Archived
Source verified April 9, 2026
NGen — Cluster Building Project
Funding for collaborative advanced manufacturing clusters
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
Open continuously
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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Transformative impact for participating SMEs
- Clear project and risk management plan
- Market opportunity and economic potential
- Long-term sustainability and business plan for the cluster
- Team capability, resources, and NGen value-add
How to apply
- Step 1: Register as an NGen member and access Supercluster Projects
- Open the NGen application guide for Cluster Building.
- Download the supporting templates and workbook.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Complete the project proposal and required forms.
- Upload the Application Agreement, Financial Workbook, IP Strategy, and supporting SME list.
- Step 3: Submit the screening application
- Use the NGen portal hosted on Hockeystick.
- Save your draft, then submit when all sections are complete.
- Step 4: Assessment and next steps
- NGen screens the proposal and, if successful, advances it to assessment.
- If approved, the project moves to contracting with a Master Project Agreement.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the NGen — Cluster Building Project Program
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.
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