NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge Canada

NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge

Canada
Support the commercialization of AI/ML solutions in Canadian manufacturing
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grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_single_labels|criteria
grant_single_labels|register
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|fromMinToMax
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateMay 15, 2024
  • grant_single|closingDateJune 14, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
  • Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGEN)
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grant_card_status|closed

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The AI for Manufacturing (AI4M) Challenge Program, part of Canada's Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, is a $20 million funding initiative aimed at enhancing advanced manufacturing through AI and machine learning innovations. The program supports projects focused on commercializing AI/ML solutions in manufacturing, requiring collaboration between at least one manufacturing company, one AI company, and at least one SME. Eligible projects, with costs between $1.5M and $6M, must demonstrate significant economic benefits, create diverse job opportunities, and contribute to environmental sustainability and supply chain resilience.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is specific to organizations incorporated and operating within Canada. The focus is on Canadian manufacturing and AI integration efforts.
  • Organizations incorporated in Canada.
  • Entities with project activities undertaken and incurred in Canada.
  • Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are specifically encouraged to participate.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$2,100,000

Development of AI-driven robotic arms for automated assembly lines

$2,000,000

Development of AI-enhanced predictive maintenance for aerospace manufacturing

$1,500,000

Cybersecurity enhancement of manufacturing processes using AI techniques

$2,000,000

Rapid prototyping of sustainable materials using AI

$1,800,000

AI-driven optimization of supply chains for electric vehicle manufacturing

$1,800,000

Development of AI-enabled quality control mechanisms in 3D printing manufacturing

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the nature of the proposed project collaboration.
  • The applicant must be an organizational member of NGen, registered via their official website.
  • Funding recipients must be incorporated in Canada as for-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations facilitating and funding research and development with predominantly private sector funding, or non-federal crown corporations funded through commercial activities.
  • Projects must include at least two industry partners: one manufacturing company and one AI solution provider.
  • At least one of the companies involved must be a Small Medium Enterprise (SME) defined as having less than 500 employees globally.
  • Projects should focus on the commercialization of AI/ML solutions in manufacturing, be business-led, and involve collaboration.
  • Projects must not involve prior technology developed; they should focus on novel AI or ML technologies applied in advanced manufacturing.
  • All project activities and expenses must be undertaken and incurred in Canada.
  • NGen will reimburse 35% of total eligible project costs, with project costs ranging between CAD $1.5M and CAD $6M.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is open to organizational members of NGen involved in advanced manufacturing and AI technology development in Canada.
  • Manufacturing companies incorporated in Canada.
  • AI solution providers incorporated in Canada.
  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Canada.
  • Collaborative projects with at least one manufacturing company, one AI solution provider, and one SME partner.
  • Non-profit organizations facilitating R&D, funded primarily by private sector organizations.
  • Non-federal crown corporations funded through commercial activities.
  • International organizations can participate but cannot receive funding.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The AI for Manufacturing (AI4M) funding challenge outlines specific project and involvement exclusions to ensure the focus remains on advancing Canadian manufacturing capabilities. Non-eligible participants include industries or activities that do not align with these strategic goals.
  • International organizations (offshore companies and research organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada).
  • Projects or activities conducted outside of Canada.
  • Projects related to experimental or theoretical work without any direct commercial application.
  • Production activities or activities that subsidize full-scale production.
  • Capital investment unrelated to the creation of new AI-enabled manufacturing capabilities.
  • Activities viewed as anti-competitive.
  • Projects where benefits accrue to a single firm or organization.
  • Projects at the same scale or scope without NGen funding.
  • Routine or periodic changes to existing products or services.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The AI4M Challenge Grant supports projects that leverage AI technologies to drive advancements in Canadian manufacturing. These eligible projects emphasize commercialization and collaboration between industry and technology partners.
  • Systems optimization within manufacturing facilities or across supply chains, such as automating and optimizing machines and processes.
  • Development of new advanced manufacturing capabilities, including robotics and automation equipment.
  • Rapid prototyping and testing of materials, products, and processes to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
  • Enhancement of cybersecurity in manufacturing facilities and processes to secure AI applications.
  • Development of other AI-enabled manufacturing capabilities that are transformative and commercializable.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible expenses for the AI4M grant cover costs directly related to AI-enabled manufacturing projects.
  • Personnel costs for project-related roles within the organization.
  • Capital expenditures up to 45% of the total project costs, specifically for new AI-enabled manufacturing equipment.
  • Sub-contracted or consulting costs, provided they do not exceed 40% of total project costs and the work is performed in Canada.
  • Project administration fees payable to NGen, equal to 5% of the total project cost.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the AI4M Challenge Program grant focus on ensuring projects meet the strategic objectives set by NGen and deliver substantial benefits to the Canadian manufacturing sector. Projects are assessed by independent experts based on the following criteria, each scored out of 80 marks based on responses to eight core questions.
  • Overall project opportunity and transformative impacts (10 marks).
  • Economic benefits to consortium partners and beyond (10 marks).
  • Enduring ecosystem and social benefits to Canada (10 marks).
  • Project commercialization strategy (10 marks).
  • Effectiveness and detail of the project plan (10 marks).
  • Comprehensiveness of the risk management plan (10 marks).
  • Quality of collaboration and partner contributions (10 marks).
  • Rationale for NGen funding and financial commitment (10 marks).

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Join NGen
  • Step 2: Preliminary Application
    • Access the NGen Grant Management portal, available from May 15, 2024, to enter project information.
    • Register your project early to begin receiving NGen's feedback and ensure eligibility.
    • Create a summary of the project intent, partners involved, and a high-level financial outline for the screening process.
  • Step 3: Screening Submission
    • Submit mandatory screening details by June 14, 2024, 5 pm EST, to confirm project eligibility.
    • Ensure to meet the deadline to proceed with the application process.
  • Step 4: Full Application Preparation
    • Complete the full application by addressing eight specified questions within the portal or using the template.
    • Prepare three appendices: a Project Plan, a Risk Register, and Intellectual Property Tables.
    • Compile the necessary documents: signed Application Agreement, answers to application questions, and appendices.
  • Step 5: Final Application Submission
    • Submit the final application before the deadline of July 4, 2024, at 5:00 pm EST.
    • Final applications will be assessed by an Independent Expert Panel.
  • Step 6: Notification and Feedback
    • Receive notification of assessment results post-evaluation.
    • Review feedback provided, whether the application was approved or rejected, to strengthen future applications if needed.
  • Step 7: Contracting Phase
    • For successful applications, proceed to the contracting phase to finalize the Master Project Agreement with NGen.
    • Ensure the Collaboration Agreement is in place among project partners.
    • Launch the project by December 2024 following the completion of contracting.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Projects must be in addition to the regular business undertakings of the applicants and involve at least one manufacturing company and one AI solution provider, with total project costs between CAD $1.5M and CAD $6M. There will be two rounds of intakes with specific deadlines and a comprehensive financial due diligence process.
  • Projects are expected to be completed by January 31, 2026.
  • NGen will reimburse 35% of total eligible project costs.
  • International organizations may participate, but their activities will not be eligible for funding.
  • Screening Deadline: June 14, 2024 (5 pm EST)
  • Final Application Deadline: July 4, 2024 (5 pm EST)
  • 2nd Round Project Screening Deadline July 19, 2024 (5 pm EST)
  • 2nd Round Final Application Deadline August 9, 2024 (5 pm EST)
  • Funding support capped at CAD $2.1 million per project.
  • Contact: ai@ngen.ca

grant_single_labels|contact

ai@ngen.ca

Apply to this program