Closed
NGen — Pilot Projects
Supports collaborative innovation in advanced manufacturing technologies in Canada
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 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.
/100
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
- 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.
Eligibility
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.
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
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 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.
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:
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
What expenses are eligible under NGen — Pilot Projects?
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.
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