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Source verified July 23, 2026
OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)
Critical technology internships for Ontario SMEs
Latest source updateLast Update: July 31, 2026Latest change: The grant content now includes a broader CIT initiative overview, updated sector and technology focus, and current contact and intake links.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 31, 2026
Latest change: The grant content now includes a broader CIT initiative overview, updated sector and technology focus, and current contact and intake links.
CIT initiative overview and contact details updated
The visible content now emphasizes the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative with four target sectors, six critical technology areas, and a broader Ontario industry commercialization focus. It also adds a program lead contact, an interest form link, and a current program-updates subscription link. The application guidance shown on the page now points users to the program documents, active challenges, and the Get Started intake form rather than only the previous contact-next-steps direction.
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 1,000,000
Deadline
June 28, 2024
Opened June 28, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
See full eligibility
Overview
The Talent Development Internships stream supports eligible Ontario SMEs in investing in critical technology internships to attract new young talent and build the workforce of tomorrow. It is part of the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative, which supports Ontario SMEs across Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction and Mining.
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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 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Investing in critical technology internships to attract new young talent and build the workforce of tomorrow.
Documents Needed
- Company Profile, including valid nine-digit CRA business number, incorporation date and number of employees globally and in Ontario
- Intern’s CV
- Intern’s official transcript
- Letter of support from consultant providing the training
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
- Company subsidiaries with headquarters outside of Ontario, provided the Ontario operations meet the eligibility criteria
Who is not eligible
- Interns who are currently enrolled in a co-op program or other equivalent job placement/employment program
- Interns who are current or past employees within the last six months of the company, including consultants, contract positions, and part-time roles
- Interns with a conflict of interest with the company
Eligible expenses
- Consultant fees directly related to the project
- Capital equipment, testing tools, and instruments through use or depreciation
- Travel outside Ontario, only with prior OCI approval
- One-time project costs supported by invoices and proof of payment
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred outside Ontario without OCI approval
- Expenses not directly related to the funded project objectives
- Personal expenses
- Ongoing production costs
- General working capital and tax expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Clarity of the need for training in Critical Technologies and how adoption of such technologies will contribute to long-term growth.
- Significance of the opportunity, expected growth potential, and economic benefit to the SME and Ontario.
- Capacity for and prioritization of investing in adoption of Critical Technologies.
- Evidence of next steps, and clear strategy and capacity to bring the results and/or implement the plan.
- Expertise and experience of the team members, along with clarity of roles and responsibilities.
How to apply
- Contact an OCI Business Development Manager or CIT Sector Manager to determine project eligibility and program compatibility before starting an application.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications must be initiated in AccessOCI by an OCI Business Development Manager or CIT Sector Manager.
- After review, successful applicants will be notified by OCI and provided an outline of conditions and additional information necessary to activate the project.
- The applicant must execute the OCI Funding Agreement after award.
- Participants must enter into an agreement with OCI and cooperate in providing project outcomes and metrics, annually at a minimum.
Additional information
- The initiative includes five program streams.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) Program
What is the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)?
The Talent Development Internships stream supports eligible Ontario SMEs in investing in critical technology internships to attract new young talent and build the workforce of tomorrow. It is part of the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative, which supports Ontario SMEs across Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction and Mining.
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:
Small and medium enterprises with fewer than 500 employees.
For-profit organizations with registered operations in Ontario.
Adoption of Critical Technologies as part of the roadmap.
What expenses are eligible under OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)?
Investing in critical technology internships to attract new young talent and build the workforce of tomorrow.
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.
Where is the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) available?
The OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) program is available the province of Ontario.