
OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program
grant_single|update May 13, 2025
ON, Canada
ENCQOR 5G SME Program for Ontario technology development
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
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grant_card_status|closed
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The ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program provides funding to Ontario-based SMEs to partner with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms, focusing on the development, integration, testing, or validation of pre-commercial 5G technologies within TRL levels 1-7. Eligible activities must align with Challenge Statements posted on a rolling basis, with the goal of generating economic, environmental, or social benefits for Ontario, though the specific maximum funding amount is not explicitly mentioned in the context provided.
grant_single_labels_website|terms_and_conditions
- Funding covers 100% of total eligible project costs, subject to the maximum defined in each posted Challenge Statement.
- No industry partner financial contribution is required.
- Funds are disbursed through reimbursement based on submitted interim and final progress and claims reports.
- Capital costs are not eligible for funding.
grant_single_labels_website|projects
The ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program focuses on developing, integrating, testing, or validating pre-commercial 5G technologies. The projects must respond to specific Challenge Statements and aim to enhance the technological capabilities of Ontario-based SMEs.
- Development of innovative 5G technologies responding to posted Challenge Statements.
- Integration of new technologies within the Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) testbed.
- Testing and validation of 5G technologies in line with targeted technology readiness levels (TRL 1-7).
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 200,000
Testing a 5G-powered augmented reality shopping experience application
$ 350,000
Validation of a 5G-based drone delivery system for medical supplies
$ 300,000
Integration of 5G technology in autonomous farming equipment for better yield
$ 250,000
Integration of 5G technology in smart city infrastructure for traffic management
$ 300,000
Development of a 5G-enabled remote health monitoring system
$ 250,000
Development of a 5G-compatible sensor network for environmental monitoring
grant_single_labels_website|admissibility
- The applicant must be a for-profit, incorporated small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Ontario or Canada with fewer than 500 employees in Ontario.
- The company must have operations with R&D and/or manufacturing in Ontario related to the project.
- At least 50% of full-time employees must have Ontario as their ordinary place of work.
- The applicant must develop or use innovative technology or processes that provide a competitive advantage in relevant markets and address a Technology Development Challenge Statement in partnership with an ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm.
- The applicant and its project must be in good financial and reporting standing with OCI and be willing to collaborate, including entering into required agreements and sharing project outcomes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with less than 500 employees
- For-profit, innovation-driven enterprises using or developing technology innovation
- Companies engaged in research and development and/or manufacturing related to 5G technology
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Companies that are not incorporated in Ontario or Canada.
- Businesses that do not have a valid CRA business number.
- Companies with more than 500 employees in Ontario.
- Organizations that do not have operations with R&D and/or manufacturing in Ontario related to the project.
- Applicants that do not have an arms-length relationship with the defined ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Salaries and benefits of staff and contractors directly involved in the project.
- Operating costs that support achieving project milestones.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Ontario
grant_single_labels_website|criteria
- Relevance and responsiveness to the ENCQOR 5G anchor firm's Challenge Statement and needs.
- Demonstration of innovation and benefit to 5G technology, contributing to new or improved processes, products, or services for the iPaaS testbed.
- Expertise, experience, and collaborative capacity of the project team.
- Clarity, feasibility, and suitability of the project plan and budget.
- Potential for commercialization and economic benefit for Ontario, including measurable deliverables such as new technologies, job creation, or skills development.
grant_single_labels_website|apply
1
Identify active Challenge Statement
- Review current Challenge Statements posted on the OCI website
- Sign up for the ENCQOR 5G Ontario mailing list for updates
- Ensure your project aligns with an active Technology Development Challenge Statement
2
Submit Expression of Interest
- Start the application process by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in response to a Challenge Statement
- Contact an OCI Business Development Manager (BD) for guidance
- Access OCI’s online application system (AccessOCI) after BD confirmation
3
Complete EOI application
- Complete the EOI form on AccessOCI with required project details
- Seek clarification from OCI or ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm if needed
- Consult sample EOI forms and OCI’s Knowledge Base for support
4
EOI review and invitation
- Undergo internal EOI review by OCI for eligibility and completeness
- EOI is reviewed by ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm for fit with Challenge Statement
- Final decision by OCI Internal Review Panel to invite full application
5
Prepare full application
- Receive invitation to submit a full application in AccessOCI
- Execute Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm
- Begin drafting the Statement of Work with Anchor Firm partner
- Obtain Letter of Interest from Anchor Firm using set template
6
Submit full application
- Complete online full application forms in AccessOCI
- Attach supporting documents including CVs and Letter of Interest
- Consult sample full application form and Knowledge Base for support
7
Obtain endorsement and submit
- Request application endorsement from OCI Business Development Manager at least one week before the deadline
- Submit endorsed application in AccessOCI
- Application undergoes internal review for eligibility and completeness
8
Await funding decision
- Application is assessed by OCI’s Subject Matter Director and Internal Review Panel
- Funding decision is communicated to the applicant
9
Execute Anchor Firm Agreement
- Upon approval, execute the Anchor Firm Agreement with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm
- Finalize Statement of Work and IP terms
- Anchor Firm provides documentation to OCI
10
Sign funding agreement
- Sign the OCI/Innovation ENCQOR trilateral funding agreement
- Project is activated and status updated in AccessOCI
grant_single_labels_website|otherInfo
- Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are posted and accepted on a rolling basis for a minimum of four weeks per Challenge Statement.
- Applicants must complete all required interim and final project reports to maintain good financial standing with OCI.
- Annual metrics and retrospective surveys may be required up to three years after project completion to assess program impact.
- OCI does not claim or manage any intellectual property rights; IP is managed by the project participants.
grant_single_labels_website|contact
NLobo@oc-innovation.ca
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