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NGen — Cluster Building Project - Canada
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NGen — Cluster Building Project

Funding for collaborative advanced manufacturing clusters
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
  • Archived
Location
Canada

Overview

NGen supports cluster-building projects that help Canadian SMEs collaborate in advanced manufacturing. Funding can support cluster formation, training, market expansion, benchmarks, roadmaps, and related collaborative activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 150,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Archived

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
  • 499 employees maximum
Audience
  • Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Business Associations
Target groups
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
  • Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
  • National

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Forming a new collaborative cluster of SMEs
  • Reactivating or strengthening an existing manufacturing cluster
  • Advancing advanced manufacturing adoption and collaboration
  • Developing benchmarks, roadmaps, training, and market expansion approaches

Documents Needed

  • Project proposal answering the ten required questions
  • Application Agreement
  • Financial Workbook
  • IP Strategy summary
  • List of at least five supporting SME organizations
  • Project Plan and Risk Register

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian SMEs that are NGen members
  • New or existing manufacturing clusters led by NGen member SMEs
  • Industry associations applying on behalf of industry members

Who is not eligible

  • Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations applying directly for NGen funding
  • Post-secondary institutions applying directly for NGen funding
  • Federal Crown corporations and government departments or agencies
  • International organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada for funded activity

Eligible expenses

  • Staffing costs
  • Office and legal costs
  • Travel costs
  • Joint assessments, studies, and reports
  • Eligible Canadian subcontractor costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Project activity carried out outside Canada
  • Activities performed by international partners without an incorporated Canadian presence
  • Funding for publicly funded not-for-profits, post-secondary institutions, federal Crown corporations, and government bodies directly

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Processing and Agreement

  • Initial screening is completed by NGen after submission.
  • Eligible proposals move to assessment by three independent external assessors.
  • Assessors provide written feedback on the application.
  • Approved projects proceed to contracting through a Master Project Agreement.
  • NGen monitors project progress after approval.

Additional information

  • Applications are reviewed by three independent external assessors.
  • NGen staff monitor project progress during delivery.
  • A Master Project Agreement is signed after approval.
  • A one-time project administration fee of 2.5% is required at launch.

Documents and links

NGen — Cluster Building Project

Contacts

capacity@ngen.ca
none

Frequently Asked Questions about the NGen — Cluster Building Project Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the NGen — Cluster Building Project. 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 — Cluster Building Project?

NGen supports cluster-building projects that help Canadian SMEs collaborate in advanced manufacturing. Funding can support cluster formation, training, market expansion, benchmarks, roadmaps, and related collaborative activities.

How much funding can be received?

NGen — Cluster Building Project Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the NGen — Cluster Building Project program?

To be eligible for the NGen — Cluster Building Project program, you must: NGen member SME applicant At least five Canadian SME members Project carried out in Canada

What expenses are eligible under NGen — Cluster Building Project?

Forming a new collaborative cluster of SMEs Reactivating or strengthening an existing manufacturing cluster Advancing advanced manufacturing adoption and collaboration Developing benchmarks, roadmaps, training, and market expansion approaches

Who can I contact for more information about the NGen — Cluster Building Project?

You can contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) by email at capacity@ngen.ca or by phone at none.

Where is the NGen — Cluster Building Project available?

The NGen — Cluster Building Project program is available across Canada.

Is the NGen — Cluster Building Project a grant, loan, or tax credit?

NGen — Cluster Building Project is a Partnering and Collaboration

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