Closed
Source verified August 19, 2026
Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3)
Dual-use ISRU innovation for mining and manufacturing
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: August 18, 2026Latest change: The M4M3 program page now shows less program detail, with the key-dates and guidance link and the contact email no longer visible.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 18, 2026
Latest change: The M4M3 program page now shows less program detail, with the key-dates and guidance link and the contact email no longer visible.
M4M3 program page content changed
The NGen announcement page for Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) now shows a reduced set of program details. The visible program description, the call-to-action for key dates, eligibility and guidance, and the program contact email are no longer present.
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Up to $1.5 million is available for an Initial Recipient to redistribute to eligible projects. The program supports ISRU-related development and commercialization in mining, mineral processing, and advanced manufacturing for lunar and terrestrial applications.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Novel mining processes that would promote ISRU
- Processing, refinement, and production of critical minerals in an ISRU context
- Advanced manufacturing technologies for ISRU
Documents Needed
- Signed application form or application agreement
- Financial statements for the last two fiscal years
- Proof of incorporation or registration
- Letters confirming other funding, if applicable
- Appendix 1: Intellectual Property Plan
- Appendix 2: Project Management Plan
- Appendix 3: Risk Register
- Appendix 4: Financial Workbook for each partner
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit organizations incorporated and operating in Canada
- Not-for-profit organizations that fund and facilitate R&D
- Indigenous organizations
- Non-federal Crown corporations with commercial revenue
Who is not eligible
- Post-secondary institutions
- Federal Crown corporations
- Government departments and agencies
- Other publicly funded not-for-profit organizations
- International organizations without a registered business presence in Canada
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and wages directly tied to the project
- Subcontracting and consulting services
- Equipment purchase, rental, and maintenance
- Materials, supplies, travel, and training
- IP protection, software, and other direct project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Retroactive costs incurred before project approval
- Production activities and full-scale production subsidies
- Projects with benefits to only one firm or organization
- Routine changes to existing products, processes, or operations
- Costs already funded by other government sources
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Organization capacity, experience, and expertise - 15 points
- Approach to further distribution and project outcomes - 30 points
- Tasks and timelines - 10 points
- Evaluation and selection of Ultimate Recipients - 15 points
- Risk management and overall application quality - 15 points combined
How to apply
- Join NGen as a member and apply for funding within the NGen portal.
- Register the project on the Salesforce portal as early as possible.
- Submit the expression of interest by the round deadline.
- Complete the Financial Due Diligence by the required deadline.
- Complete the application questions, include the appendices, and submit the final application through the portal.
- If funding remains after Round 1, submit for the second round by the second-round deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first screened for basic eligibility and project scope
- Financial due diligence is completed for participating partners
- Eligible applications are reviewed by up to five independent experts
- Applicants receive a written decision and feedback
- Successful applicants sign a contribution or master project agreement before funding
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed through a two-stage process: project screening and independent expert assessment.
- Successful applicants must sign a contribution agreement or master project agreement before funding is issued.
- Quebec organizations may need prior authorization under the Act Respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif.
- Open access publication is encouraged for project results.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) Program
What is the Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3)?
Up to $1.5 million is available for an Initial Recipient to redistribute to eligible projects. The program supports ISRU-related development and commercialization in mining, mineral processing, and advanced manufacturing for lunar and terrestrial applications.
How much funding can be received?
Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) program?
To be eligible for the Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) program, you must:
Canadian-registered business
Two Canadian industry partners
Includes at least one SME
What expenses are eligible under Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3)?
Novel mining processes that would promote ISRU
Processing, refinement, and production of critical minerals in an ISRU context
Advanced manufacturing technologies for ISRU
Who can I contact for more information about the Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3)?
You can contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) by email at m4m@ngen.ca or by phone at 613-297-3578.
Where is the Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) available?
The Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Moonshot for Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (M4M3) is a Partnering and Collaboration