How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $150000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program?

OCI — Technology Demonstration Program is funded by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

What are OCI — Technology Demonstration Program's eligibility criterias?

Must be an Ontario-based for-profit SME with between 1-499 employees. Must have completed a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) project. Must have at least $500,000 of annual revenue in one of the last three tax years.

OCI — Technology Demonstration Program

Last Update: January 24, 2025

ON, Canada

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

OCI — Technology Demonstration Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Grant Providers

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

Program status

Open

Overview of the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity solution for our digital infrastructure

$ 150,000

Creating a mobile app to manage customer loyalty and promotions

$ 150,000

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

$ 150,000

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

$ 150,000

Upgrading an existing online store with new functionalities and design

Eligibility criteria of the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program program

The eligibility criteria for the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) and Technology Demonstration Program at the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) are specific to Ontario SMEs.

The applicant must be an Ontario-based for-profit SME.
The company should have between 1-499 employees.
For the Technology Demonstration Program, the SME must have completed a DMAP project.
For the Technology Demonstration Program, the company must have at least $500,000 of annual revenue in one of the last three tax years.

Who is eligible?

Ontario-based for-profit SMEs with between 1-499 employees are eligible to apply for the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) and the Technology Demonstration Program. These programs support SMEs in understanding their digital needs, adopting and implementing digital technologies, and accelerating growth through digital transformation.

Who is not eligible

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

Eligible expenses

The grant focuses on promoting digital modernization and adoption among Ontario SMEs, while facilitating technological advancements and commercialization of Ontario-made digital technologies. Eligible projects concentrate on understanding digital needs, implementing tailored digital plans, and adopting identified technologies for growth.

Creation of a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) tailored to specific SME needs.
Adoption and implementation of digital technologies identified in the DMAP to accelerate SME growth.
Commercialization of technologies developed in Ontario through digital transformation.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located in Ontario, as specified by the funding body. Eligibility is focused on supporting Ontario-based SMEs in their digital transformation journey.

Ontario, Canada

Eligibility criteria of the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program program

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.

How to apply to the OCI — Technology Demonstration Program program

Express Interest

Fill out the Online Interest Form available on the DCC website to determine eligibility.
Contact a Program Lead if you need guidance: Chris Ritchie, Vahid Sadr, Robert McMillan, or Rohit Sharma.

Review Program Guidelines

Download and thoroughly review the Program Guidelines and Eligible Expenses Guidelines from the DCC website.

Prepare Required Templates

Complete the Proposal Template, ensuring it aligns with the program's objectives and your organization's digital needs.
Secure any necessary Letters of Support using the provided template.
Prepare the Reimbursement Template for expense tracking.

Work with a Digital Adoption Consultant

Collaborate with a Digital Adoption Consultant to develop a comprehensive Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP).

Submit Application

Ensure all documents are accurately completed and compiled according to the guidelines.
Submit your application through the instructed process—details on submission could be provided by your program contact.

Application Acknowledgment

Receive acknowledgment of your application submission. Retain this for your records.

Additional information

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