NGen Cluster Building Project

NGen Cluster Building Project

Supports advanced manufacturing ecosystems in Canada through high shared-cost projects.

The NGen Cluster Building Project stream supports small-scale ecosystem-strengthening activities within the Canadian advanced manufacturing innovation community. Administered by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), the designated advanced manufacturing Global Innovation Cluster, this stream reimburses up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum NGen contribution of CAD $150,000 per project. Eligible activities include collaborative workshops, supply-chain mapping, standards development, network-building events, cross-cluster collaboration initiatives, and similar ecosystem coordination work. Capital equipment and machinery purchases are tightly capped at the lesser of 10% of total project costs or CAD $15,000, reflecting the program's focus on coordination rather than physical asset acquisition.

Eligible applicants are Canadian for-profit companies and qualifying nonprofits; universities, research organizations, and individuals are ineligible as funded partners. A minimum of two Canadian partners is required. All participating organizations must hold free NGen membership before project contracting. Incorporated organizations with value-added operations in Canada — including manufacturing or R&D activities — qualify, while sales-only offices do not. Eligible cost categories follow NGen's general model: salaries, subcontracting, materials, travel, and software, with equipment costs subject to the 10%/$15K cap.

The Cluster Building stream operates on a rolling basis without fixed intake deadlines, making it accessible year-round for consortia ready to proceed. Because award values are relatively modest, the program suits organizations looking to formalize relationships, test collaboration models, or conduct ecosystem-mapping work before committing to a larger co-investment project. Interested applicants should contact project@ngen.ca to discuss project scope and ensure eligibility before submitting.