Closed
Rapid Response Challenge
Support for Canadian COVID-19 manufacturing solutions
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Hamilton, Milton, Canada
Overview
NGen invested more than $21 million to support Canadian manufacturing solutions for the COVID-19 response. The program backed the development and scale-up of ventilators, test kits, face shields, and sterilization coatings.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Hamilton, Milton
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Other Health Services
- Emergency and Relief
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and manufacturing of ventilators and components.
- Production of rapid COVID-19 test kits.
- Design and mass production of face shields.
- Development and scale-up of sterilization coatings for hard surfaces.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Advanced manufacturing companies in Canada.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Projects that deliver the most immediate benefits to Canadians.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rapid Response Challenge Program
What is the Rapid Response Challenge?
NGen invested more than $21 million to support Canadian manufacturing solutions for the COVID-19 response. The program backed the development and scale-up of ventilators, test kits, face shields, and sterilization coatings.
Who is eligible for the Rapid Response Challenge program?
To be eligible for the Rapid Response Challenge program, you must:
Canadian advanced manufacturing company
COVID-19-related project
Project with immediate public benefit
What expenses are eligible under Rapid Response Challenge?
Development and manufacturing of ventilators and components.
Production of rapid COVID-19 test kits.
Design and mass production of face shields.
Development and scale-up of sterilization coatings for hard surfaces.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rapid Response Challenge?
You can contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) by email at robbie.macleod@ngen.ca or by phone at 613-297-3578.
Where is the Rapid Response Challenge available?
The Rapid Response Challenge program is available across Canada.
Is the Rapid Response Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rapid Response Challenge is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Rapid Response Challenge?
Rapid Response Challenge is funded by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)