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Source verified August 11, 2026
CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks
Commercialization support through real-world testing
Latest source updateLast Update: September 28, 2026Latest change: The CENGN Living Lab Initiative Expression of Interest form now limits 9 to 12 month projects to those that do not exceed 9 months, and the prior over-12-month restriction has been removed.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 28, 2026
Latest change: The CENGN Living Lab Initiative Expression of Interest form now limits 9 to 12 month projects to those that do not exceed 9 months, and the prior over-12-month restriction has been removed.
CENGN application form project duration update
The CENGN Living Lab Initiative Expression of Interest form has revised its project-duration guidance. Projects in the 9 to 12 month range are now marked as not currently accepted if they exceed 9 months, and the earlier “not accepting over 12 months” restriction is no longer shown. This is an application-process change affecting how applicants should answer the project-length question on the form.
Funding available
$ 500,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian startups and scaleups offering digital transformation solutions.
See full eligibility
Overview
CENGN’s Living Lab Initiative supports Canadian startups and scaleups across Canada with funding of up to $500,000 to accelerate commercialization through real-world validation. Eligible work includes testing and validation in Living Labs, performance benchmarking, and specialized technical services for digital solutions.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Testing and validating digital solutions in CENGN Living Lab environments.
- Validating technologies in real-world operational settings with industry adopters.
- Performance testing and benchmarking, including load, stress, scalability, latency, throughput, endurance, and security performance testing.
Documents Needed
- CENGN Living Lab Initiative Program Guide
- CENGN Services and Living Labs
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian startups and scaleups offering digital transformation solutions.
Eligible expenses
CENGN projects support the commercialization and technological innovation in various Canadian industries while enhancing connectivity, particularly in rural areas. The eligible activities are categorized under different streams, each focusing on specific industry needs and areas of impact.
- Residential Broadband Program - Expanding network connectivity to improve internet access in rural communities.
- Smart Mining Program - Developing technologies that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations.
- Smart Agriculture Program - Innovating agricultural technologies to boost productivity and sustainability.
- Commercialization Services - Supporting technology companies in taking their solutions to market and accelerating commercial growth.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- The one-time $2,500 membership fee is not reimbursable through project funding.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Applications are ranked according to total overall point-rated score, region, and available project capacity at the Living Lab.
How to apply
- Complete the expression of interest form below.
Processing and Agreement
- Project proposals undergo a multi-phase evaluation process.
- No reimbursements are issued until a fully executed Ultimate Recipient Contribution Agreement has been returned to CENGN by the applicant.
Additional information
- CENGN’s services are delivered through a structured tier model, ranging from self-directed testing to full-service support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks Program
What is the CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks?
CENGN’s Living Lab Initiative supports Canadian startups and scaleups across Canada with funding of up to $500,000 to accelerate commercialization through real-world validation. Eligible work includes testing and validation in Living Labs, performance benchmarking, and specialized technical services for digital solutions.
How much funding can be received?
CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks program?
To be eligible for the CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks program, you must:
Must be a registered organization in Canada with fewer than 500 employees and less than $50M in revenue.
Technology level must be TRL 4 and above.
What expenses are eligible under CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks?
Testing and validating digital solutions in CENGN Living Lab environments.
Validating technologies in real-world operational settings with industry adopters.
Performance testing and benchmarking, including load, stress, scalability, latency, throughput, endurance, and security performance testing.
Who can I contact for more information about the CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks?
You can contact Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN) by email at services@cengn.ca.
Where is the CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks available?
The CENGN — Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks program is available across Canada.