How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the NGen — Pilot Projects?

NGen — Pilot Projects is funded by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

What are NGen — Pilot Projects's eligibility criterias?

Must be an NGen member (organizational, not individual) Must be a for-profit SME with fewer than 500 employees globally Must be incorporated in Canada

NGen — Pilot Projects

Last Update: August 8, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports collaborative innovation in advanced manufacturing technologies in Canada

NGen — Pilot Projects at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $50,000 to $200,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Grant Providers

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Program status

Closed

Overview of the NGen — Pilot Projects program

The NGen Pilot Projects program provides up to $250,000 in funding to support collaborative, industry-led initiatives that drive the adoption and scale-up of advanced manufacturing technologies in Canada. Eligible activities include developing and implementing transformative manufacturing processes or technologies, with a focus on de-risking technology adoption, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding covers up to 50% of total eligible project expenses incurred by industry partners.
The total eligible project cost must be between $100,000 and $500,000.
The maximum contribution from NGen is capped at $250,000.
Capital and equipment spending cannot exceed 30% of total eligible project costs.
A one-time, non-refundable project administration fee equal to 2.5% of the total project cost is required at the time of contracting, before project commencement.

Eligible projects & activities

Scaling up project plans for the deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies.
Preparing new technologies for integration in production environments.
Collaborative projects focused on de-risking technology adoption by leveraging expertise, training, and advanced manufacturing testbeds.
Development or application of innovative manufacturing processes to achieve industry-wide competitive advantages.
Projects that create enduring impacts such as workforce skills development, knowledge transfer, and new business opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 155,000

Smart factory pilot with digital twin integration for SMEs

$ 148,000

Piloting additive manufacturing for aerospace composite tooling

$ 170,000

Deploying collaborative robotics in a plastics moulding facility

$ 163,000

Advanced automation for food packaging line with machine vision

$ 159,000

Developing AI-driven quality control for custom metal fabrication

$ 162,000

Implementing IIoT sensor networks for real-time production monitoring

Eligibility criteria of the NGen — Pilot Projects program

The applicant must be a member of NGen (Next Generation Manufacturing Canada).
The applicant organization must be a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees globally.
The applicant must be incorporated in Canada.
Eligible organizations must be for-profit companies, or not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and development and whose funding is primarily from private-sector sources.
The project must demonstrate collaboration with a minimum of two SME partners, with all partners making meaningful contributions.

Who is eligible?

Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advanced manufacturing
For-profit organizations incorporated in Canada
Not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and development (primarily funded by private-sector sources)
Technology companies collaborating with manufacturers

Who is not eligible

Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, federal Crown corporations, and government departments or agencies.
Organizations that are not incorporated in Canada.
International organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and benefits for personnel directly involved in the project.
Costs for subcontracts and consulting services necessary for the project.
Purchases of capital equipment and tools (not exceeding 30% of the total eligible project costs).
Materials and supplies needed for project activities.
Travel expenses directly related to the project execution.
Other direct costs that are clearly required for the implementation of the project and listed in financial workbooks.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations incorporated in Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the NGen — Pilot Projects program

The extent to which the project addresses a significant opportunity in advanced manufacturing, including the challenges and impacts it seeks to address.
Quality and robustness of the project and risk management plan, including clear milestones, deliverables, and risk mitigation strategies.
The transformative nature and innovation level of the project in terms of advanced manufacturing processes or technologies.
Market potential and economic benefits of the project, both for participants and the wider Canadian manufacturing ecosystem.
Financial commitment and justification, ensuring realistic budgeting and contributions from all involved partners.

How to apply to the NGen — Pilot Projects program

Become an NGen member

Join NGen as an organizational member at www.NGen.ca/join
Membership is free and required to apply for funding

Access the application portal

Access the application portal using your NGen member credentials
Select the appropriate funding stream for your project under "Supercluster projects"

Complete project screening

Complete the project information page for initial screening
Ensure your proposal meets NGen eligibility criteria and requirements
Submit the Application Agreement and certify compliance with guidelines

Submit full application and appendices

Prepare the full Pilot Project Application using provided templates and guides
Answer ten assessment questions (max 600 words/question)
Attach required appendices: project plan, risk register, IP strategy, financial workbook, and supporting documents

Undergo independent assessment

Application is evaluated by an independent panel of external experts
Assessment is based on ten weighted questions and provided documentation

Receive decision and feedback

Receive notification of the decision (acceptance or refusal)
Obtain detailed feedback and recommendations if not approved

Finalize agreements and pay fees

Sign the Master Project Agreement (MPA) with NGen
Establish a Collaboration Agreement among project partners
Pay the one-time administration fee (2.5% of total project cost)

Additional information

A one-time, non-refundable project administration fee equal to 2.5% of total project cost must be paid before project start.
No single partner may receive more than 70% of NGen funding in a collaborative project.
Pilot project applications must include appendices such as a project plan, risk register, IP strategy, question appendix (for charts/images), and financial workbooks for each partner.
All proposed projects are evaluated by independent expert assessors, and applicants not recommended for funding will receive feedback and may re-apply.

Contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

project@ngen.ca

Apply to this program

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