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|admissibility
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is open to a wide range of organizations involved in the commercialization of quantum technologies. Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, certain not-for-profit organizations, indigenous organizations, and non-federal Crown corporations, provided they fulfill specific registration and operational requirements in Canada.
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and primarily receive funding from private-sector or industry organizations
- Non-federal Crown corporations whose funding is derived from commercial activities
- Indigenous organizations
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain types of companies are not eligible to receive this grant. Mainly, these include government entities and organizations without a significant presence in Canada.
- Other publicly funded not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, federal Crown Corporations, and government departments or agencies.
- International organizations (offshore companies and research organizations without a registered business presence in Canada).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include various project costs incurred by industry partners. These encompass labor, subcontracting, equipment, and materials directly linked to project objectives.
- Labor costs for specialized labor or high rates
- Subcontracting costs for non-academic suppliers
- Equipment purchase costs, with specific criteria
- Material costs related to the project's R&D aspects
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible geographic zones for this grant are primarily businesses registered in Canada with a value-added presence beyond a sales office. International organizations may also participate in CQT projects, but any project activity undertaken by them may not be eligible for funding.
- Canada (businesses registered)
- International organizations (participation only, activities not eligible for funding)
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Each project application will be assessed based on responses to ten questions, which will help determine whether the project aligns with strategic objectives and demonstrates collaboration, transformation, and potential economic and ecosystem benefits.
- Outline the opportunity the project addresses, including alignment with the National Quantum Strategy's missions.
- Define the transformative aspects and the new knowledge being created by the project.
- Describe the nature and size of the potential market the project will address.
- Explain how the results of the project will be commercialized.
- Identify the economic benefits the project will deliver inside and outside the consortium.
- Explain the broader impact on the advanced manufacturing ecosystem and Canadians.
- Provide an overall project plan, detailing steps, tools, and management structures.
- Elaborate on the risk management plan, identifying key risks and management strategies.
- Describe the collaboration, partner skills, experience, and resources to deliver the project's benefits.
- Justify why NGen funding is needed and outline the financial commitment to the project.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Register as an NGen member at www.ngen.ca/join to apply for funding.
- Step 2: Attend project development webinars to understand program requirements, application process, and finance rules.
- Step 3: Complete an intake form describing the project concept and potential partners to initiate the project proposal.
- Step 4: Project screening to ensure eligibility and compliance with CQT project requirements.
- Step 5: Certify compliance with NGen's project requirements and clarify project objectives and collaborative aspects.
- Step 6: Undergo financial due diligence to evaluate financial capacity to support project commitments.
- Step 7: Submit a full application if eligibility criteria are met, including answering ten questions and providing supporting documents.
- Step 8: The application is assessed by independent expert assessment panels.
- Step 9: Await acceptance or rejection notification and receive feedback if rejected.
- Step 10: For accepted applications, finalize a Master Project Agreement and a Collaboration Agreement among project partners.
- Step 11: Submit updated project documents including Project Plan, Milestone Register, Risk Register, Financial Forecast, Commercialization Plan, and Finance Workbooks.
- Step 12: Receive a Funding Confirmation Letter marking the official start of the NGen project.
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.
