Closed
NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program
Support for Canadian advanced manufacturing clusters
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : September 5, 2024
- Closing date : November 8, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
This program offers up to $100,000 per year for Canadian advanced manufacturing clusters. It supports cluster start-up, innovation, commercialization, sustainability, workforce enhancement, and network projects across Canada.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : September 5, 2024
- Closing date : November 8, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Cluster start-up projects to form new advanced manufacturing clusters
- Innovation projects to develop or adopt advanced manufacturing technologies
- Commercialization projects supporting supplier development, export readiness, and international missions
- Sustainability projects to improve environmental management, reduce GHG emissions, and strengthen supply chains
- Workforce, management enhancement, and network collaboration projects
Documents Needed
- Completed proposal answering the six required questions
- Risk register, project milestone schedule, and work breakdown structure
- Application Agreement
- IP Tables
- SME Declaration Form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Existing advanced manufacturing cluster organizations
- Newly activated or reactivated advanced manufacturing clusters
- Start-up clusters formed by at least five SME manufacturers
Who is not eligible
- Clusters focused on activities unrelated to advanced manufacturing
- Projects for cluster members located outside Canada
Eligible expenses
- Project salaries, wages, contracts, and benefits
- Equipment, facilities, supplies, rentals, and maintenance
- Travel, meals, accommodation, and conference-related costs
- Publication, dissemination, cybersecurity, and other direct project costs
- Capital expenditures linked to project objectives
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Public sector advocacy and lobbying
- Activities unrelated to advanced manufacturing or benefiting only one firm
- Retroactive costs incurred before contracting
- Construction, land or building purchases, and unrelated infrastructure or equipment
- Interest, late fees, fines, penalties, gifts, entertainment, alcohol, and unaccounted grants or scholarships
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Reviewed by three independent assessors; the aggregated score determines the decision
- Clarity of the project opportunity and objectives
- Expected economic and ecosystem benefits
- Sustainability of results after funding ends
- Strength of the workplan, risks, and financial commitment
How to apply
1
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.
2
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.
3
Member Registration
- Ensure all cluster and member SMEs are registered as NGen members before application.
- Use the Member Registration and Login Guide for assistance.
4
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.
5
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.
6
Confirmation and Feedback
- Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission.
- Wait for feedback from NGen, which is generally provided at the end of November.
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals are reviewed by three independent assessors
- The combined assessor score guides NGen’s funding decision
- Successful applicants must sign a standard Ecosystem Services Agreement
- Unsuccessful applicants receive reasons and may resubmit an amended application later
Additional information
- NGen membership is free for participating organizations.
- Successful applicants must sign a Cluster Accelerator Agreement with NGen.
- Unsuccessful applicants may resubmit an amended application later.
Frequently Asked Questions about the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program Program
What is the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program?
This program offers up to $100,000 per year for Canadian advanced manufacturing clusters. It supports cluster start-up, innovation, commercialization, sustainability, workforce enhancement, and network projects across Canada.
How much funding can be received?
NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was November 8, 2024.
Who is eligible for the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program program?
To be eligible for the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program program, you must:
Not-for-profit cluster organization
Majority SME members
Incorporated in Canada
What expenses are eligible under NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program?
Cluster start-up projects to form new advanced manufacturing clusters
Innovation projects to develop or adopt advanced manufacturing technologies
Commercialization projects supporting supplier development, export readiness, and international missions
Sustainability projects to improve environmental management, reduce GHG emissions, and strengthen supply chains
Workforce, management enhancement, and network collaboration projects
Who can I contact for more information about the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program?
You can contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen).
Where is the NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program available?
The NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program program is available across Canada.