Transforming Canadian Homebuilding: NGen’s $200M Manufacturing Challenge 

NGen is set to transform Canada’s homebuilding industry with an ambitious investment of up to $200 million through its Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge. This initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and innovations to enhance the Canadian home manufacturing sector. By focusing on sustainable materials and advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation, NGen seeks to revolutionize offsite homebuilding processes, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. 

Funding Snapshot:  NGen Advanced Manufacturing Homebuilding Challenge

Funding Amount 

NGen offers substantial funding for projects that demonstrate advanced manufacturing capabilities. The funding structure is divided into three categories: 

• Deploying Existing Technologies: 
  • Funding Rate: 33% 
  • Maximum Amount: $5.7 million 

• Developing New Advanced Manufacturing Processes/Technologies: 
  • Funding Rate: 36% 
  • Maximum Amount: $5.7 million 

• Affordable Housing or Social Housing Development: 
  • Funding Rate: 38% 
  • Maximum Amount: $5.7 million 

Eligible Costs:

• Total project costs must range between $3 million and $15 million. 
• Capital expenditures can constitute up to 60% of the total project costs. 
• Sub-contracting or consulting costs must be Canadian and cannot exceed 30% of the project costs. 
• No individual partner may receive more than 80% of NGen funding. 

Applicant Eligibility 

Eligible applicants include: 

• For-profit organizations; 
• Not-for-profit organizations facilitating and funding research and development, primarily receiving funding from private-sector or industry sources; 
• Non-federal Crown corporations funded by commercial activities; and 
• Indigenous organizations. 

Eligible Projects 

Eligible projects include: 

• Projects that aim to enhance the rate of homebuilding, reduce unit building costs, and ideally lower GHG emissions or other environmental impacts; 
• Projects that focus on commercializing advanced home manufacturing technologies and innovations; and 
• Projects that are business-led and collaborative, including at least one offsite homebuilder and one technology company. Involvement of multiple research partners from industry and educational institutions is encouraged. 

Important Dates 

• Project Screening Deadline: September 13, 2024 
• Project Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 
• Project Completion Date: March 31, 2026 

Apply for More Homebuilding Grants  

Another interesting funding program related to homebuilding is the Green and Inclusive Community Building (GICB) program. This program aims to support green and accessible retrofits, repairs, upgrades to existing community buildings, and the construction of new community buildings that serve high-needs, underserved populations across Canada. With up to $1.5 billion in federal funding allocated over five years, the GICB program is currently open for its second scheduled intake, welcoming applications until October 16, 2024.  

Our team works with businesses to determine if they are a good fit to apply for grant programs like this. We also help identify other government funding programs that your business may be a good fit to apply for. Contact us by booking a meeting with our team.