OCI — ENCQOR 5G SME TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ON, Canada
The ENCQOR 5G Technology Development Program partners Ontario-based SMEs with ENCQOR 5G anchor firms for 5G technology development projects.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
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grant_card_status|open
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The ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program partners Ontario-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms to develop 5G technology projects. Eligible activities include the development, integration, testing, or validation of pre-commercial technologies within TRL level 1-7 that contribute to the iPaaS testbed, aimed at driving commercial impact and providing economic, environmental, or social benefits to Ontario. Projects must respond to the posted Challenge Statements and have the potential for significant economic benefits for the applicant and the province.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects must drive the development, integration, testing, or validation of pre-commercial technologies with a link to the Innovation Platform as Service (iPaaS) testbed.
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Integration of new technologies
- Testing of pre-commercial technologies
- Validation of innovative solutions
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$200,000
Montreal
Testing a 5G-powered augmented reality shopping experience application
$300,000
Toronto
Development of a 5G-enabled remote health monitoring system
$350,000
Vancouver
Validation of a 5G-based drone delivery system for medical supplies
$250,000
Calgary
Development of a 5G-compatible sensor network for environmental monitoring
$300,000
Winnipeg
Integration of 5G technology in autonomous farming equipment for better yield
$250,000
Ottawa
Integration of 5G technology in smart city infrastructure for traffic management
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be Ontario-based SMEs with innovative technology solutions relevant to ENCQOR 5G Technology Development Challenge Statements. Additionally, ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms must be project partners.
- An Innovation-Driven Enterprise (IDE), using or developing technology innovation or innovative processes for competitive advantage in provincial, national and/or global markets
- For-profit, incorporated in Ontario or Canada, and has a valid CRA business number
- A small-to-medium size enterprise (SME) - less than 500 employees in Ontario
- Has operations with R&D and/or manufacturing in Ontario related to the project
- Has 50% or more of its full-time employees located as their ordinary place of work in Ontario
- Must have a validated, innovative product/service or technology that can be a solution to the Technology Development Challenge for which they are applying
- Must have an arms-length relationship with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner defined in the Technology Development Challenge Statement for which they are applying
- Must be in good financial and reporting standing with OCI
- Companies with over $500,000 of OCI funding in their lifetime will need OCI approval before a new application for funding is initiated
- Must be willing to cooperate in providing project and outcomes metrics
- Must be willing to execute a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner defined in the Technology Development Challenge Statement for which they are applying
- Must be willing to undergo the procurement process of the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner defined in the ENCQOR 5G Technology Development Challenge Statement for which they are applying
- Must be willing to enter into a funding agreement with OCI and Innovation ENCQOR
- Must be willing to enter into a separate professional services agreement with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner defined in the Technology Development Challenge Statement for which they are applying
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible applicants must be innovation-driven enterprises meeting several specific criteria.
- An Innovation-Driven Enterprise (IDE) using or developing technology innovation or innovative processes for competitive advantage in provincial, national, and/or global markets
- For-profit, incorporated in Ontario or Canada, and has a valid CRA business number
- A small-to-medium size enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees in Ontario
- Operations with R&D and/or manufacturing in Ontario related to the project
- 50 percent or more of full-time employees located as their ordinary place of work in Ontario
- A validated, innovative product/service or technology relevant to the Technology Development Challenge
- An arms-length relationship with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner
- In good financial and reporting standing with OCI
- Willingness to cooperate in providing project and outcomes metrics
- Willingness to execute a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner
- Willingness to undergo the procurement process of the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner
- Willingness to enter into a funding agreement with OCI and Innovation ENCQOR
- Willingness to enter into a separate professional services agreement with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Yes, certain types of companies are not eligible for the ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program:
- Non-profit organizations
- Companies not based in Ontario
- Companies with more than 500 employees
- Companies not meeting additional eligibility criteria specified by Challenge Statements
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Generally, OCI funds will support salaries and benefits of staff and contractors. Operating costs to achieve milestones are also allowed, but capital costs are not eligible expenses.
- Salaries and benefits of staff
- Contractor fees
- Operating costs to achieve project milestones
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are specific to companies incorporated in Ontario or Canada that have operations related to the project in Ontario. Additionally, applicants must ensure that 50 percent or more of their full-time employees have their ordinary place of work in Ontario.
- Ontario
- Canada (with operations in Ontario)
grant_single_labels|criteria
The ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program has specific evaluation and selection criteria, including an initial EOI process and a full application review, to ensure alignment with program objectives and the potential for economic benefits to Ontario.
- Addresses ENCQOR 5G anchor firms’ Challenge Statements and needs
- Demonstrates applicability and benefit to the specified 5G technology leading to novel, newly-adapted or adopted processes, products, or services
- Demonstrates innovation in the context of current technical and commercial developments
- Demonstrates appropriate skills, resources, and methodology to complete the project
- Demonstrates an opportunity for close collaboration between the Applicant company and the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm
- Demonstrates opportunity for HQP training, including graduate students
- Is highly likely to be commercialized/implemented and generate economic benefit for Ontario
- Anticipates tangible deliverables in the form of new technologies, new processes, significant skills transfer, job creation, or other benefits to society
- Clarity of the significance of the opportunity and expected economic benefit to the Applicant Company, the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner and Ontario
- Ability of the innovation to address the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm partner challenge
- Expertise and experience of the team members, clarity of roles and responsibilities, and evidence of collaboration
- Clarity, feasibility, and appropriateness of the project plan and budget
- Evidence of next steps and clear strategy and capacity to bring the results to market and/or implement at the company
- Overall quality and completeness of the application
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: If you are ready to start an application for the Technology Development Program, the applicant (from the eligible Ontario-based SME) should click the button below to start the application process. Please note: completion of this form does not constitute an application for funding. An OCI Business Development Manager (BD) will contact you within two business days to discuss the opportunity. If you are already working with an OCI BD, please indicate this in the form.
- Step 2: Once the BD confirms that the opportunity is suitable for the program, you will be sent a link to OCI’s online application system, AccessOCI.
- Step 3: Complete the online Expression of Interest forms on AccessOCI. If you have any questions about the Challenge Statement content or require clarification please reach out directly to Natalia Lobo (NLobo@oc-innovation.ca) and a response will be obtained from the program contacts at the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm.
- Step 4: All submitted EOIs will undergo an initial internal review by OCI for eligibility and application completeness. At this stage applications may be returned to the applicant to correct or clarify eligibility criteria.
- Step 5: EOIs will be reviewed by the ENCQOR 5G anchor firm for fit against the Challenge Statement they developed. These reviews are submitted to OCI to finalize the application review. The OCI Internal Review Panel makes the final decision on projects to be invited to submit a full application. This selection process will take approximately two (2) weeks from the Challenge Statement submission deadline.
- Step 6: At the time of notification of invitation to develop a full application, successful applicants will gain access to the full application module in AccessOCI to complete their full application. Applicants will have approximately four (4) weeks to complete their full application for OCI.
- Step 7: Complete the online Full Application forms on AccessOCI.
- Step 8: Request your OCI BD to provide an endorsement of the application. The endorsement must be requested at least one week prior to the Challenge Statement deadline. Once the BD endorsement is provided, a submission button will become visible and the applicant or BD will then be able to submit the application.
- Step 9: All submitted applications will undergo an initial internal review by OCI for eligibility, application completeness and eligible expenses. A list of any deficiencies will be sent to the applicant for revision.
- Step 10: Once the application is deemed complete, it will proceed for assessment of the full application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional miscellaneous information about the grant includes details on project metrics, reporting requirements, and contact information for support.
- Project funds are disbursed based on interim progress and claims reports submitted at specified intervals (3, 6, 12, and 18 months).
- Eligible expenses generally include salaries, benefits of staff and contractors, and operating costs to achieve milestones (capital costs are not eligible).
- Final reports must be submitted within 30 days of project completion to release the holdback and maintain good financial standing with OCI.
- Annual metrics surveys are required if the project extends past fiscal year-end (March 31).
- Retrospective surveys are sent at one, two, and three years after project completion to assess commercial outcomes.
- Material project changes, including partners, scope of work, or eligible expenses, should be communicated to the Program Manager.
- For variances to the budget of $5,000 or greater, or if an extension to the project end date is needed, a Project Change Request form must be completed prior to the project end date.
- Contact Natalia Lobo, Program Manager, at NLobo@oc-innovation.ca for questions about the program.
grant_single_labels|contact
NLobo@oc-innovation.ca
Apply to this program
ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program
The ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program partners Ontario-based Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms to develop, integrate, test, or validate pre-commercial 5G technologies. This program, funded by the Ontario government and the Federal Government of Canada, aims to support the advancement of 5G solutions and drive economic benefits for Ontario through collaborative innovation.
Understanding the ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program
The ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program is a pivotal initiative designed to foster innovation and technological advancements in the realm of 5G connectivity. By partnering Ontario-based SMEs with prominent ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms, this program aims to create collaborative opportunities that will pave the way for the development, integration, testing, and validation of pre-commercial 5G technologies.
Program Overview and Benefits
The core of the ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program lies in its collaborative approach, bringing together small- and medium-sized enterprises from Ontario with leading 5G technology firms such as Ciena, Ericsson, and Thales. The objective is to address industry challenges through innovative solutions and contribute to the 5G technology landscape. Here are some of the key benefits:
- For ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms:
- Develop relationships with Ontario SMEs to support iPaaS and 5G technology development.
- Partner with SMEs to create marketable solutions to current industry challenges.
- Establish a supply chain of Ontario-based SME technology providers.
- For Ontario SMEs:
- Access opportunities to tackle exciting 5G connectivity challenges with market pull.
- Form strategic relationships with global market leaders in the 5G sector.
- Scale and commercialize their 5G solutions, products, or services.
- Leverage OCI’s industry and entrepreneurial networks for growth and development.
How Funding Works
The ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program provides financial support covering 100% of total eligible project costs, as defined in the specific Challenge Statements. Here's an outline of the financial structure:
- 100% coverage of total eligible project costs.
- No mandatory financial contribution from the industry partner.
- Additional funding options available for internships under the ENCQOR 5G TalentEdge Internships program.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility criteria for the ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program cover the applicant profiles, project specifications, and optionally, the inclusion of interns.
Applicant Requirements
- Must be an Innovation-Driven Enterprise (IDE) leveraging technology innovation or innovative processes for competitive advantage.
- For-profit, incorporated in Ontario or Canada, with a valid CRA business number.
- Must be a small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees in Ontario.
- Operations related to R&D and/or manufacturing must be based in Ontario.
- At least 50% of full-time employees must be based in Ontario.
- Possess a validated, innovative product/service relevant to the Technology Development Challenge.
- Maintain an arms-length relationship with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm Partner.
- Good standing with OCI regarding financial and reporting obligations.
- Willingness to cooperate in providing project and outcomes metrics, execute non-disclosure agreements, undergo procurement processes, and enter into funding agreements with OCI and Innovation ENCQOR.
Project Requirements
- Projects must respond to an active Technology Development Challenge Statement.
- Applications should be developed in partnership with an ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm.
- Project duration must be between 12-24 months.
- Activities should range from R&D to later-stage validation, with technology readiness levels between TRL 1-7.
- Projects should align with industry priorities, drive economic benefits, and contribute to the training of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP).
- Intellectual Property (IP) must be managed by the project participants, with no claims from OCI.
Intern Requirements (Optional)
- Applicants may apply for additional funding to support an intern.
- Detailed guidelines on OCI’s TalentEdge Program and intern eligibility are available for reference.
Application Process
Applying for the ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program is a structured process involving expressions of interest, followed by a full application stage for selected candidates. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI):
- EOIs are submitted in response to active Technology Development Challenge Statements posted on the OCI website.
- Interested applicants should initiate the application process via the OCI website and await contact from an OCI Business Development Manager (BD).
- Initial Review:
- EOIs undergo an initial review for eligibility and completeness by OCI and the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm.
- The OCI Internal Review Panel makes the final decision to invite selected applicants to submit a full application.
- Submission of Full Application:
- Selected applicants develop a detailed project plan in collaboration with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm.
- Full applications must include supporting documents, such as resumes of team members and a 'Letter of Interest' from the Anchor Firm.
- Applicants must negotiate and finalize intellectual property terms with the Anchor Firm.
- Final Review and Assessment:
- Full applications are assessed by OCI’s Subject Matter Director and Internal Review Panel for final decision-making.
- Key assessment criteria include the economic benefit, innovation potential, collaboration effectiveness, and clarity of project plan.
Project Activation and Administration
Once a project is approved, it moves into the activation phase, which involves executing agreements with both the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm and OCI/Innovation ENCQOR.
Anchor Firm Agreement
Prior to finalizing the funding agreement, the applicant must execute an agreement with the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm outlining the statement of work, collaboration terms, and intellectual property terms. This involves undergoing a procurement process that varies by ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm.
OCI/ENCQOR Funding Agreement
Upon successful execution of the Anchor Firm Agreement, the OCI/Innovation ENCQOR Funding agreement is generated and signed by all three parties. This agreement specifies the funding and reporting terms for the project.
Flow of Funds
Funds are reimbursed based on interim progress and claims reports submitted at specified intervals throughout the project duration. Eligible expenses include salaries, benefits, and operating costs. Capital costs are not covered.
Reporting Requirements
Projects are required to submit interim progress and claims reports, final project reports, and annual metrics surveys. Compliance with these reporting obligations is crucial for the release of funds and maintaining good standing with OCI.
Contact Information
For more information or specific inquiries about the ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program, applicants can reach out to the Program Manager, Natalia Lobo, at NLobo@oc-innovation.ca. This comprehensive overview highlights the structure, benefits, and application process of the ENCQOR Technology Development (SME) Program, ensuring that Ontario-based SMEs are well-equipped to collaborate with industry leaders in developing groundbreaking 5G technologies.
