Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)
Support for Ontario critical technology innovation
Latest source updateLast Update: April 26, 2026Latest change: The CIT content now emphasizes Technology Development Sites and updated proposal and support templates, with a notable shift in program scope and application materials.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 26, 2026
Latest change: The CIT content now emphasizes Technology Development Sites and updated proposal and support templates, with a notable shift in program scope and application materials.
CIT program content updated
The CIT pages now focus on Technology Development Sites at McMaster University, including advanced manufacturing and construction, rather than the earlier program document set. The application materials and support letter templates have also been updated, along with new contact and directory references for next steps. The eligible project scope appears broader and more site-specific, and the program guidance on expenses has been refreshed. Funding-related references remain present, but the clearest change is the shift in target scope, project types, and application content.
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
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 $
- 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
- Industry-driven projects related to the six CIT Critical Technology areas: 5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Robotics.
- Projects in any one of the four key sector areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, and Mining.
- On-the-job training for interns in areas related to critical technologies.
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
- Applications must be initiated in AccessOCI by an OCI Business Development Manager or CIT Sector Manager.
- Companies that wish to be connected with an OCI Business Development Manager or Sector Manager should submit an OCI Company Intake Form.
- Once the BDM/SM confirms the opportunity is suitable, the applicant will receive login information to AccessOCI.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents.
- Request your BDM to provide an endorsement of the application at least one week prior to submission.
- Once the endorsement is provided, the applicant or BD can submit the 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.
- Applicants should contact an OCI Business Development Manager or CIT Sector Manager first.
- Program-specific guidelines and forms are available for each stream.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR) Program
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:
The applicant must be a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees.
The applicant must have registered operations in Ontario and a valid CRA business number.
The project must be carried out in Ontario.
What expenses are eligible under OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)?
Industry-driven projects related to the six CIT Critical Technology areas: 5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Robotics.
Projects in any one of the four key sector areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, and Mining.
On-the-job training for interns in areas related to critical technologies.
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.