NGen Cluster Building Project

NGen's Cluster Building Project is its smallest ecosystem-building stream, designed to strengthen Canada's advanced manufacturing network through collaboration rather than large-scale product development. It supports workshops, standards work, supply-chain mapping, and cross-cluster partnerships, and it operates in rolling waves as NGen opens capacity. The stream reimburses up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at CAD 150K per project. Capital equipment and machinery are tightly limited to the lesser of 10% of total eligible costs or CAD 15K. Applicants need at least two Canadian partners, free NGen membership, and Canadian operations, while universities and research organizations cannot lead. This is the right route when the objective is to convene a sector, build common infrastructure, or lock in a practical collaboration around an emerging manufacturing opportunity. The stream can also help firms align roadmaps, define shared requirements, or prepare a larger consortium for a later NGen challenge. Proposals read best when they are tightly scoped, easy to deliver, and clearly useful to the broader cluster rather than to one firm alone.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.