NGen — Advanced Manufacturing Quantum Program
Canada
Propel Canada's leadership in quantum innovation by funding transformative, collaborative manufacturing projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 29, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGEN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization of Quantum Technologies Program aims to strengthen Canada's manufacturing sector by funding collaborative, industry-led projects that develop and scale up transformative quantum technologies. Eligible activities must demonstrate the development and application of advanced manufacturing tools and techniques for quantum technologies or the deployment of quantum technologies in manufacturing, aligning with Canada's National Quantum Strategy missions in quantum computing, communications, or sensors.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant program is targeted at companies registered and operational in Canada. Eligible organizations must have a value-added presence beyond merely a sales office within Canadian borders.
- Businesses incorporated and actively operating within any of the provinces and territories of Canada.
- Companies with a registered business presence in Canada excluding merely having sales offices.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant require applicants to meet specific conditions related to their business status and project collaboration.
- Any business member of NGen may apply for project funding or as a partner or co-investor in CQT projects.
- Recipients of CQT funding must be a business registered in Canada with a value-added presence beyond a sales office.
- Eligible funding recipients include for-profit organizations, qualifying not-for-profits, non-federal Crown corporations, and indigenous organizations.
- Post-secondary institutions, federal Crown Corporations, and government departments or agencies are not directly eligible for CQT funding, but may contribute or be subcontracted by funded recipients.
- International organizations can participate but their activities within the project may not qualify for funding.
- Projects must demonstrate meaningful collaboration with at least two unassociated industry partners.
- At least one small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees globally must be a project partner.
- Projects must align with one of the National Quantum Strategy Priority Areas: Quantum computing, Communications, or Sensors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant invites applications from various organizations engaged in the commercialization of quantum technologies, with specific eligibility requirements based on organizational type and the nature of their involvement within Canada.
- Any business member of NGen.
- Businesses registered in Canada with a value-added presence beyond a sales office.
- For-profit organizations as primary applicants.
- Not-for-profit organizations facilitating and funding research and development for the ecosystem, with primary revenue from the private sector.
- Non-federal Crown corporations primarily funded through commercial activities.
- Indigenous organizations.
- International organizations can participate but may not be eligible for funding.
- Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and federal Crown Corporations can contribute but are not eligible for direct funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is designed to support the commercialization of quantum technologies, but certain companies and industries are not eligible due to their nature or the scope of their activities.
- Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations.
- Post-secondary institutions.
- Federal Crown corporations.
- Government departments or agencies.
- International organizations without a registered business presence in Canada for direct funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant promotes innovation and growth in advanced manufacturing by supporting projects that leverage quantum technologies in various ways. The focus is on transformative, collaborative projects that advance Canada's capabilities in the quantum industry.
- Development of Advanced Manufacturing tools and techniques tailored for quantum technologies.
- Deployment of quantum technologies to enhance manufacturing processes.
- Projects that fall under one of the National Quantum Strategy's key missions: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communications, or Quantum Sensors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses covered by the grant include costs directly related to the project's research, development, and implementation within its advanced manufacturing and quantum technology scope.
- Personnel salaries and benefits for project-related roles.
- Purchase of new equipment (both Capital & Non-Capital) essential for project execution, up to a limit of 25% of the total project costs.
- Lump sum for capital expenditures over $1 million with prior approval by NGen.
- Subcontracting or consulting costs with non-academic suppliers for work performed in Canada, up to 40% of the project's value.
- Costs for product design, testing, and validation associated with advanced manufacturing goals, limited to 35% of the funding allocation.
- Expenses incurred on a case-by-case basis outside of Canada with prior approval by NGen.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Opportunity Addressed by the Project: Evaluating the project’s alignment with the National Quantum Strategy and the specific challenges it intends to address. (10 points)
- Transformative Potential of the Project: Assessment of how globally transformative the project is in terms of advanced manufacturing and quantum technologies. (10 points)
- Market Potential: Analysis of the potential market size and growth for the developed technologies. (10 points)
- Commercialization Plan: Effectiveness and feasibility of the planned commercialization strategy for project outputs. (10 points)
- Economic Benefits: Evaluation of the expected economic benefits within and beyond the consortium partners. (10 points)
- Broader Impact on Manufacturing Ecosystem: Assessment of the project’s potential impact on Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem. (10 points)
- Overall Project Plan: Evaluation of the thoroughness and feasibility of the project plan, including timelines and resources. (10 points)
- Risk Management Plan: Assessment of the project's risk management strategies and identified risks. (10 points)
- Collaboration and Partner Contributions: Evaluation of the project’s collaborative nature and the skills and resources of participating partners. (10 points)
- Justification for NGen Funding: Clarity and justification for requesting NGen funding and the financial commitment by the project consortium. (10 points)
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Register as NGen Member
- Visit the NGen website and register as an NGen member to become eligible to apply.
- Ensure your organization is registered and has a value-added presence in Canada beyond a sales office.
- Step 2: Understand the Eligibility and Program Requirements
- Review the eligibility criteria and project requirements detailed in the program guide.
- Consider how your project aligns with one of the three missions under the National Quantum Strategy Commercialization Pillar.
- Step 3: Initial Project Concept Submission
- Complete an intake form available on the program website describing the project concept and potential partners.
- Submit the form for review by the joint CQT Steering Committee.
- Step 4: Project Proposal Submission
- Prepare a detailed project proposal if the project concept is approved after screening.
- Ensure the proposal continues to meet all eligibility and scope requirements.
- Step 5: Complete the Full Application
- Answer ten assessment questions, each with a maximum of 7000 characters.
- Provide five supporting documents, including a project plan, risk register, IP plan, additional attachments, and financial workbooks.
- Step 6: Submission on Member Portal
- Log into the member portal at https://portal.ngenconnects.ca/opportunities.
- Submit the completed application and upload all required documents before the deadlines.
- Step 7: Application Review and Notification
- Wait for the independent third-party panel to assess the application.
- Receive notification of the assessment results and next steps for successful applications.
- Step 8: Contracting Phase
- Proceed to the contracting phase if the project is recommended for funding.
- Review and finalize agreements such as the Master Project Agreement and Collaboration Agreement.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization of Quantum Technologies Program offers funding for collaborative, innovative projects in Canada's quantum sector. This program includes guidelines for application submissions and specific requirements for project proposals.
- NGen is a not-for-profit organization that administers the grant and charges a non-refundable 3.5% administration fee.
- Eligible projects must align with one of the three missions of the National Quantum Strategy: quantum computing, communications, or sensors.
- The maximum funding support from NGen is capped at CAD $2 million.
- Projects should include at least two unassociated Canadian industry partners, and one must be a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME).
- Project submissions will be accepted during three intake periods, the first ending on November 29, 2023.
- All projects must be completed, and claims filed by January 31, 2028.
- Applications must pass through a rigorous assessment process by independent experts.
- There are specific limitations on equipment costs and subcontractor expenses to ensure funding supports research and development rather than production.
- NGen offers assistance with application development, project partner identification, and IP management plans.
Apply to this program
Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization of Quantum Technologies Program
The Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization of Quantum Technologies Program, delivered by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), aims to strengthen Canada's manufacturing sector through collaborative projects in quantum computing, communications, and sensors, offering funding of up to $6 million before March 31, 2028. This initiative is part of Canada's National Quantum Strategy, focusing on enhancing the country's quantum capabilities and securing a leadership position in the global quantum industry.
Understanding the Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization of Quantum Technologies Program
The rapid advancement of quantum technologies holds transformative potential, revolutionizing sectors from communications to computing and beyond. Recognizing this potential, the Canadian government launched the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) entrenched in three core missions: quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensors. To drive commercialization and bolster its quantum ecosystem, Canada has engaged in myriad strategic initiatives, one of which is the Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization of Quantum Technologies Program. Helmed by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), this program unveils avenues for collaboration and growth for Canadian industries. NGen is a not-for-profit corporation focusing on enhancing Canada's manufacturing landscape. Its goal is to link manufacturers and tech companies, fostering collaboration to develop state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aligns with Canada’s broader objective to remain a global leader in quantum research and commercialization, thus ensuring the country’s competitive edge in the international market. ### Program Objectives The program delineates several objectives: 1. **Strengthen Canada's Manufacturing Sector:** By investing in transformative projects, the program seeks to enhance competitiveness and innovation within Canada’s manufacturing sphere. 2. **Drive Collaborative Projects:** Projects must be collaborative, involving multiple industry partners to share knowledge, risks, and benefits. 3. **Encourage Transformative Innovation:** The projects should introduce novel manufacturing tools and technologies related to quantum to establish significant competitive advantages. 4. **Ensure Long-term Economic Benefits:** The initiative aims to maintain and create jobs, fostering commercial opportunities within and beyond Canada. ### Funding Details Through this program, NGen will disburse up to $6 million to support industry-led projects by March 31, 2028. The key criteria for receiving funding are detailed as follows: - **Collaborative Projects:** Must involve at least two Canadian industry partners, including at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). These collaborations can extend to academic or research organizations. - **Transformative in Nature:** Projects should push the boundaries of current manufacturing technologies, potentially establishing Canadian companies as global leaders in advanced manufacturing and quantum applications. - **Enduring Impact:** Initiatives must leave a legacy of skills, tools, and knowledge, extending benefits beyond project partners and timeframes. - **Alignment with NQS Missions:** Projects need to align with at least one of the three missions outlined in the NQS: quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensors. ### Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include any business member of NGen, ranging from for-profit organizations, certain not-for-profit entities primarily funded by the private sector, non-federal Crown corporations, and indigenous organizations, with a registered Canadian presence beyond a sales office. Unfortunately, federal government departments, Crown corporations, and general not-for-profit organizations are ineligible for direct funding, though they may contribute resources or be subcontracted. International organizations without a business presence in Canada can take part, but are ineligible for project funding. ### Application Process The path to securing funding involves several steps: - **Becoming an NGen Member:** Only registered members of NGen are eligible to apply for project funding. - **Project Intake Form Submission:** This initial form outlines the project’s concept and potential partners, allowing the CQT Steering Committee to assess eligibility. - **Detailed Project Proposal:** Upon successful evaluation of the intake form, applicants are invited to submit a comprehensive proposal. This includes a 10-question section, covering the project’s transformative impact, commercial potential, economic benefits, risk management, and more. - **Financial and Collaborative Due Diligence:** NGen assesses the financial health of partners to ensure they can support their project commitments. The collaboration must demonstrate meaningful engagement and shared goals. - **Independent Expert Evaluation:** Proposals are reviewed by a panel of experts who score on a 100-point basis, ensuring only high-quality, strategic projects receive support. ### Why Apply? For Canadian businesses, participating in this program provides a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge manufacturing projects with lasting impacts. Companies gain access to funding that enables risk-sharing in transformative projects that might otherwise be difficult to undertake alone. The program does not only financially support projects but also provides NGen's expert advice and connections within the Canadian and global quantum and manufacturing sectors. This network can prove invaluable in achieving project outcomes aligned with broader commercial and national goals. Furthermore, projects that succeed in securing funding have the advantage of acceleration — bringing innovations to market more rapidly and efficiently than would otherwise be possible. ### Economic and Broader Impact The aim is not just to spur technological advancement but also to instigate economic growth across sectors. By enabling advanced manufacturing capabilities, the program seeks to create ripple effects in job creation, skill development, environmental impact reduction, and economic resiliency. Projects are also expected to foster a more inclusive economy. By encouraging diversity and equitable participation across genders and underrepresented groups, the program strengthens not only technological but also social and cultural dimensions. ### Conclusion The Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization of Quantum Technologies Program represents a pivotal movement in Canada's national quantum strategy. By providing support to innovative projects within the sector, it strengthens Canada’s standing as a global leader in manufacturing and quantum technologies, ensuring that Canadian enterprises continue to grow, compete, and succeed in the rapidly evolving global market. Companies seeking to partake in a venture that promises transformative power and enduring impact should consider collaboration under this valuable program. Whether it leads to revolutionary technologies or opens doors to new markets, the potential long-term benefits for Canadian industries are profound.
