News
NGen launches a $100M sustainable mfg. challenge

NGen has launched a new call for project proposals for its Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge. These Projects will aim to accelerate the application of Canadian cleantech and other advanced technologies to improve the environmental sustainability of Canadian manufacturing. NGen will invest up to $35 million of Global Innovation Cluster funding and will raise more than $65 million from industry in launching $100 million in new collaborative projects.

Projects must be collaborative and transformative, promising to push the boundaries of advanced manufacturing technology and world-class cleantech. Focus areas should include:

• Low carbon – fuel, feedstock, energy – applied to manufacturing.
• Implementation of net-zero facilities.
• Innovative solutions for high heat generation – applied to manufacturing.
• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage – applied to manufacturing.
• Tracking and managing GHG emissions across the supply chain.
• Smart Manufacturing for efficiency gains and GHG reduction.
• Greener/circular/sustainable materials.

Projects should pursue one or more of the following objectives:

• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduction of energy usage and natural resource consumption.
• Operational efficiency gains.
• Waste reduction.
• Use of recycled and sustainable materials.
• Full life cycle product management and closed loop manufacturing.
• Circular manufacturing of materials.

Eligible projects must meet NGen’s four core strategic criteria:  

• Transformative: must confer significant competitive advantage to Canadian industry 
• Collaborative: project must demonstrate meaningful collaboration with a minimum of two Canadian industry partners  
• Applied: project must have a short to medium path to commercialization, and generate significant commercial and economic benefits   
• Enduring: project must provide broader benefits to Canada’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem 

Summary of Key Dates & Deadlines

All projects must be completed no later than January 31, 2028.

• Application Portal Opens: March 25, 2024
• Project Screening Deadline: June 26, 2024 (5pm EST)
• Collaboration Event: May 15, 2024
• Project Application Workshop: July 10, 2024
• Final Application Deadline: September 18, 2024 (5pm EST)
• Interviews for dual stage projects (> CAD $10M): October 24-25, 2024

Contact smc@ngen.ca to apply.