Closed
Source verified April 9, 2026
OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program
Funding for Ontario SME 5G technology development
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports Ontario SMEs developing 5G technologies with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms. It funds collaborative projects to develop, integrate, test, or validate pre-commercial solutions, up to 100% of total eligible project costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% 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
- Development of pre-commercial 5G technologies
- Integration, testing, or validation of solutions for the iPaaS testbed
- R&D and later-stage validation projects
- Collaborative projects with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms
Documents Needed
- Resumes or CVs of relevant team members
- Letter of Interest from the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario-based SMEs
- For-profit incorporated companies
- Innovation-driven enterprises
- Companies working in 5G technology development
Who is not eligible
- Non-Ontario-based companies
- Organizations that are not for-profit
- Businesses with 500 or more employees in Ontario
- Applicants without an ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm partner
Eligible expenses
- Staff and contractor salaries and benefits
- Operating costs needed to achieve project milestones
- Project-related subcontractor and consultant fees
- Project materials, equipment, and test hardware or software
- Eligible internship support through TalentEdge funding
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital costs and full purchase price of long-life equipment
- Costs outside Ontario unless pre-approved
- Proposal development and general administrative costs
- Meals, entertainment, gifts, and alcoholic beverages
- Selling and marketing expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Fit with the Challenge Statement and anchor firm needs
- Innovation, commercial potential, and economic benefit to Ontario
- Ability of the team to deliver the project
- Clarity and feasibility of the project plan
- Quality and completeness of the application
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the active Challenge Statement
- Check the posted challenge and confirm fit with your project idea.
- Complete the Expression of Interest in AccessOCI after speaking with OCI’s Business Development Manager.
- Step 2: Submit the Expression of Interest
- Provide the required EOI information in the online system.
- Wait for OCI and the Anchor Firm review.
- Step 3: Receive invitation to full application
- If selected, access the full application module in AccessOCI.
- Prepare the Letter of Interest and supporting CVs.
- Step 4: Submit the full application
- Complete the full application in AccessOCI.
- Request OCI Business Development Manager endorsement and submit before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Expression of Interest is reviewed for eligibility and completeness
- Anchor Firm reviews fit with the Challenge Statement
- OCI makes the final invitation decision for full applications
- Approved applicants are asked to execute required agreements before activation
- Funding is released only after required reports are approved
Additional information
- Challenge Statements are posted on a rolling basis.
- The program is discretionary and has limited funding.
- An initial Expression of Interest is required before a full application invitation.
- Applicants must work with a Business Development Manager during the process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program Program
What is the OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program?
This program supports Ontario SMEs developing 5G technologies with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms. It funds collaborative projects to develop, integrate, test, or validate pre-commercial solutions, up to 100% of total eligible project costs.
How much funding can be received?
OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program program?
To be eligible for the OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program program, you must:
Ontario-based for-profit SME
Project must match an active Challenge Statement
Must partner with an ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firm
What expenses are eligible under OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program?
Development of pre-commercial 5G technologies
Integration, testing, or validation of solutions for the iPaaS testbed
R&D and later-stage validation projects
Collaborative projects with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms
Who can I contact for more information about the OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program?
You can contact Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) by email at NLobo@oc-innovation.ca.
Where is the OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program available?
The OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program is a Partnering and Collaboration