OCI — Technology Demonstration Program
The DCC Technology Demonstration Program supports Ontario SMEs in adopting and implementing digital technologies, offering up to $150,000 in reimbursement funds.
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $150,000
- 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 09, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
Status
Open
Overview
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.
Eligibility criteria
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
Who is eligible
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
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
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)
Eligible projects & activities
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.
Eligible geographic areas
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
Evaluation & selection 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.
How to apply
- 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.
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
DCC Technology Demonstration Program: Accelerate Digital Adoption for Ontario SMEs
The DCC Technology Demonstration Program provides funding up to $150,000 to Ontario SMEs for adopting innovative digital technologies, enhancing their growth and competitiveness. This program, part of the broader Digitalization Competence Centre initiative, focuses on commercializing Ontario digital technologies and supporting economic development.
Understanding the DCC Technology Demonstration Program
The DCC Technology Demonstration Program (DCC Demo) is a strategic initiative developed by the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC). This program is designed to support Ontario's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in adopting and implementing advanced digital technologies. By focusing on digital modernization and adoption, the DCC Demo program aims to accelerate the growth of Ontario-based SMEs, boost their competitiveness, and facilitate the commercialization of digital technologies developed in Ontario.
Ontario SMEs that have completed a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) project are eligible to apply for this grant. The program’s objective is to propel these companies towards higher growth by adopting new commercialized digital technologies. SMEs can receive up to $150,000 in reimbursement funds, making this program an attractive opportunity for companies looking to modernize their operations and scale efficiently.
Program Objectives
The DCC Technology Demonstration Program is designed to meet several critical objectives:
- Accelerate digital adoption: By supporting SMEs to adopt new commercialized equipment and processes, the program facilitates a faster transition to digital operations.
- Support commercialization: The program connects SMEs willing to adopt digital technologies with Ontario-based technology firms, promoting the commercialization of these local innovations.
- Enhance technological capacity: Across various sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, resource production, and food processing, the program aims to boost the technological capabilities of companies.
- Economic impact: By supporting SMEs in adopting digital solutions, the program aims to enhance economic growth within Ontario, creating new revenues, job opportunities, and increased productivity.
Benefits to Applicants
Participating in the DCC Tech Demo program offers numerous benefits to SMEs:
- Accelerated adoption of digital technologies: SMEs can quickly integrate new commercialized technologies, enhancing their operational efficiency.
- Enhanced competitiveness: By modernizing their products and services, SMEs can stay competitive in the market.
- Faster market release: Companies can bring new products to market more quickly, reaching the right customers with improved user experiences.
- Automated business operations: By automating processes, SMEs can achieve higher operational efficiencies.
- Access to expertise and training: The program provides access to the latest knowledge and training to help companies effectively use new technologies.
- Market exposure: SMEs have the opportunity to showcase their products and gain increased visibility within their ecosystem.
How Funding Works
The DCC Demo program offers a funding model where OCI contributes up to 50% of the total eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $150,000. The applicant must match this contribution on a minimum 1:1 basis. For example, if the total project cost is $300,000, OCI would provide $150,000, and the SME is required to contribute the remaining $150,000 in cash.
Once approved, the funding follows a reimbursement model. The SME covers the initial costs and can then apply for reimbursement by providing proof of expenditures and meeting other reporting requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
The DCC Technology Demonstration Program has specific eligibility criteria for applicants:
Applicant Requirements
- Must be an incorporated, for-profit, privately owned business with a valid Business Number.
- Must have 1 to 499 full-time equivalent employees.
- Must demonstrate a culture valuing growth, innovation, and a willingness to adopt new technologies.
- Must have a permanent establishment in Ontario.
- Must have completed a DMAP project.
- Must have at least $500,000 of annual revenues in one of the previous three tax years.
Note that businesses engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce operations, corporate chains, franchises, registered charities, real estate brokerages, and representatives of multi-level marketing companies are ineligible.
Technology Vendor Requirements
- The vendor must be a for-profit enterprise with a validated commercialized product/service ready for demonstration.
- The vendor must have necessary certifications and meet regulatory requirements.
- The vendor must have an arm's-length business relationship with the SME applicant.
- Vendors must agree to complete required reporting and cooperate with OCI.
Project Requirements
- The project must support the adoption and implementation of commercialized digital technology and align with the completed DMAP.
- The project must involve a partnership between an SME and a technology vendor, preferably located in Ontario.
- The project should significantly accelerate the SME’s digital transformation and have a high impact on its business.
Application Process and Timelines
The DCC Demo program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Here’s how to apply:
- Initiate the application through an OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) or DAA.
- Once deemed suitable, you’ll be provided with access to OCI’s online application system, AccessOCI.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents, including resumes of key team members, letters of support from the digital technology vendor, and vendor company profiles.
- Request your BDM or DAA to endorse the application.
- OCI will review the application for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance.
- Eligible applications undergo an external review by subject matter experts from academia and industry.
- Applicants will be notified of the funding decision via email.
- Upon approval, a non-negotiable funding agreement is issued for electronic signature.
Project Activation, Flow of Funds, and Reporting
Upon execution of the funding agreement, OCI will activate the project in the AccessOCI system. The program follows a reimbursement model, meaning the SMEs will cover the initial costs and can submit for reimbursement upon meeting specific project milestones and requirements.
Reporting Requirements
To receive funding, applicants must complete the required reports:
- Maintain all proof of purchases, receipts, and relevant documentation for audit purposes.
- Submit a final report at the end of the project, including a progress report, proof of expenditures, financial attestation, and a reimbursement request.
- Annual retrospective surveys for three years post-project completion to track commercial outcomes.
If any project changes occur, such as modifications to the applicant company, vendor, scope of work, timelines, or budget, the applicant must promptly inform OCI.
Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures
Eligible expenses include actual costs directly related to the project, such as technology demonstration costs, installation fees, software purchases, and technical staff salaries for project-related tasks. Ineligible expenses include shipping costs, prior purchases, domain renewals, branding redesigns, debt repayments, and bonuses.
For more detailed information, eligibility criteria, or to apply, contact your OCI Business Development Manager or visit the official OCI website.