Closed
NGen — Pilot Projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Supports collaborative innovation in advanced manufacturing technologies in Canada
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Research and experimental development
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical 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
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- National
Activities funded
- 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:
$ 159,000
Developing AI-driven quality control for custom metal fabrication
$ 148,000
Piloting additive manufacturing for aerospace composite tooling
$ 155,000
Smart factory pilot with digital twin integration for SMEs
$ 170,000
Deploying collaborative robotics in a plastics moulding facility
$ 162,000
Implementing IIoT sensor networks for real-time production monitoring
$ 163,000
Advanced automation for food packaging line with machine vision
Eligibility
- 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.
Selection criteria
- 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
1
Become an NGen member
- Join NGen as an organizational member at www.NGen.ca/join
- Membership is free and required to apply for funding
2
Access the application portal
- Access the application portal using your NGen member credentials
- Select the appropriate funding stream for your project under "Supercluster projects"
3
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
4
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
5
Undergo independent assessment
- Application is evaluated by an independent panel of external experts
- Assessment is based on ten weighted questions and provided documentation
6
Receive decision and feedback
- Receive notification of the decision (acceptance or refusal)
- Obtain detailed feedback and recommendations if not approved
7
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.
Contacts
project@ngen.ca
