NGen — Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge
Canada
The Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies for net-zero emissions in Canadian manufacturing, offering up to $35 million in funding with an additional $65 million sought from industry partners.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 25, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 18, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGEN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge by NGen will invest up to $35 million from Global Innovation Cluster funding, seeking additional industry investments to total over $100 million in collaborative projects. The program aims to support Canada's path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by accelerating the application of advanced technologies in manufacturing, focusing on areas such as low carbon energy solutions, carbon capture, and smart manufacturing for efficiency gains. Eligible projects must be transformative, collaborative, applied, and provide enduring benefits to Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically for companies registered in Canada, as determined by the requirements stated by the funding body, NGen, for eligible recipients.
- Businesses registered in Canada with a value-added presence beyond a sales office.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Implement smart manufacturing solutions to achieve GHG emission reductions at GreenTech Industries
$600,000
Introduce a net-zero facility model at FutureManufacturing Inc using renewable energy sources
$600,000
Develop and implement a low carbon fuel system for manufacturing processes
$400,000
Establish a closed-loop recycling system for plastic waste at CleanTech Plastics
$500,000
Develop a waste reduction initiative through innovative packaging solutions at EcoPackaging Ltd
$750,000
Design and implement a carbon capture system for industrial waste gases at CleanEnergy Co-op
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge Fund by NGen, companies must meet specific criteria as detailed below.
- Applicants must be NGen member companies. Membership registration is free via NGen's website.
- Funding recipients must be businesses registered in Canada with a value-added presence beyond a sales office.
- Eligible entities include for-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research on behalf of the ecosystem primarily funded by private-sector organizations, non-federal Crown corporations funded through commercial activities, and indigenous organizations.
- Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, federal Crown Corporations, and government departments or agencies are not eligible for direct funding but may participate as subcontractors or contribute to projects.
- International organizations may participate but are not eligible for NGen funding unless they have a registered business presence in Canada.
- Projects must be collaborative, involving at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and are encouraged to include multiple industry and academic/research partners.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant focuses on collaborative projects emphasizing sustainable manufacturing involving partnerships between industry players, especially SMEs, and other relevant organizations.
- Collaborative industry-led projects addressing sustainable manufacturing challenges.
- Projects should include at least one SME and ideally more industry partners, academic, or research organizations.
- Projects driven by NGen member companies, which are registered businesses in Canada.
- NGen funding recipients can be for-profit organizations, specific not-for-profit facilitators of R&D, non-federal Crown corporations with commercial funding, or indigenous organizations.
- International organizations can participate but may not receive funding for project activities in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and organizations from eligibility based on their funding sources or primary operations. Restrictions are in place to ensure alignment with advanced manufacturing and sustainability objectives.
- Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations.
- Federal Crown corporations.
- Government departments or agencies.
- International organizations without a registered business presence in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports innovative, collaborative efforts aimed at advancing Canada's sustainable manufacturing capabilities. Eligible projects must align with Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction targets and demonstrate significant potential for technological advancement and commercialization in manufacturing.
- Development of low carbon fuel, feedstock, and energy solutions applied to manufacturing.
- Implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies in manufacturing settings.
- Creation of innovative solutions for high-heat generation in manufacturing processes.
- Projects focusing on tracking and managing GHG emissions across the supply chain.
- Transformative initiatives for transitioning to net-zero carbon facilities.
- Implementation of smart manufacturing technologies for efficiency gains and GHG reduction.
- Development and use of greener, circular, or sustainable materials in manufacturing processes.
- Projects that drive total life cycle product management and closed-loop manufacturing systems.
- Initiatives creating new revenue streams or business models through sustainable manufacturing innovations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
NGen funding supports specific eligible expenses related to the development and implementation of sustainable manufacturing projects.
- Acquisition cost of new equipment to support sustainable manufacturing, capped at 25% of total eligible project costs.
- Subcontracting expenses for project-related activities, limited to 25% of total eligible project costs.
- Expenses related to product development, testing, and validation critical for advanced sustainable manufacturing, limited to 15% of total eligible project costs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Projects submitted for the NGen Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge Fund are evaluated and selected based on specific criteria to align with strategic objectives, each carrying an equal weight of 10 marks, contributing to a total score out of 100.
- Opportunity the project addresses: Evaluation of the motivation, advanced sustainable manufacturing objectives, and key project elements. (10 marks)
- Transformative nature: Assessment of innovation and knowledge creation in advanced manufacturing and sustainable manufacturing. (10 marks)
- Market potential and commercialization strategy: Analysis of market opportunities, competitive landscape, and commercialization plans. (10 marks)
- Sustainable manufacturing benefits: Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative environmental impacts aligned with Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. (10 marks)
- Economic benefits: Analysis of job creation, revenue generation, and broader economic impacts. (10 marks)
- Impact on the advanced manufacturing ecosystem: Assessment of enduring benefits and contributions to the Canadian manufacturing landscape. (10 marks)
- Project plan: Review of the detailed steps, timelines, and project management capabilities. (10 marks)
- Risk management: Evaluation of risk identification, management strategies, and residual risk handling. (10 marks)
- Collaboration and partner capabilities: Assessment of the collaboration’s effectiveness and the partners’ skills and resources. (10 marks)
- Reason for NGen funding and financial commitment: Justification for funding request and alignment with project financing needs. (10 marks)
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge Fund:
- Step 1: Become an NGen Member
- Register to become an NGen member at the official membership website.
- Ensure your organization or partners meet the eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Initial Project Concept
- Outline your collaboration project idea aligned with sustainable manufacturing objectives.
- Identify and engage potential partners, ensuring an SME is included.
- Develop a high-level project intent summary.
- Step 3: Project Screening
- Submit the project intent for screening by June 26, 2024, through the NGen member portal.
- Ensure the project proposal covers basic eligibility and high-level financials.
- Step 4: Develop Full Application
- If the project passes screening, develop a detailed proposal, addressing ten assessment questions.
- Prepare necessary appendices: Project Plan, Risk Register, IP Tables.
- Before submitting, seek advice from NGen on project eligibility and application enhancement.
- Step 5: Final Application Submission
- Submit the final application with all required documents by September 18, 2024, via the NGen portal.
- Ensure the proposal meets all assessment criteria and follow the word limits for questions.
- Submit any financial workbooks and collaborate with partners for financial commitments.
- Step 6: Attend Interview (if applicable)
- Prepare for and attend interviews scheduled on October 24-25, 2024, if your project costs exceed CAD 10 million.
- Step 7: Project Approval and Agreement
- Upon receiving approval, engage in contract finalization with NGen and partners.
- Sign the Master Project Agreement and finalize the Collaboration Agreement.
- Begin project activities as per the approved plan, aiming for completion by January 31, 2028.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
NGen will provide up to $35 million in funding with a requirement of at least $65 million additional investment from the industry for collaborative projects aimed at improving environmental sustainability in Canadian manufacturing.
- All projects must be completed by January 31, 2028.
- Application portal opens on March 25, 2024.
- Project Screening Deadline: June 26, 2024 (5pm EST).
- Collaboration Event: May 15, 2024.
- Project Application Workshop: July 24, 2024.
- Final Application Deadline: September 18, 2024 (5pm EST).
- Interviews for dual stage projects (> CAD $10M): October 24-25, 2024.
- Eligible projects must meet NGen's core strategic criteria: Transformative, Collaborative, Applied, Enduring.
- The focus should be on approaches such as low carbon technologies, net-zero facilities, carbon capture, and sustainable materials.
grant_single_labels|contact
smc@ngen.ca
Apply to this program
Empowering Sustainable Manufacturing in Canada
This grant focuses on enhancing the sustainability of the Canadian manufacturing sector by supporting projects that aim at innovative technological advancements. It is directed at fostering collaborations that lead to transformative, enduring impacts in line with Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
Comprehensive Insights Into the Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge Fund
The Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge Fund by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is a strategic initiative targeting Canada's advanced manufacturing sector with a vision towards environmental sustainability. With an investment pool of up to $35 million, this grant is an opportunity for Canadian technology companies to explore and implement solutions that significantly reduce environmental footprints, enhance operational efficiency, and generate economic growth. The fund is dedicated to backing projects that align with Canada's ambitious 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, heralding a transition towards a net-zero carbon economy.
Projects under this initiative must be collaborative, involving at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and fostering partnerships among industries, academic entities, and research organizations. This collaboration seeks not only to harness diverse expertise but also to ensure that the benefits of the project are far-reaching, leaving a lasting legacy in the Canadian manufacturing ecosystem. The projects should demonstrate capabilities that are transformative, pushing the boundaries of existing technologies and embracing innovation that supports sustainable business models and processes. Such transformations should include the development and application of clean technologies and greener manufacturing processes, thereby fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce equipped to meet future challenges.
Eligibility for this funding is extended to NGen members who are registered Canadian entities and who present projects with costs ranging from CAD 2 million to 15 million. These projects are expected to show a significant potential for creating commercial benefits and jobs not only within the project consortium but across the broader industry landscape. Importantly, NGen provides financial support covering up to 35% of the total eligible costs incurred by industry partners, ensuring that no single partner receives a disproportionate share of funding, thus promoting fair opportunities and collaborations among involved parties.
The assessment of applications is rigorous, conducted by panels of independent experts from diverse fields, ensuring only the most innovative and impactful projects receive approval. Applicants are required to clearly articulate how their proposed projects will contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices, align with national environmental targets, and demonstrate a robust path to commercialization. These projects are further expected to catalyze economic opportunities by spawning new business models, minimizing waste, optimizing resources, and opening new markets.
Overall, this grant represents a significant opportunity for Canadian advanced manufacturing entities to reposition themselves as leaders in sustainable industry practices. By leveraging this support, companies not only stand to achieve significant environmental and economic benefits but also reinforce Canada's position on the global stage as a frontrunner in sustainable innovation. With the potential to transform the manufacturing sector, the initiatives supported by this fund are vital steps towards a sustainable future, promising economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
