How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $150000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the NGen — Cluster Building Project?

NGen — Cluster Building Project is funded by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

What are NGen — Cluster Building Project's eligibility criterias?

Must be a Canadian for-profit SME and NGen member Must be incorporated in Canada Project consortium must include at least five Canadian for-profit SMEs

NGen — Cluster Building Project

Last Update: June 3, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding to enhance SMEs capabilities and growth

NGen — Cluster Building Project at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Status

Closed

Overview of the NGen — Cluster Building Project program

The NGen Cluster Building Project provides up to $150,000 in funding to support collaborative initiatives among Canadian SMEs aimed at accelerating the adoption and scale-up of advanced manufacturing technologies. Eligible activities include workforce development, market expansion, training, and the implementation of best practices and digital processes within manufacturing clusters.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum eligible project value is $150,000.
NGen will reimburse up to 50% of eligible project costs, not exceeding $75,000.
Capital and equipment expenses are limited to the lesser of 10% of the total project value or $15,000.
Only expenses incurred for Canadian subcontractors are reimbursable.
A one-time, non-refundable project administration fee of 2.5% of the total project cost must be paid at project launch.

Eligible projects & activities

Creation or enhancement of advanced manufacturing clusters through collaboration among Canadian SMEs.
Development and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, best practices, and digital workflows.
Initiatives focused on workforce development, skills enhancement, and advanced training for cluster members.
Projects aimed at expanding market opportunities and fostering commercial growth for participating SMEs.
Collaborative efforts to establish industry benchmarks, technology development roadmaps, and sustainable, long-term business plans for manufacturing clusters.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 70,000

Developing a digital inventory management system for farmer cooperatives

$ 82,500

Implementing a new ERP system for supply chain management at Fresh Joe's Produce

$ 75,000

Launching an eco-friendly packaging line in collaboration with Sustainable Solutions Inc

$ 110,000

Upgrading machinery for advanced manufacturing capabilities at Maple Leaf Inc

$ 60,000

Establishing a community makerspace with advanced 3D printing facilities

$ 140,000

Launching a robotic automation line for manufacturing at Stellar Manufacturing

Eligibility criteria of the NGen — Cluster Building Project program

The applicant must be an SME (fewer than 500 employees) or a not-for-profit organization, incorporated in Canada.
Applicants must be members of NGen (Next Generation Manufacturing Canada) at the time of application.
The project must involve the creation or support of a cluster consisting of at least five Canadian for-profit SMEs who are members of NGen.
The primary purpose of the project must be to enhance collaboration among Canadian SMEs in advanced manufacturing through activities such as technology adoption, workforce development, training, or market expansion.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the capacity and commitment to complete the project within the required timelines and agree to NGen’s financial due diligence processes.

Who is eligible?

Canadian for-profit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in advanced manufacturing
Membership-based manufacturing clusters consisting of at least five Canadian for-profit SMEs
Industry associations incorporated in Canada and primarily funded by private sector contributions
Not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and development, provided over 50% of their funding comes from private-sector organizations

Who is not eligible

Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, federal Crown corporations, and government departments or agencies are not eligible to receive funding directly.
International organizations (offshore companies and research organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada) cannot receive Supercluster funding for their project activities.

Eligible expenses

Staffing costs directly associated with cluster building activities.
Office costs related to the project.
Legal costs incurred for the collaboration.
Travel expenses linked to project activities.
Costs for joint assessments, studies, and reports conducted collaboratively.
Expenses for Canadian subcontractors supporting project activities.
Capital and equipment purchases, provided these do not exceed the lesser of 10% of the total project value or $15,000.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies incorporated in Canada

Eligibility criteria of the NGen — Cluster Building Project program

Clarity and significance of the opportunity addressed by the project, including key objectives and expected impacts.
Quality and feasibility of the overall project and risk management plan, with clear milestones and deliverables.
Transformative potential of the project and ability to drive meaningful change in advanced manufacturing for cluster members.
Economic benefits anticipated for members and the broader ecosystem, including potential for business growth and job creation.
Capability and experience of the project team to deliver the proposed benefits, including governance and resource allocation.

How to apply to the NGen — Cluster Building Project program

Read the guidance documents for Cluster Building funding.

Contact project@ngen.ca for questions or advice on your application.

Download the document templates to support your project application.

Fill out the application documents according to the downloaded templates.

Additional information

A one-time, non-refundable project administration fee equal to 2.5% of the total project cost is required at launch.
All partner organizations in the consortium must be identified in the proposal, whether contracting or non-contracting members.
The financial due diligence will include a Business Credit Report or similar review for all contracting partners.
The project must be completed within twelve months of contract initiation.