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OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) - Ontario - Canada
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OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)

Support for Ontario critical technology innovation
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : June 28, 2024
  • Closing date : June 28, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada

Overview

Up to $1 million in support for Ontario SMEs and consortia. It backs the commercialization, adoption, and training around critical technologies in mining, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, and construction.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : June 28, 2024
  • Closing date : June 28, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 499 employees maximum
Audience
  • Youth (<40)
  • Startups

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Development and commercialization of critical technology solutions
  • Testing, validation, and showcasing at technology development sites
  • Sector adoption projects addressing challenge statements
  • Employee upskilling and reskilling in critical technologies
  • Critical technology internship projects

Documents Needed

  • Program proposal or expression of interest form
  • Program guidelines and related reference documents
  • Letter of support, if required by the stream
  • Funding agreement, if approved
  • Project budget

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Ontario SMEs
  • For-profit companies
  • Company consortia with a lead SME
  • SMEs in mining, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, and construction

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses with 500 or more employees
  • Organizations without registered operations in Ontario
  • Future Ready service providers applying to the Future Ready program

Eligible expenses

  • Consultant or subcontractor fees, when approved and procured as required
  • R&D costs directly tied to the project
  • Project-related hardware, software, and equipment use
  • Direct materials and eligible intern salary costs, depending on the stream

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Institutional overhead
  • Costs incurred outside Ontario, unless approved
  • Personal expenses and general working capital
  • Meals, entertainment, gifts, and alcohol
  • Land, buildings, vehicles, and other tangible capital costs

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed after submission.
  • Program teams assess eligibility and project fit.
  • Approved projects require a funding agreement before funds are activated.
  • Projects may be monitored through reporting, final reports, and a retrospective survey.

Additional information

  • The initiative includes five program streams.
  • Applicants should contact an OCI Business Development Manager or CIT Sector Manager first.
  • Program-specific guidelines and forms are available for each stream.

Contacts

tbakare@oc-innovation.ca
none

Frequently Asked Questions about the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR). 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 OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)?

Up to $1 million in support for Ontario SMEs and consortia. It backs the commercialization, adoption, and training around critical technologies in mining, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, and construction.

How much funding can be received?

OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was June 28, 2024.

Who is eligible for the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) program?

To be eligible for the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) program, you must: Ontario-based SME Less than 500 employees Critical technology project

What expenses are eligible under OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)?

Development and commercialization of critical technology solutions Testing, validation, and showcasing at technology development sites Sector adoption projects addressing challenge statements Employee upskilling and reskilling in critical technologies Critical technology internship projects

Who can I contact for more information about the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)?

You can contact Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) by email at tbakare@oc-innovation.ca or by phone at none.

Where is the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) available?

The OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) program is available the province of Ontario.

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