Closed
NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024
AI commercialization for advanced manufacturing
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 3,200,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 17, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
Up to CAD 3.2 million in support is available for collaborative AI and machine learning projects in manufacturing. Eligible work includes systems optimization, robotics and automation, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing cybersecurity.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,200,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : July 17, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Commercialization of AI and machine learning solutions for manufacturing.
- Systems optimization within manufacturing facilities or across supply chains.
- Development of new advanced manufacturing capabilities such as robotics and automation.
- Rapid prototyping and testing of materials, products, and processes.
- Manufacturing cybersecurity and other disruptive AI-enabled manufacturing services.
Documents Needed
- Signed Application Agreement.
- Answers to all application questions.
- Appendix 1: Project Management Plan.
- Appendix 2: Risk Register and Appendix 3: Intellectual Property Tables.
- Financial due diligence package for each partner, including cash flow forecast, recent financial statements, corporate structure details, and credit check consent.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit organizations incorporated in Canada.
- Not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and development.
- Non-federal Crown corporations with commercial revenues.
- Indigenous organizations.
- Manufacturing companies, AI solution providers, and other industry partners in collaborative projects.
Who is not eligible
- Other not-for-profit organizations.
- Post-secondary institutions.
- Federal Crown corporations.
- Government departments and agencies.
- International organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada.
Eligible expenses
- Direct project labour costs and required payroll benefits.
- Subcontracting and consulting services performed in Canada.
- New equipment and related project use or maintenance costs.
- Materials and supplies consumed by the project.
- Project-related travel, software or license fees, facility rental, dissemination, cybersecurity, and eligible SME IP costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Sales taxes, overhead, routine administration, and routine operations.
- Production activities, full-scale production, and routine changes to existing products, lines, or services.
- Construction, building or land purchases, and infrastructure or leasehold improvements.
- Selling, marketing, and advertising costs.
- Experimental or theoretical work without direct commercial use, anti-competitive activities, and costs already covered by other government funding or rebates.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Projects are first screened for scope, eligibility, and financial due diligence.
- Eligible applications are then reviewed by up to five independent experts.
- The assessment uses ten equally weighted questions and two gateway yes/no questions.
- NGen notifies applicants of the result and provides feedback.
- Successful projects move to contracting, including the Master Project Agreement and Collaboration Agreement.
Additional information
- NGen can provide pre-assessment support on project scope, partners, and funding sources.
- All project partners should be ready for financial due diligence during the application process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024?
Up to CAD 3.2 million in support is available for collaborative AI and machine learning projects in manufacturing. Eligible work includes systems optimization, robotics and automation, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing cybersecurity.
How much funding can be received?
NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $3,200,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 program?
To be eligible for the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 program, you must:
NGen member organization
Canadian-incorporated applicant
Collaborative AI manufacturing project
What expenses are eligible under NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024?
Commercialization of AI and machine learning solutions for manufacturing.
Systems optimization within manufacturing facilities or across supply chains.
Development of new advanced manufacturing capabilities such as robotics and automation.
Rapid prototyping and testing of materials, products, and processes.
Manufacturing cybersecurity and other disruptive AI-enabled manufacturing services.
Who can I contact for more information about the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024?
You can contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) by email at ai@ngen.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 available?
The NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 program is available across Canada.
Is the NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024 is a Grant and Funding