Amount: 40% of total eligible project costs reimbursed up to $8 million

NGen has launched a call for project proposals that will build advanced manufacturing capacity in Canada and enhance the commercialization of artificial and machine learning innovations across manufacturing sectors in Canada.  

Eligibility Requirements

  • Business-led and collaborative projects that focus on commercializing AI/ML solutions in manufacturing.
  • Projects must include at least two industry partners, one manufacturing company, and one AI company.
  • At least one of these companies needs to be a Small or Medium Enterprise.
  • Companies must demonstrate that they have the cash flow, or a firm path to the cash flow, to support their own operations in addition to funding the needs of the project through the entire project duration.

Research organizations, companies, and organizations working outside the manufacturing sector that can contribute technical expertise and knowledge to project consortia are also welcome to participate. 

Eligible Activities

The Challenge will support AI-enabled advanced manufacturing technology development and commercialization, such as: 

  • Systems optimization within manufacturing facilities and/or across supply chains 
  • The development of new advanced manufacturing capabilities for example new robotic, or automation equipment. 
  • Enhanced manufacturing facility and process cybersecurity. 
  • Rapid prototyping and testing of materials, products, and processes.
  • The development of other disruptive AI-enabled manufacturing capabilities and services. 

Eligible funded costs

  • costs as the portion of gross wages or salaries for personnel who are based in Canada and working directly on the project
  • sub-contract or consultancy costs for any work essential to the success of the project and where the expertise does not exist among the partners.
  • the purchase of new equipment, rental, direct operation, and maintenance costs.
  • materials consumed by the project
  • all travel expenses must be in accordance with the National Joint Council Travel Directive to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • service fees and software subscription/license fees directly related to the project
  • the additional cost of rented factory or lab space for the project
  • costs related to renting facilities to support conferences and related telecommunication expenses
  • reasonable costs relating to the patent protection of foreground intellectual property
  • other direct costs which can be specifically identified and measured as being incurred on behalf of project activities are eligible (e.g. licenses, software subscriptions etc.)

NGen AI4M funding is intended to support initiatives incurring inside Canada. Costs incurred outside Canada may be eligible, only on an exceptional basis, with advance approval by the Government of Canada

Amount

Total project costs should be between $1.5M and $8M. Eligible projects will be reimbursed at a funding rate of 40% of total eligible project costs.

Deadline

The deadline for application intake is July 17, 2025 (5 pm EST).