OCI — Technology Demonstration Program ON Canada

OCI — Technology Demonstration Program

ON, Canada
The DCC Technology Demonstration Program supports Ontario SMEs in adopting and implementing digital technologies, offering up to $150,000 in reimbursement funds.

grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail trade
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
  • Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open

grant_single_labels|preview

The DCC Technology Demonstration Program aims to accelerate digital adoption among Ontario SMEs by providing up to $150,000 in reimbursement funds for the implementation of digital technologies identified in their Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP). Eligible activities include the adoption of commercialized digital technology, costs related to installation and maintenance, and salaries for technical staff essential to the project's success. This initiative supports the commercialization of Ontario technologies while significantly enhancing the technological capacities of participating SMEs.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Technology Demonstration Program supports projects aimed at adopting and implementing commercialized digital technology as specified in the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) with the help of digital solution vendors, leading to significant growth and transformation for Ontario-based SMEs.
  • Costs related to the adoption of the digital technology outlined in the DMAP.
  • Costs related to website search optimization tied to overall technology implementation plan.
  • Costs related to the installation of a technology platform including subscription fees/costs.
  • Costs of back-office solutions to support a technology strategy.
  • Costs of social media advertising tied to overall technology implementation plan.
  • Costs related to the creation of customer databases.
  • Salaries for technical staff directly related to the demo project and essential for the installation/integration of the digital technology.
  • Upgrading existing technology site for added functionality.
  • Software purchases including:
  • Software to track and manage product inventory, fulfill and ship orders.
  • Software for product databases.
  • Software to track sales, market to customers, offer discounts, maintain a loyalty program.
  • Software to simplify marketing.
  • Cybersecurity software or certifications.
  • Hardware and accompanying software up to 20% of the total grant amount.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$150,000

Toronto
Implementing a cloud-based inventory management system to improve operational efficiency.

$150,000

Kingston
Creating a mobile app to manage customer loyalty and promotions.

$150,000

Ottawa
Developing an AI-driven customer service chatbot to enhance user experience.

$150,000

Hamilton
Upgrading an existing online store with new functionalities and design.

$150,000

Mississauga
Implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity solution for our digital infrastructure.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The DCC Technology Demonstration Program provides funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ontario to adopt and implement digital technology identified in their Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP). The eligibility criteria ensure that both the applicant SME and the technology vendor meet specific requirements.
  • Be incorporated federally or provincially with a valid Business Number
  • Be a for-profit, privately owned business
  • Have between 1 – 499 full time equivalent employees
  • Have a change management culture and structure that values growth and innovation
  • Willingness to review/adopt new technologies to support scaling
  • Have the ability and willingness to invest resources
  • Have the capability to implement and internally sustain new technologies
  • Have a permanent establishment in Ontario
  • Have completed a DMAP project
  • Have at least $500,000 of annual revenues in one of the previous three tax years
  • Not engaged in consumer facing retail or e-commerce operations
  • Not a corporate chain, franchise, or registered charitable organization
  • Not a representative of multi-level marketing companies
  • Not a real estate brokerage
  • Not a not-for-profit organization

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible companies must meet several criteria to qualify for the DCC Technology Demonstration Program.
  • Be incorporated federally or provincially with a valid Business Number
  • Be a for-profit, privately owned business
  • Have between 1 – 499 full time equivalent employees
  • Have a change management culture and structure that values growth and innovation, and willingness to review/adopt new technologies to support scaling
  • Have the ability and willingness to invest resources
  • Have the capability to implement and internally sustain new technologies
  • Have a permanent establishment in Ontario
  • Have completed a DMAP project
  • Have at least $500,000 of annual revenues in one of the previous three tax years

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
  • Businesses engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce operations
  • Corporate chains, franchises, or registered charities
  • Representatives of multi-level marketing companies
  • Real estate brokerages
  • Not-for-profits

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include costs directly attributable to the completion of the project and are documented through invoices and proof of payments.
  • Technology Demonstration Project costs related to the adoption of the digital technology outlined in the DMAP
  • Costs related to website search optimization (if tied to overall technology implementation plan)
  • Costs related to the installation of a technology platform (including subscription fees/costs)
  • Costs of back-office solutions to support a technology strategy
  • Costs of social media advertising (if tied to overall technology implementation plan)
  • Costs related to the creation of customer databases
  • Salaries for technical staff directly related to the demo project and essential for the installation/integration of the digital technology (excluding benefits)
  • Upgrading existing technology site for added functionality (i.e., new plugins or features)
  • Software to track and manage product inventory, fulfill and ship orders
  • Software for product databases
  • Software to track sales, market to customers, offer discounts, maintain a loyalty program
  • Software to simplify marketing
  • Cybersecurity software or certifications
  • Hardware and accompanying software (up to 20% of the total grant amount)

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Ontario. The SME applicant must have a permanent establishment in Ontario.
  • Have a permanent establishment in Ontario

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications are internally reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance, prior to evaluation by external reviewers with domain expertise from academia and industry.
  • Evaluation of digital maturity and current capabilities.
  • Clarity of the need for digital modernization.
  • Capacity for and prioritization of investing in digital technology adoption.
  • Significance of the opportunity, expected growth potential, and economic benefit to the SME and Ontario.
  • Ability of the vendor’s digital solution to address the SME's digital gaps.
  • Expertise and experience of team members, and evidence of collaboration.
  • Vendor's potential role and impact on accelerating growth and path to market.
  • Clarity, feasibility, and appropriateness of the project plan and budget.
  • Overall quality and completeness of the application.

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Applications MUST be initiated in AccessOCI by an OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) or an OCI DAA. Once initiated, the Applicant will receive login information to begin completing the application. Companies that wish to be connected with an OCI Business Development Manager or OCI DAA should submit a Client Intake Form.
  • Step 2: Once the BDM/DAA 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 application form and upload the required supporting documents
  • Resumes/CVs from relevant team members
  • Letter of support from the digital technology vendor firm
  • Vendor company profile
  • Additional supporting documents that may be relevant
  • Step 4: Request your BDM/DAA to provide an endorsement of the application. Once the endorsement is provided, the applicant or BDM/DAA will then be able to submit the application.
  • Step 5: OCI will internally review the application within approximately one week for eligibility, completeness and financial compliance. A list of any deficiencies will be sent to the applicant for revision.
  • Step 6: When the application is endorsed as eligible and complete by OCI’s internal team, the application will be sent for review to external committee comprising subject matter experts.
  • Step 7: Applicants will be notified of OCI’s decision regarding funding by email.
  • Step 8: Once the application is approved for funding, the applicant will be forwarded a copy of OCI’s standard funding agreement, with an embedded copy of the submitted application and Schedule D, for execution. This funding agreement must be signed, via OCI’s online electronic signature function, by the applicant and returned to OCI.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The DCC Technology Demonstration Program supports Ontario SMEs that have completed a DMAP project to adopt and implement digital technology, providing up to $150,000 in reimbursement funds.
  • Funding is available for a limited number of Ontario SMEs working with digital solution vendors.
  • Applicants must have between 1-499 full-time equivalent employees, completed a DMAP project, and have at least $500,000 of annual revenues in one of the last three tax years.
  • The technology vendor must have a validated commercialized innovative product/service ready for demonstration and maintain an arm's-length business relationship with the applicant.
  • Projects eligible for funding must support the adoption of commercialized digital technology and must significantly accelerate the SME's digital transformation.
  • The program follows a reimbursement funding model where the SME is responsible for paying the vendor upfront.
  • Applicants must complete all required reports and retain proof of purchases and other relevant documentation to receive funding.
  • Approved projects must submit a final report within 30 days of project completion to receive reimbursement for eligible expenses.
  • Applications are assessed by internal and external reviewers, with final funding decisions made by OCI.
Apply to this program