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NGen — Feasibility Studies
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Supports collaborative advanced manufacturing innovation and technology feasibility projects
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Overview
The NGen Feasibility Studies program provides up to $100,000 in funding to support collaborative projects that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada develop, test, and de-risk advanced manufacturing technologies or processes. Eligible activities include feasibility studies that involve meaningful partnerships and demonstrate transformative, applied, and enduring impacts within the Canadian advanced manufacturing sector.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Research and experimental development
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- National
Activities funded
- Feasibility assessments for advanced manufacturing technologies or processes to determine implementation potential.
- Pilot projects that help scale up collaborative solutions in advanced manufacturing and de-risk technology adoption.
- Collaborative initiatives between SMEs and partners to prepare new manufacturing technologies for production deployment.
- Projects focused on building transformative capabilities within the Canadian advanced manufacturing sector.
- Studies or pilots aimed at leaving a lasting impact in skills development, tools, testbeds, intellectual property, or business knowledge for Canada’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 95,000
Feasibility of sustainable bioplastics for packaging manufacturers
$ 95,000
Developing advanced additive manufacturing skills for aerospace sector
$ 95,000
Assessing feasibility of robotics automation for SME metal fabricators
$ 95,000
Feasibility of automated composite parts in electric vehicle supply
$ 95,000
Piloting digital twin technology for food processing optimization
$ 95,000
Feasibility of smart quality inspection in electronics PCB factories
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a member of NGen (Canada's advanced manufacturing Supercluster).
- The applicant organization must be a small or medium enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees globally, or a not-for-profit that facilitates and funds R&D, with funding primarily from private-sector sources.
- The applicant must be incorporated in Canada.
- The project must demonstrate meaningful collaboration with at least one SME and one partner organization (which can be a company of any size, not-for-profit, academic or research institution).
- The applicant must have the financial means and project management capabilities to carry out the project.
Who is eligible?
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with less than 500 employees globally in the advanced manufacturing sector
- Canadian manufacturing companies
- Technology companies engaging in advanced manufacturing
- For-profit and certain not-for-profit organizations in Canada focused on research and development in advanced manufacturing
Who is not eligible
- Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations (except those that facilitate and fund R&D and are primarily funded by private-sector organizations).
- Post-secondary institutions.
- Federal Crown corporations and government departments or agencies.
- International organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada.
- For-profit or not-for-profit organizations not incorporated in Canada.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel salaries and related labour costs directly associated with the project.
- Minor capital expenditures relevant to the feasibility study (in exceptional circumstances only).
- Subcontracting costs incurred with Canadian subcontractors (up to 70% of total project costs).
- Equipment and materials necessary for the execution of the project.
- Travel costs directly related to the project work.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies incorporated in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Clarity and significance of the opportunity the project addresses.
- Quality and robustness of the project and risk management plan.
- Degree of transformation and innovation in advanced manufacturing.
- Potential market impact and strategy for commercialization.
- Economic benefits and broader impact on the advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
How to apply
1
Join NGen as a member
- Join NGen as an organizational member (individual memberships are not eligible)
- Membership is free and required before accessing funding application portals
2
Access and select funding stream
- Log in to the NGen application portal using organizational credentials
- Select the Feasibility Studies funding stream under Supercluster projects
3
Project screening and agreement
- Complete an Application Agreement template
- Certify understanding and acceptance of NGen requirements and eligibility guidelines
- Describe project purpose, collaboration, and lead partners
- Confirm necessary financial and management capabilities
- Provide a preliminary estimate of project costs
4
Financial due diligence review
- NGen conducts a financial due diligence review for all project partners
- Provide necessary financial information upon request
- Demonstrate ability to support project commitments
5
Prepare and complete application
- Prepare the detailed Feasibility Study application following the guide
- Provide partner information, project description, and respond to ten assessment questions (max 400 words each)
- Submit required appendices: Project Plan (Gantt), Risk Register, IP Strategy, Question Appendix (if needed), Financial Workbooks
6
Submit application for assessment
- Submit the complete application through the NGen portal
- Application is reviewed and scored by an independent expert assessment panel
7
Receive funding decision
- Receive official notification of approval or rejection from NGen
- Applicants not approved receive feedback and can reapply
8
Sign project agreements and pay fees
- Sign the Master Project Agreement (MPA) with NGen
- All project participants must have a Collaboration Agreement outlining partner roles and intellectual property arrangements
- Pay the one-time, non-refundable project administration fee (2.5% of total project cost) before project start
Additional information
- NGen requires the payment of a one-time, non-refundable project administration fee equal to 2.5% of the total project cost before the project start.
- All project participants must demonstrate robust project management processes with well-defined milestones and deliverables.
- Project partners must establish a Collaboration Agreement outlining roles, risk management, and intellectual property sharing arrangements.
- NGen provides templates and guides (e.g., for financials, agreements, IP strategy) to support application preparation.
Contacts
project@ngen.ca
