OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)
ON, Canada
Ontario Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative: Advancing mining, manufacturing, construction, and agri-food sectors through the integration of critical technologies.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJune 15, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Construction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
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grant_card_status|closed
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The Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative is designed to drive the commercialization and adoption of critical technologies such as AI, 5G, blockchain, and robotics within Ontario’s mining, advanced manufacturing, construction, and agri-food sectors. Eligible SMEs can leverage resources like Technology Development Sites and financial support ranging from $50K to $1M to develop, test, and showcase new IP-rich products and services. The initiative also includes talent development programs to upskill staff and integrate young talent into the workforce.
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This initiative is funded by the Government of Ontario, and it supports companies operating within Ontario. Eligible companies must be based in Ontario to benefit from the programs and opportunities provided.
- Businesses located in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500,000
Implementing 5G-enabled remote monitoring’s construction sites
$600,000
Creating a robotics-enhanced packaging solution for Montreal's manufacturing industry
$350,000
Introducing AI for predictive maintenance's manufacturing sector
$700,000
Enhancing mining safety with robotics and real-time data analytics
$450,000
Adopting AI for quality control's agri-food processing plants
$450,000
Developing blockchain solutions for supply chain management's agri-food sector
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is based on the participation in specific programs aimed at the commercialization and adoption of critical technologies.
- The applicant must be a Small-and-Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) based in Ontario.
- The SME must be involved in one of the four key sectors: Mining, Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, or Construction.
- The SME should be aiming to integrate, develop, test, and showcase critical technology solutions.
- The SME must be interested in adopting, integrating, or demonstrating critical technologies and developing new IP-rich products and services.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Small-and-Medium-Sized-Enterprises (SMEs) in Ontario interested in developing and commercializing critical technologies in mining, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, and construction sectors can apply to the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative programs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This initiative encompasses several programs designed to drive the commercialization and adoption of critical technologies across Ontario's key sectors. It emphasizes collaboration, talent development, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies from AI to quantum solutions.
- Utilizing a Technology Development Site for integrating, developing, testing, and showcasing critical technology solutions.
- Participating in a consortium through the Sector Adoption Program to address significant sector challenges.
- Investing in internships to modernize the workforce through critical technology education.
- Adopting new critical technologies by upskilling or reskilling staff through expert support availability.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Ontario. Organizations must be based in Ontario to apply for funding support from the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative.
- Organizations based in Ontario
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Preliminary Contact
- Reach out to the Critical Industrial Technologies team to initiate the application process and gather initial information about accessing a Technology Development Site.
- Discuss with the Critical Industrial Technologies staff regarding the specific requirements and suitability for your project.
- Step 2: Access Program Guidelines
- Download and review the Program Guidelines from the oc-innovation.ca website to understand eligibility requirements and full program details.
- Step 3: Express Interest
- Fill out and submit the Interest Form available on the program page to express your intent to participate in the program.
- Ensure all necessary information about your business and its alignment with the program goals is accurately represented.
- Step 4: Application Preparation
- Prepare a comprehensive application including a detailed project proposal that outlines objectives, scope, and expected outcomes.
- Compile supporting documents such as project budgets, timelines, and any other required documentation.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application along with all required documents through the specified method advised by the Critical Industrial Technologies staff or program guidelines.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive confirmation of application receipt and ensure any follow-up actions or additional information requested are promptly addressed.
- Stay engaged with program updates through subscription or direct contact with program leads.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Critical Industrial Technologies initiative promotes the integration of critical technologies to advance Ontario's key sectors. Various programs under this initiative offer financial support and resources for SMEs to develop, test, and commercialize innovative solutions.
- Eligible SMEs can access a Technology Development Site with $50-200k of support from OCI through the Development and Commercialization Program.
- Applications are open for the Agri-Food Challenge Statement and the Addressing Mining Safety Challenge Statement under the Sector Adoption Program until June 2024.
- Program Managers and Program Leads are available to provide expert support and further information.
- Includes Talent Development Internships and the Future Ready Program for workforce upskilling and reskilling.
- Other related OCI programs include the TalentEdge Internship Program, Digitalization Competence Centre, Ready 4 Market, Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, and Life Sciences Innovation Fund.
grant_single_labels|contact
ssim@oc-innovation.ca
Apply to this program
Empowering Ontario SMEs Through Critical Technology Integration
The Critical Industrial Technologies initiative offers Ontario small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) vital support for the integration and commercialization of critical technologies. This funding is designed to enhance the capabilities of SMEs across key sectors such as mining, advanced manufacturing, construction, and agri-food, positioning Ontario as a leader in the global industrial economy.
Nurturing Innovation and Growth in Ontario’s Vital Economic Sectors
The Critical Industrial Technologies initiative by the Government of Ontario, administered by OCI, is a transformative program designed to bolster Ontario’s economy by driving the adoption, commercialization, and development of innovative technologies. This initiative focuses on four critical sectors: mining, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, and construction. By focusing on advancements in 5G networks, artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies, the program aims to empower local SMEs to grow their intellectual property portfolios more rapidly and at a larger scale.
The initiative sets ambitious goals to create a vibrant ecosystem where Ontario’s rich technological capabilities are not just developed but also strategically utilized to propel the province onto a global stage. This includes enhancing critical technology education and awareness among SMEs, thus facilitating the widespread adoption and integration of emerging technologies within their business models. SMEs are positioned to transform, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, preparing them not just for current demands but also for future challenges.
A unique facet of this initiative is the establishment of Technology Development Sites (TDS). These sites provide a platform where SMEs can develop, test, and demonstrate their innovative solutions in real-world settings. By granting them access through targeted programs like the Development and Commercialization Program and the Technology Access Program, the initiative ensures that SMEs have the tools and support needed to refine and showcase their capabilities effectively. These programs offer financial backing between $50,000 to $200,000, reducing the financial burden on SMEs aspiring to develop and integrate new technologies.
The initiative also emphasizes collaboration and partnership. Through the Sector Adoption Program, a consortium approach is encouraged, offering up to $1 million in funding to address specific challenges by leveraging collective expertise from various stakeholders. This strategic move encourages industry leaders to work in unison, thereby generating innovations that benefit the sector as a whole.
Moreover, the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative aligns with talent development strategies such as the Talent Development Internships and the Future Ready Program. These components are crucial for nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals adept in critical technologies. By investing in internships and upskilling initiatives, SMEs not only enhance their operational capabilities but also contribute to building a skilled workforce that can lead the province in cutting-edge technological innovations.
In summary, the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative is a comprehensive answer to the challenges of integrating advanced technologies into key economic sectors in Ontario. It draws on the strengths of existing regional capabilities and resources, ensuring that Ontario remains at the forefront of technological innovation. SMEs engaged with this initiative are not only poised to develop competitive and innovative solutions but are also key contributors to Ontario's goals of economic expansion and technological leadership on a global scale. This initiative reflects Ontario's commitment to not only maintaining but reinforcing its position as a beacon of innovation and industry leadership in the face of a dynamic global economy.
