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Source verified September 16, 2026

Supercluster Projects

Collaborative advanced manufacturing funding for Canadian projects

Offered by

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Official source: ngen.ca

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Latest source update

Last Update: September 16, 2026

Latest change: NGen now describes a streamlined approval path for Supercluster projects under $5 million, with updated eligibility, review steps, and intake timing.

View change

Smaller Supercluster projects streamlined

NGen's “Smaller Supercluster projects. Faster approval.” page now describes a streamlined route for advanced manufacturing projects with total costs below $5 million. These projects are reviewed through a single technology assessment instead of the two-stage process used for larger projects, and NGen says applications are accepted at any time with review dates of July 10 and August 14. The page also newly states that eligible projects must be industry-led consortia with at least two industry partners, including an SME with fewer than 500 employees, while allowing exceptional consideration for proposals from only two partners. Questions are directed to project@ngen.ca.

Funding available

Up to 44% of project cost

Deadline

Unspecified

Location

Canada

Who can apply

Any member of NGen may submit an application for project funding or apply to be considered as a partner or co-investor in Supercluster projects.

See full eligibility

Overview

Supercluster Projects supports collaborative advanced manufacturing projects led by NGen in Canada. It funds eligible project costs for for-profit organizations and qualifying non-profit R&D bodies working on transformative, applied innovation. Eligible spending may include salaries, subcontracting, equipment, materials, travel, and IP-related costs.

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At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increase performance through digital transformation
Develop strategic partnerships
Develop team skills

Eligible Funding

Up to 44% of project cost

Funds Providers

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

For-profit business
Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

500 employees maximum

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Higher Education
Research
Business Associations

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

All dimensions

Next Steps

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Availability timeline

2022

Periods: 1

Activities funded

Development or application of advanced manufacturing technology or process.
Collaborative industry-led projects with commercial and economic benefits.
Projects that are transformative, applied, and enduring for advanced manufacturing.

Documents Needed

Application Agreement
Financial workbooks for each partner
Project IP Strategy
Project Plan
Risk Register

Official resources

Official page

Smaller Supercluster projects. Faster approval.

Program guide

Mandatory Clause

Project Application Guide

Project Development Workshop (2021)

Application form

NGen MPA January 2021 V3.0 Template

Supporting document

Guidance Videos & Slides

project? This could lead to IP ownership issues. Have they been addressed?

Tablesforipstrategytemplatev2.0

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Any member of NGen may submit an application for project funding or apply to be considered as a partner or co-investor in Supercluster projects.
Recipients of Supercluster funding must be incorporated in Canada.
For-profit organizations.
Not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and development and whose funding is received primarily from private-sector organizations.

Who is not eligible

Other not-for-profit organizations.
Post-secondary institutions.
Federal Crown corporations.
Government departments or agencies.
International organizations without an incorporated presence in Canada.

Eligible expenses

Eligible salaries and wages for personnel based in Canada working directly on the project.
Subcontracting and consultancy fees for essential work performed in Canada.
New equipment, rental, direct operation, maintenance, materials and supplies.
Service fees, subscription and licence fees directly related to the project.
Travel, room or facility rentals, conference facilities, publication, and patent-related costs.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Retroactive costs incurred before conditional approval.
Production activities or full-scale production subsidies.
Infrastructure, building, and land costs.
Routine administration, overhead, marketing, advertising, alcohol, and gifts.
Costs already covered by other government funding.

Eligible geographic areas

Canada

Selection criteria

Each project application will be assessed on the basis of 10 questions.
Responses are equally weighted in assessments and applications are scored out of 100 marks, 10 marks per question, by independent experts.
The expert assessment panels will ensure that approved projects are of high quality, meet NGen’s strategic objectives, and are selected fairly.

How to apply

Complete an Application Agreement.
Submit completed financial workbooks for each project partner.
Submit an Intellectual Property strategy that includes information from all partners.
For projects between $500K and $8 million, submit a Single Application and answer the ten questions.
For projects between $8 million and $20 million, submit an Initial Application and, if successful, a Full Application.

Processing and Agreement

Applications are screened for basic eligibility.
Projects are reviewed by independent external experts against 10 assessment questions.
NGen notifies applicants directly if the project is accepted or rejected.
Approved projects must sign a Master Project Agreement and related collaboration documents.
Funding starts only after contracting conditions are completed.

Additional information

Projects require a Collaboration Agreement and a Master Project Agreement before funding starts.
The project IP strategy must be kept current throughout the project.
Claims require supporting invoices and documentation.
Project progress is monitored on a quarterly basis.

Contacts

project@ngen.ca

1-289-919-1384

Frequently Asked Questions about the Supercluster Projects Program

What is the Supercluster Projects?

How much funding can be received?

Supercluster Projects Funds up to 44% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Supercluster Projects program?

To be eligible for the Supercluster Projects program, you must: Incorporated in Canada At least one SME partner Collaborative project in Canada

What expenses are eligible under Supercluster Projects?

Development or application of advanced manufacturing technology or process. Collaborative industry-led projects with commercial and economic benefits. Projects that are transformative, applied, and enduring for advanced manufacturing.