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
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects under the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative focus on development, commercialization, and adoption of critical technologies in key sectors.
- Integrating, developing, testing, and showcasing critical technology solutions
- Participating in sector-specific challenges such as the 'Agri-Food Challenge' or the 'Addressing Mining Safety Challenge'
- Collaborating on consortium projects addressing set industry challenges
- Hiring new talent through internships focused on critical technologies
- Upskilling/reskilling staff to adopt and implement new critical technologies
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$450,000
Calgary
Adopting AI for quality control in Calgary's agri-food processing plants
$700,000
Sudbury
Enhancing mining safety with robotics and real-time data analytics in Sudbury
$350,000
Toronto
Introducing AI for predictive maintenance in Toronto's manufacturing sector
$450,000
Vancouver
Developing blockchain solutions for supply chain management in Vancouver's agri-food sector
$500,000
Ottawa
Implementing 5G-enabled remote monitoring in Ottawa’s construction sites
$600,000
Montreal
Creating a robotics-enhanced packaging solution for Montreal's manufacturing industry
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible SMEs can access a Technology Development Site to integrate, develop, test, and showcase their critical technologies solution with support from OCI.
- Small-and-Medium-Sized-Enterprises (SMEs)
- Interest in adopting, integrating, or demonstrating critical technologies
- Developing new IP-rich products and services
- Located in Ontario
- Involved in sectors like mining, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, or construction
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant include SMEs interested in adopting, integrating, or demonstrating critical technologies and developing new IP-rich products and services. Additionally, industry leaders seeking to collaborate on province-wide innovations and growing SMEs invested in modernizing their workforce are also eligible.
- SMEs interested in adopting, integrating, or demonstrating critical technologies
- SMEs developing new IP-rich products and services
- Industry leaders seeking to collaborate on province-wide innovations
- Growing SMEs invested in modernizing their workforce
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for the grant.
- Access to Technology Development Sites for product development, testing, and showcasing
- Adoption, integration, or demonstration of critical technologies
- Development of new IP-rich products and services
- Collaborative projects addressing sector-specific challenges
- Internship investments for bringing on new, young talent
- Upskilling/reskilling staff to adopt new critical technologies
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: Contact the Critical Industrial Technologies team to apply for access, or apply to the Development and Commercialization Program for Technology Development Site Access with funding support for your project.
- Step 2: Review the Program Guidelines to understand full program details and eligibility requirements.
- Step 3: Express your interest through the provided Interest Form to see if this program is right for your business.
- Step 4: Contact the Program Manager, Stephanie Sim, at ssim@oc-innovation.ca for further support and to continue the application process.
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
Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative: Paving the Way for Ontario's Future
The Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative by OCI aims to drive commercialization and adoption of key advanced technologies across Ontario’s mining, advanced manufacturing, construction, and agri-food sectors. SMEs engaging in this initiative will benefit from financial support and access to Technology Development Sites to innovate and bolster Ontario's leadership in the global economy.
Unlocking Innovation: The Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative
Ontario is taking decisive steps to position itself as a global leader in critical industrial technologies through the Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative. This transformative program, spearheaded by the Government of Ontario through OCI, is designed to support small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their quest to develop, test, and commercialize advanced technologies. The initiative focuses on propelling four key sectors—mining, advanced manufacturing (non-auto), construction, and agri-food—towards a future characterized by groundbreaking technological advancements.
Goals and Vision: Catalyzing Industrial Transformation
The Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative is centered around four main goals aimed at accelerating the integration and impact of critical technologies within Ontario:
- Building a thriving ecosystem: The initiative connects large corporations with innovative SME solutions, fostering a robust ecosystem of critical technology in Ontario.
- Promoting education and awareness: It highlights the benefits of creating, commercializing, and adopting critical technologies, empowering SMEs to harness these technologies for growth.
- Fueling growth: By supporting the development and marketing of Made-in-Ontario technologies, the initiative accelerates the expansion of Ontario-based companies and nurtures critical technology talent.
- Driving sector-wide advancements: It supports the integration and demonstration of critical technologies, facilitating significant progress within and across the four key sectors.
Technology Areas: A Focus on Emerging Technologies
The initiative targets crucial technological domains that are set to revolutionize industries globally. These technologies include:
- 5G & advanced networks
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Blockchain
- Robotics
- Cybersecurity
- Quantum computing
Through these focus areas, the initiative ensures that Ontario remains at the forefront of global technological advancements, ready to tackle the dynamic future of industry.
Programs within the Initiative: Tailored Support for SMEs
The Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative offers several programs tailored to different needs and stages of technological development, all designed to support SMEs in their innovation journey:
Development and Commercialization Program (DC)
This program supports eligible SMEs by providing access to Technology Development Sites where they can develop, test, and showcase their critical technology solutions. Financial support ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, aiding in the creation of new IP-rich products and services.
Technology Access Program (TAP)
Similar to the DC program, the TAP provides SMEs with access to Technology Development Sites to work on their solutions. This program encourages the adoption, integration, and demonstration of critical technologies, promoting the development of innovative products and services.
Sector Adoption Program (SAP)
The SAP addresses significant sector-specific challenges by supporting consortia of partners working together to innovate. With up to $1 million available for multi-partner consortia, this program catalyzes impactful changes across the mining, advanced manufacturing, construction, and agri-food sectors.
Talent Development Internships (TDI)
Through the TDI program, SMEs can invest in hiring new, young talent to foster the creation of an industrial workforce equipped for the future. This program supports internships in critical technologies, aligning workforce development with industry advancements.
Future Ready Program (FR)
This program offers expert support for SMEs looking to adopt new critical technologies by upskilling or reskilling their staff. It aims to enhance SMEs' competitiveness in the market by ensuring their workforce is prepared for technological innovations.
Accessing Technology Development Sites: A Hub for Innovation
Technology Development Sites (TDS) play a pivotal role in the initiative by serving as environments where SMEs can develop, test, and showcase their critical technology products. These sites feature advanced infrastructure, platforms, and equipment provided by industry leaders, vendors, and associations. There are two ways for SMEs to access these sites:
- Contact the Critical Industrial Technologies team to apply for access directly.
- Apply to the Development and Commercialization Program for funding support for your project.
The TDS represent an invaluable resource, enabling SMEs to leverage Ontario’s existing assets and capabilities to innovate efficiently and at scale.
Eligibility and Application Process: Streamlining Access to Support
To participate in the Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative, SMEs must meet specific eligibility criteria, which vary by program. Key steps to get started include:
- Express Interest: SMEs can express their interest through the online form provided by OCI to determine program suitability.
- Review Program Guidelines: Prospective applicants should review the detailed program guidelines to understand eligibility requirements, program specifics, and application processes.
- Connect with Program Managers: SMEs can contact program leads, such as Stephanie Sim, for personalized guidance and support in navigating the application process.
Conclusion: Driving Ontario’s Industrial Revolution
The Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative represents a comprehensive effort to solidify Ontario’s place as a leader in industrial innovation. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering collaboration among SMEs, large corporations, and educational institutions, the initiative is poised to drive significant economic growth. Through dedicated programs and access to cutting-edge facilities, Ontario’s SMEs are equipped to lead the charge in developing transformative solutions that will shape the future of industry on a global stage.
