Closed
NGen — Pilot Projects
Funding for collaborative advanced manufacturing projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 200,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The NGen Pilot Projects program offers up to $250,000 in funding for collaborative advanced manufacturing initiatives in Canada. It supports projects that develop or apply advanced manufacturing technologies, including pilot projects and feasibility studies.
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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
- Conduct research and development activities
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development or application of advanced manufacturing technologies or processes.
- Pilot projects to scale up and implement manufacturing innovations.
- Feasibility studies to prepare technologies for deployment in production.
- Collaborative projects that de-risk technology adoption and scale-up.
Documents Needed
- Application Agreement
- Project Plan
- Risk Register
- IP Strategy
- Financial Workbooks for each partner
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- NGen members
- Canadian SMEs
- For-profit organizations incorporated in Canada
- Private-sector R&D not-for-profits
Who is not eligible
- Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations
- Post-secondary institutions
- Federal Crown corporations
- Government departments and agencies
- International organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada
Eligible expenses
- Personnel salaries and wages for work performed directly on the project.
- Subcontracting and consulting fees for essential external expertise.
- New equipment, rentals, and direct operation and maintenance costs.
- Materials and supplies consumed by the project.
- Project-related service, subscription, license, facility rental, travel, conference, and patent protection costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Experimental or theoretical work without direct commercial application.
- Production activities and capital investment for full-scale production.
- Routine changes to existing products, processes, or operations.
- Costs related to buildings, land, infrastructure, or overhead.
- Travel to industry conferences and alcohol expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for basic eligibility before full assessment.
- Proposals are reviewed by up to five independent external experts.
- Applications are scored out of 100 based on 10 questions.
- NGen staff notify applicants of acceptance or rejection.
- Unsuccessful applicants receive feedback and may re-apply.
- Selected recipients must sign a Master Project Agreement and a collaboration agreement.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed by independent expert assessors.
- Applicants not approved receive feedback and may re-apply.
- A collaboration agreement and master project agreement are required if selected.
- A one-time project administration fee of 2.5% applies before project start.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the NGen — Pilot Projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the NGen — Pilot Projects. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the NGen — Pilot Projects?
The NGen Pilot Projects program offers up to $250,000 in funding for collaborative advanced manufacturing initiatives in Canada. It supports projects that develop or apply advanced manufacturing technologies, including pilot projects and feasibility studies.
How much funding can be received?
NGen — Pilot Projects Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the NGen — Pilot Projects program?
To be eligible for the NGen — Pilot Projects program, you must:
NGen member
Canadian-incorporated SME
At least two SME partners
What expenses are eligible under NGen — Pilot Projects?
Development or application of advanced manufacturing technologies or processes.
Pilot projects to scale up and implement manufacturing innovations.
Feasibility studies to prepare technologies for deployment in production.
Collaborative projects that de-risk technology adoption and scale-up.
Who can I contact for more information about the NGen — Pilot Projects?
You can contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) by email at project@ngen.ca.
Where is the NGen — Pilot Projects available?
The NGen — Pilot Projects program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the NGen — Pilot Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
NGen — Pilot Projects is a Partnering and Collaboration