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OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)

Funds digital technology adoption for Ontario SMEs

Offered by
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 50,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Federally or provincially incorporated, privately owned, for-profit businesses with a valid Business Number.
See full eligibility

Overview

The DCC Technology Demonstration Program offers Ontario for-profit SMEs that have completed a DMAP up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000, to adopt and implement commercialized digital technology. Eligible costs include technology platform installation, back-office solutions, technical staff labour, software, and limited hardware.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$50,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
$ 750,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
1-499 employees
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 3

Latest changes

TDP intake notice and expense guide updated

The supporting TDP materials now show the July 17, 2026 to August 10, 2026 intake, the March 15, 2027 project completion deadline, and updated eligible expense guidance.

See more

The TDP supporting documents now show the 2026 intake dates and project deadline: applications open July 17, 2026, close August 10, 2026, and approved projects must be completed by March 15, 2027. The intake notice also states that decisions are expected in early September 2026 and that applications are reviewed as they are received. The eligible expense guide was revised with more detailed reimbursement rules and cost guidance, including private-source matching requirements, a 20% hardware-and-software cap, and clearer examples of operating expenses that may qualify when tied to the technology implementation plan. The application instructions and required supporting documents are also presented in a more detailed intake notice, while the contact emails remain the same.

Official source: oc-innovation.ca
July 31, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Federally or provincially incorporated, privately owned, for-profit businesses with a valid Business Number.
  • Revenue-generating product companies where an item is designed, manufactured or manufactured for, including development of software products.
  • Ontario SMEs with 1–499 full-time equivalent employees and a permanent establishment in Ontario.
  • Companies that completed and submitted a DMAP to OCI prior to July 17, 2026 and had at least $750,000 in annual revenue in one of the previous three tax years.
  • Applicants that apply in collaboration with a digital technology vendor.

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses engaged in e-commerce operations.
  • Corporate chains, franchises, or registered charities.
  • Representatives of multi-level marketing companies.
  • Professional business services whose primary activities are advisory, consulting, or knowledge-based services delivered directly by individuals or firms, including legal, accounting, management, business advisory, marketing, public relations, financial or insurance advisory, recruitment firms, real estate, and brokerages.
  • Not-for-profits.

Eligible expenses

  • Technology Demonstration Project costs related to the adoption of the digital technology outlined in the DMAP.
  • Costs related to the installation of a technology platform, including subscription fees or costs, and costs of back-office solutions to support a technology strategy.
  • Costs related to website search optimization or social media advertising when tied to the overall technology implementation plan and not as standalone items, plus costs related to the creation of customer databases.
  • One-time salaries for technical staff directly related to the demo project and essential for the installation or integration of the digital technology, excluding benefits.
  • Upgrading an existing technology site for added functionality, software for inventory, orders, product databases, sales, loyalty, marketing simplification, and cyber security software or certifications, plus hardware and accompanying software up to 20% of total grant amount.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Activities primarily related to marketing or promotional efforts, including advertising and promotional campaigns, Search Engine Optimization, Website Development, Market research, and development of marketing materials.
  • DMAP grant costs related to the implementation of a digitalization plan, costs related to the shipping of goods purchased through the technology platform, and purchases made prior to grant approval or outside the SME’s project period.
  • Renewal of digital services such as domain name or software subscriptions, including existing technology subscriptions; signage and printing; logo redesign and rebranding; and annual membership fees to associations.
  • Ongoing operational and production labour expenditures, and salaries for founders who do not have a technical contribution to the project and/or are over $5000 per month.
  • Costs of land, building or vehicle purchase; capital expenses including land, buildings, and leasehold improvements; financing and debt-related costs; fines or penalties; litigation costs; and out-of-province travel costs.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Activities funded

  • Adopt and implement the commercialized digital technology identified in a completed DMAP.
  • Carry out the project as a partnership between the SME and a digital technology vendor.
  • Implement a project that aligns with the completed DMAP and significantly accelerates the SME’s digital transformation.

How to apply

  • Have an OCI Business Development Manager or OCI DAA initiate the application in AccessOCI.
  • If you need to be connected with an OCI Business Development Manager or OCI DAA, submit a Client Intake Form.
  • Once the opportunity is confirmed as suitable, use the AccessOCI link and login information provided to begin the online application.
  • Complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents.
  • Request your BDM or DAA to endorse the application.
  • Submit the application in AccessOCI once the endorsement has been provided.

Documents Needed

  • Resumes or CVs from relevant team members.
  • Letter of support from the digital technology vendor firm.
  • Vendor company profile.
  • Additional supporting documents that may be relevant.

Selection criteria

  • Digital maturity and current capabilities.
  • Need for digital modernization.
  • Ability and commitment to invest in technology adoption.
  • Growth potential and economic impact for the SME and Ontario.
  • Project feasibility, team expertise and application completeness.

Processing and Agreement

  • OCI reviews applications internally within approximately one week for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance, and sends any deficiencies to the applicant for revision.
  • Eligible and complete applications are then reviewed by an external committee of subject matter experts, and the final funding decision is made by OCI.
  • Applicants are notified of OCI’s funding decision by email. Approved applicants receive OCI’s standard non-negotiable funding agreement, with an embedded copy of the submitted application and Schedule D, for electronic signature and return.
  • Once the funding agreement is executed, OCI activates the project in AccessOCI. At the end of the project, the applicant must submit a final report including a progress report, proof of expenditures, financial attestation, and a request for reimbursement, and all final reports must be submitted within 30 days of project completion.
  • Applicants must complete an annual retrospective survey for three years after project completion. Material project changes must be reported to OCI as soon as they are known, and budget variances of $5,000 or greater or project end-date extensions require a Project Change Request before the project end date; the maximum extension allowed is three months.

Additional information

  • The program is delivered by OCI on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade.
  • The program is discretionary and non-entitlement, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
  • Funding under this intake is expected to support approximately 24 projects.

Contacts

pmagnien@oc-innovation.ca

Official sources

Program guide

Digital Competence Centre - Ontario Centre of Innovation
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Frequently Asked Questions about the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) Program

What is the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)?

The DCC Technology Demonstration Program offers Ontario for-profit SMEs that have completed a DMAP up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000, to adopt and implement commercialized digital technology. Eligible costs include technology platform installation, back-office solutions, technical staff labour, software, and limited hardware.

How much funding can be received?

OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) program?

To be eligible for the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) program, you must: The applicant must be an Ontario-based, revenue-generating for-profit SME with 1–499 full-time equivalent employees and a permanent establishment in Ontario. The business must be federally or provincially incorporated, have a valid Business Number, and operate as a product company, including software product development. The applicant must have completed and submitted a DMAP to OCI prior to July 17, 2026, and had at least $750,000 in annual revenue in one of the previous three tax years.

What expenses are eligible under OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)?

Technology Demonstration Project costs related to the adoption of the digital technology outlined in the DMAP. Costs related to the installation of a technology platform, including subscription fees or costs, and costs of back-office solutions to support a technology strategy. Costs related to website search optimization or social media advertising when tied to the overall technology implementation plan and not as standalone items, plus costs related to the creation of customer databases. One-time salaries for technical staff directly related to the demo project and essential for the installation or integration of the digital technology, excluding benefits. Upgrading an existing technology site for added functionality, software for inventory, orders, product databases, sales, loyalty, marketing simplification, and cyber security software or certifications, plus hardware and accompanying software up to 20% of total grant amount.

Who can I contact for more information about the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)?

You can contact Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) by email at pmagnien@oc-innovation.ca.

Where is the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) available?

The OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) is a Grant and Funding