial assistance; it acts as a catalyst for establishing long-term sustainable growth. This is ensured through a rigorous evaluation process which involves an independent peer review panel. Projects are evaluated based on their quality, the potential impact on the ecosystem, the strength and experience of the team, and the soundness of their management and financial plans. Only those projects that clearly delineate their objectives, demonstrate tangible impacts, and show strategic alignment with the Supercluster’s initiatives are selected for funding.

The analytical review process ensures that resources are allocated to projects with the highest potential for success. Feedback is provided to all applicants, whether successful or not, which aids in refining and improving future proposals and projects. This creates a feedback loop that empowers participants by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning, further strengthening the digital ecosystem in Canada.

Ultimately, this program is an avenue for fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses on the global stage. By supporting projects that hold promise for the future and are capable of catalyzing significant advancements in the digital sector, the Capacity-Building program is central to realizing a vibrant, technologically adept Canada.