How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 150% of admissible expenses, capped at $100000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program?

NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program is funded by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

What are NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program's eligibility criterias?

Must be a cluster organization representing a majority of SME manufacturers (less than 500 employees), incorporated in Canada Must contribute a minimum 150% match (cash and/or in-kind contributions) of requested NGen funding Must register as NGen Canada members (at no cost)

NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program

Last Update: June 3, 2025

Canada

Strengthen Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem

NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 150% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : September 5, 2024
Closing date : November 8, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Status

Closed

Overview of the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program program

The Cluster Accelerator Program aims to bolster Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem by funding projects that enhance collaboration among manufacturing clusters across the nation. Eligible activities include innovation projects to develop or adopt new manufacturing technologies, commercialization projects to support business development and export readiness, sustainability projects focused on environmental improvements and supply chain resilience, workforce and management enhancement projects to upskill and diversify the workforce, and network projects promoting collaboration between clusters. Not-for-profit industry-led organizations representing SMEs are eligible to apply, requiring an industry match of 150% of the funding amount.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding of up to $100,000 per year for individual cluster organizations, requiring an industry match of 150% (cash and/or in-kind) per application.
Collaborative projects with multiple clusters may apply for up to $75,000 per participating cluster.
Start-up cluster projects: up to $20,000 for initial activities (e.g., business model creation, incorporation), with up to an additional $80,000 released upon milestone completion.
NGen will hold back 15% of funding until completion and approval of the final project report.
Total funding from non-industry (government) sources must not exceed 75% of total project costs without written permission from NGen.

Eligible projects & activities

Creation and development of new advanced manufacturing clusters, including incorporation and establishing sustainable operations.
Projects promoting the development or adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies within a collaborative framework.
Initiatives to support the commercialization and export readiness of cluster members, including participation in international missions.
Projects aimed at improving sustainability, such as reducing GHG emissions, enhancing environmental management, or strengthening domestic supply chains.
Collaborative initiatives among multiple clusters to drive innovation, commercialization, sustainability, or workforce and management enhancement objectives.

Eligibility criteria of the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program program

The applicant must be an incorporated organization in Canada.
The cluster must be industry-led and represent a majority of small or medium-sized manufacturing and/or technology companies (each with fewer than 500 employees).
Applicants must include other supporting ecosystem partners, such as academia, research, services, and/or public organizations.
The cluster must focus on advanced manufacturing and propose a project that would not be carried out in the same form, scope, or speed without this funding.
Applicants and their member companies must register as members of NGen Canada (membership is free).

Who is eligible?

Not-for-profit, industry-led advanced manufacturing clusters representing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Newly activated or reactivated advanced manufacturing clusters consisting primarily of SMEs
Existing advanced manufacturing clusters expanding their scope in Canada
Clusters that include supporting partners such as academia, research, services, and/or public organizations

Who is not eligible

Companies that are not incorporated in Canada.
Clusters or members with activities unrelated to advanced manufacturing.
Cluster members located outside of Canada (for costs incurred outside Canada, unless pre-approved).
Clusters promoting public sector advocacy activities.

Eligible expenses

Portion of wages, salaries, or contract fees (including mandatory employment-related costs and benefits) directly linked to project activities.
Costs for equipment, facilities, and supplies, including purchase, rental, operation, and maintenance.
User fees related to the project.
Materials and supplies required for project delivery.
Room or facility rental for project purposes.
Expenses for renting facilities and related telecommunication for conferences or project activities.
Travel, meal, and accommodation costs in accordance with the National Joint Council Travel Directive.
Publication and dissemination costs for project results or related activities.
Incremental costs for cybersecurity directly necessary for project participation.
Payments to federal entities as per the TBS Guide to departmental collaboration with recipients of grants and contributions.
Honoraria to support Indigenous participation in projects or initiatives.
Direct costs for market studies or similar activities clearly linked to project performance.
Capital expenditures if directly connected to the objectives of the project and vital for success, and not otherwise available as a shared resource (subject to conditions).

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations incorporated and operating in Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program program

Clarity and relevance of the project opportunity or cluster mission.
Demonstrated economic and ecosystem benefits for cluster members and the broader industry.
Sustainability plan for project outcomes and continued cluster growth.
Justification of the need for NGen funding and the added value it brings to the project.
Comprehensiveness and feasibility of the project workplan, including risk management and allocation of responsibilities.

How to apply to the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program program

Expression of Interest Registration

Visit the NGen website to access the Expression of Interest form.
Fill in the required information to register your interest in the Cluster Accelerator Program.
Submit the form to receive further guidance on application preparation.

Attend Information Sessions

Participate in the Cluster Information Session and Funding Workshops scheduled by NGen.
Get acquainted with program requirements and clarify any queries you might have.

Member Registration

Ensure all cluster and member SMEs are registered as NGen members before application.
Use the Member Registration and Login Guide for assistance.

Prepare Application

Download necessary templates and guidance documents from the NGen website.
Prepare the project proposal answering the specified six questions relevant to your project type.
Compile all supporting documentation, including financial plans and letters of support.

Submit Application

Access the online application submission portal on the NGen website.
Upload all required documents and ensure each section of the proposal is complete.
Review the application for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Submit the application by the specified deadline.

Confirmation and Feedback

Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission.
Wait for feedback from NGen, which is generally provided at the end of November.

Additional information

No external appeals are permitted for funding decisions unless there is evidence that established processes were not followed; in such cases, appeals are handled by NGen’s Governance and Compliance Committee and legal counsel.
NGen will retain 15% of the funding until project completion and the final report is submitted and accepted.
All applicants must register their organization and members as NGen members at no cost and acknowledge NGen’s partnership on their website and materials.
Clusters must actively participate in the NGenCAN Network, which may involve remote or in-person meetings up to four times yearly.