NGen — Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge
Canada
Accelerate Canada's homebuilding with advanced tech, reducing costs, emissions, and boosting productivity
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGEN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge, funded with $50 million over two years starting 2024-25, aims to drive digital transformation in Canada's homebuilding sector by leveraging an additional $150 million from industry and other government levels. The program focuses on introducing advanced manufacturing technologies to accelerate homebuilding, reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and improve labor productivity. Eligible projects should be transformative, commercially applicable, enduring, and collaborative, involving multiple industry partners, especially SMEs.
grant_single_labels|projects
NGen is looking to invest in projects that promote the introduction, development, and scale-up of advanced manufacturing innovative technologies in home building in order to accelerate homebuilding in Canada, decrease costs and prices of homes, control or reduce environmental impact, and enhance the efficiency, agility, and competitiveness of the Canadian home building industry.
- Introduction, development, and scale-up of advanced manufacturing technologies in home building.
- Projects aiming to accelerate the rate of homebuilding in Canada.
- Projects aiming to decrease the cost and price of homes in Canada.
- Projects aiming to control or reduce environmental impact (including GHG emissions per home) while manufacturing.
- Projects aiming to enhance the efficiency, agility, and competitiveness of the Canadian home building industry.
- Development of new commercial opportunities for solution providers and manufacturers.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$600,000
Vancouver
Adoption of 3D printing technology for sustainable home building materials
$800,000
Toronto
Implementation of automated robotics for modular home assembly
$600,000
Ottawa
Smart materials research for residential building by university-industry partnership
$720,000
Calgary
Development of AI-integrated construction management software for small builders
$750,000
Montreal
Upgrade of HVAC systems using IoT technology for energy-efficient homes
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant revolve around transformative impact, potential for commercialization, broader benefits to Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem, and meaningful collaboration.
- Transformative – should impact manufacturing performance and have the potential to confer a significant global competitive advantage to the Canadian industry.
- Applied – should have significant potential for widespread commercialization.
- Enduring – should provide broader benefits to Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem by helping promote Canadian home building capabilities in manufacturing, sharing industry knowledge, providing general education, training, and EDI opportunities, and/or enabling access to applied research, testing, and demonstration capabilities.
- Collaborative – project should demonstrate meaningful collaboration between partners, developing industry relationships, building trust and sharing in knowledge, risk, investment and the resulting benefits. Projects should involve the participation of multiple industry partners, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are specific types of companies eligible for this grant. Eligible companies are required to demonstrate meaningful collaboration, especially involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Companies engaged in advanced manufacturing technologies
- Homebuilding companies
- Technology solution providers
- Manufacturers
- SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises)
- Companies aiming to accelerate homebuilding rates
- Companies focused on reducing homebuilding costs and prices
- Companies working on reducing environmental impact during manufacturing
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Canada.
- Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant aim to ensure that projects are transformative, applied, enduring, and collaborative. Proposals must meet these criteria to potentially receive funding.
- Transformative: Projects should impact manufacturing performance and have the potential to confer a significant global competitive advantage to the Canadian industry.
- Applied: Projects should have significant potential for widespread commercialization.
- Enduring: Projects should provide broader benefits to Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem by promoting Canadian home building capabilities in manufacturing, sharing industry knowledge, providing general education, training, and EDI opportunities, and/or enabling access to applied research, testing, and demonstration capabilities.
- Collaborative: Projects should demonstrate meaningful collaboration between partners, developing industry relationships, building trust, and sharing in knowledge, risk, investment and the resulting benefits. Projects should involve the participation of multiple industry partners, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Sign up to express your interest by choosing the appropriate language: English | French
- Step 2: Wait for key dates, deadlines, and eligibility requirements to be announced.
- Step 3: Review the forthcoming Guidance Documents to ensure your project aligns with the scope and criteria.
- Step 4: Download and complete the relevant template documents to support your project application, such as the Application Agreement, IP Tables, and SME Declaration Form in your preferred language.
- Step 5: Follow the Financial Guidance Presentation available in both English and French to ensure you meet financial submission requirements.
- Step 6: Ensure you review and adhere to the Financial Due Diligence guidelines.
- Step 7: Submit your project for screening using the Guide to Submitting a Project available in both languages.
- Step 8: If awarded funding, use the provided Collaboration Agreement Template to formalize partnerships and project collaborations.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Apart from the main details, the grant information includes various guidance documents and resources to aid applicants. Additionally, the grant emphasizes collaboration among industry partners, particularly SMEs.
- Background & Guidance Documents are available to provide more information about the grant.
- Projects should involve participation from multiple industry partners, especially SMEs.
- There are several guidance documents including Member Registration and Login Guide, Guide to Submitting a Project for Screening, Financial Guidance Presentation, Claims Brief, Financial Due Diligence, Application Agreement, IP Tables, and SME Declaration Form.
- Templates for Collaboration Agreement are available post-funding award.
- Case studies from successful projects like Aspire Food Group and ArcelorMittal Dofasco are provided for reference.
- Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and key dates will be announced soon.
Apply to this program
Summary of the Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge
The Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge, announced in Budget 2024, is a $50 million initiative by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) that aims to leverage an additional $150 million from industry and government partners to enhance homebuilding technologies in Canada. The goal is to accelerate home construction, reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and boost productivity in the Canadian homebuilding sector.
Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge: Driving Innovation in Canadian Homebuilding
As the demand for affordable and sustainable housing continues to rise, Canada faces significant challenges in meeting the housing needs of its growing population. The Canadian Government, in partnership with Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), has introduced a transformative initiative known as the Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge. Announced as part of Budget 2024, this initiative seeks to address the critical issues in the homebuilding sector by fostering advanced manufacturing technologies and innovation.
The government has allocated $50 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to launch the Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund. This fund aims to leverage an additional $150 million from industry and other levels of government, ultimately targeting $200 million in investment for advancing homebuilding technologies. This extensive investment underscores the dedication of the Canadian Government to revolutionize the homebuilding industry, making it faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.
The Vision Behind the Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge
The Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge is part of a broader effort to integrate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies into the Canadian homebuilding sector. By doing so, the initiative aims to address several critical issues:
- Accelerate Homebuilding: To meet the projected housing demand for 2030, it is essential to triple the current rate of home construction. The challenge encourages the introduction and scaling of advanced manufacturing technologies to expedite the building process.
- Reduce Costs: The initiative aims to reduce the cost of constructing homes by 54% to keep housing prices in line with inflation. Lowering costs will make housing more affordable for Canadians.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing carbon emissions per home by over 20% is a key objective. Sustainable building practices will contribute to Canada's overall emission reduction goals.
- Boost Productivity: Increasing labor productivity by 60% is crucial to compensate for a shrinking workforce. Advanced manufacturing technologies can enhance efficiency and productivity in the homebuilding sector.
Investment Focus: Building Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
The Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund aims to co-invest with industry partners in projects that promote the development and scale-up of advanced manufacturing technologies in the homebuilding sector. Here are the primary areas of investment focus:
- Innovation and Technology Integration: The fund encourages the adoption and integration of innovative technologies that enhance the efficiency, agility, and competitiveness of the homebuilding industry. Advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing traditional building processes.
- Cost Reduction Strategies: Projects that implement cost-effective solutions and streamline construction processes will be prioritized. Reducing construction costs will make housing more affordable and accessible to a larger segment of the population.
- Environmental Impact Mitigation: Investments that focus on sustainable building practices and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will receive significant attention. The goal is to create a greener and more environmentally friendly homebuilding sector.
Project Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
To qualify for funding under the Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge, projects must meet specific criteria. These criteria ensure that the funded projects align with the initiative's objectives and deliver meaningful results. The key project requirements are as follows:
- Transformative Impact: Projects should have the potential to significantly impact manufacturing performance and provide a competitive advantage to the Canadian homebuilding industry on a global scale.
- Widespread Commercialization Potential: The funded projects should demonstrate a high potential for commercialization, ensuring that innovative solutions can be adopted across the industry.
- Broader Benefits to the Ecosystem: Projects should contribute to the overall advancement of the Canadian homebuilding ecosystem. This includes promoting industry knowledge, providing education and training opportunities, and enabling access to research, testing, and demonstration capabilities.
- Collaborative Approach: Collaboration among multiple industry partners, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is essential. Projects should foster meaningful partnerships, share risks and benefits, and build trust within the industry.
Milestones and Key Dates
While specific key dates and deadlines for project submissions will be announced, it is essential for interested parties to stay informed and prepared. The initiative aims to create a seamless and efficient application process, enabling applicants to maximize their chances of securing funding. Additionally, interested organizations are encouraged to sign up and express their interest to receive updates and notifications regarding the program's key milestones.
Impact on the Canadian Homebuilding Sector
The Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge is poised to make a profound impact on the Canadian homebuilding sector. By promoting the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, the initiative will yield several significant benefits:
- Increased Housing Supply: By accelerating the construction process, the initiative will contribute to addressing the housing supply shortage in Canada. This will help meet the growing demand for homes and alleviate housing market pressures.
- Affordability and Accessibility: The reduced cost of building homes will translate into more affordable housing options for Canadians. This, in turn, can enhance homeownership rates and improve the quality of life for many families.
- Sustainability: The initiative's focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable building practices will contribute to Canada's environmental goals. Greener housing solutions will have a positive impact on the environment and future generations.
- Economic Growth: The initiative will drive economic growth by fostering innovation, creating job opportunities, and stimulating investment in the homebuilding and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- Enhanced Industry Competitiveness: By adopting cutting-edge technologies, the Canadian homebuilding industry will enhance its competitiveness on a global scale. This will enable Canadian companies to compete more effectively in international markets.
How to Get Involved
Organizations and stakeholders interested in participating in the Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge are encouraged to express their interest through NGen's official channels. By signing up, they can stay informed about key updates, important dates, and guidance documents related to the initiative. Taking proactive steps to engage with the program will maximize their chances of benefiting from the substantial investment and support available.
Conclusion
The Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge represents a significant opportunity for the Canadian homebuilding sector to embrace innovation and overcome longstanding challenges. With substantial government funding and a collaborative approach involving industry partners, the initiative aims to accelerate home construction, reduce costs, promote sustainability, and enhance productivity. By leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies, Canada can build faster, more affordable, and environmentally sustainable homes for its citizens, contributing to a brighter and more prosperous future. Organizations are encouraged to get involved and be part of this transformative journey towards revolutionizing the Canadian homebuilding industry.
