How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 1000000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)?

OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) is funded by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

What are OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)'s eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be an Ontario-based small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). The SME must be involved in one of the four key sectors: mining, advanced manufacturing, construction, or agri-food. The SME must be working with one of the six critical technologies: 5G & advanced networks, AI, blockchain, robotics, cybersecurity, or quantum.

OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)

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ON, Canada

Supports Ontario SMEs in adopting critical industrial technologies

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grant_single|closingDate June 15, 2024

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Grant and Funding

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Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

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Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

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The Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative provides up to $1 million in funding to support SMEs and consortia in developing, testing, and showcasing critical technology solutions in Ontario's mining, advanced manufacturing, construction, and agri-food sectors. The program aims to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of technologies such as AI, blockchain, and robotics by connecting SMEs with technology development sites and fostering collaborative projects to create new IP-rich products and services.

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This initiative provides financial support to SMEs in Ontario through a variety of programs that encourage the adoption and commercialization of critical industrial technologies. Each program offers distinct funding opportunities based on the sector-specific needs and technological innovation goals.

Development and Commercialization Program provides $50,000 to $200,000 in support for eligible SMEs.
Sector Adoption Program offers up to $1 million for a multi-partner consortium, including at least one SME.

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The Critical Industrial Technologies initiative in Ontario is designed to support projects that drive the commercialization and adoption of critical technologies across key sectors. The eligible activities focus on integrating, developing, and showcasing innovative solutions, providing talent development opportunities, and fostering collaboration among SMEs and industry leaders.

Integration, development, testing, and showcasing of critical technologies solutions at Technology Development Sites.
Development and commercialization of IP-rich products and services within Ontario's key sectors.
Collaboration on addressing critical technology challenges through multi-partner consortium projects.
Investing in talent development internships to cultivate a future-ready workforce.
Upskilling and reskilling of staff to adopt and thrive with new critical technologies.

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$ 600,000

Creating a robotics-enhanced packaging solution for Montreal's manufacturing industry

$ 500,000

Implementing 5G-enabled remote monitoring’s construction sites

$ 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

$ 350,000

Introducing AI for predictive maintenance's manufacturing sector

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This grant is designed for companies situated within Ontario to foster regional economic development and technological advancement. Eligible locations align with the strategic aim to bolster Ontario's sectors.

Companies located within Ontario, Canada.

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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.