NGen Launches $30M Made Smarter Program to Combat Future Pandemics

While it may not be possible to predict the overall impact that the current worldwide pandemic will have on a country and its citizens, it is certainly possible to place measures that will create ongoing solutions in limiting infection, produce innovative products, and build a sustainable future plan of action. Through the Government of Canada, the NGen Made Smarter government funding program will help businesses in the manufacturing industry to rebuild and restructure the way our country responds in the time of crisis.

NGen will provide funding covering 50% of eligible COVID-19-related project costs for up to a maximum of $2,000,000 per project. Projects over $2M may be accepted but will be subject to a Project Administration Fee.

With an emphasis to create leading manufacturing solutions in Canada, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)has launched a $30M funding program that aims to develop and produce critical, sustainable, and globally innovative manufacturing products to fight COVID-19 and create systems to prevent future outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.

What is the NGen Made Smarter: Strategic Supply Challenge?

The Made Smarter: Strategic Supply Challenge is NGen’s third funding program this year that assists the manufacturing industry through the COVID-19 pandemic. NGen’s first program, the Rapid Response Funding Program, launched mid-March and concentrated on the production of innovative health care products to support front-line workers. In May, NGen launched their second COVID-19 funding program, the Disinfection Robot Challenge, which focused on improving the health and safety of Canadians in the workplace.

To date, NGen has approved $55M of COVID-19-related funding towards manufacturing advancements. NGen’s Made Smarter: Strategic Supply Challenge is expected to grant more than $30M across Canada, bringing the total COVID-19 funding support to $85M.

NGen’s Made Smarter: Strategic Supply Challenge government funding program has promised to allocate $30 million to COVID-19-related projects that focus on improving the Canadian manufacturing industry by creating solutions to fight against current and future threats to health, rebuild the economy, and produce long-term products that address essential supply shortages. Supported projects will also generate global advantage in innovation.

Funding Overview: NGen Made Smarter: Strategic Manufacturing Supply Challenge

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• Any member, organization or individual, of NGen’s Supercluster may apply for project funding and/or apply to be considered as a partner for co-investment in projects.
• Recipients of Supercluster funding must be incorporated in Canada.

Register to become an Organizational NGen member

The deadline to apply for the NGen Made Smarter funding program is August 11, 2020.  

What Type of Projects are Eligible for Funding?

Projects must be:

• Transformative: They must lead to the establishment of a long-term, sustainable, and globally competitive manufacturing capability in Canada.
• Collaborative: They must include at least two industry partners – a lead partner plus at least one other.
• Applied: They must promise significant long-term commercial potential based on manufacturing in Canada.
• Enduring: They must contribute to Canada’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem by developing new supply chain capabilities, skills development, IP sharing, and/or business scale-up opportunities.

Projects must demonstrate:

• That the funding is being used for the adoption or development of advanced manufacturing technologies.
• That they are creating jobs and economic value for Canada.
• A strong domestic market or the ability to supply to international markets to ensure long-term sustainability.

For a detailed list of eligibility criteria, please visit NGen’s Made Smarter Overview.

Learn More About the Next Generation Manufacturing Canada Government Funding Program

The Government of Canada, in partnership with NGen, aims to fund manufacturing companies that produce products that are safe for widespread use, meet required quality standards, and offer practicality for long-term action.

NGen will choose successful applicants based on critical needs identified and scored in the comprehensive eight-question assessment within the application that must outline project objectives and meet eligibility criteria. Each application will be evaluated by a group of expert panelists with manufacturing, technology, engineering, and medical healthcare experience.

Please contact the Mentor Works team if your organization is interested in applying for the NGen Made Smarter funding program, or visit our COVID-19 Support Page for alternative funding programs that assist businesses during the ongoing pandemic.