CME’s Technology Investment Program

FUNDING OF UP TO $50,000 TO SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE!

CME’s Technology Investment Program aims to help SME southern Ontario manufacturers automate production, reduce their environmental footprint and increase their competitiveness in the global market.

Funding overview 

The program provides direct financial assistance to SME manufacturers in southern Ontario in the form of a matching contribution of up to $50,000 (a maximum of 50% of eligible costs, which can include capital equipment, materials, training on new equipment, installation of new equipment, professional service fees, as well as a company’s direct labour devoted to the completion and management of the project) to support the investment in long-term production assets and technology that increase capacity and reduce emissions on production.

Technologies may include: robotics; artificial intelligence and other machine learning applications; and advanced networks and the Internet of Things. Please note: investments in ERP systems and general training are not covered under this program.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered for FedDev Technology Investment Program funding, your company must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a manufacturer* based in Southern Ontario per the census map (Refer to Southern Ontario Service Area)
• Must be an incorporated business (federally or provincially) for 2 years or more continuously
• Must demonstrate financial stability
• Must have a minimum of 15 employees and a maximum of 500 full-time employees (FTE) in Southern Ontario
• Companies are not required to be a member of CME to be eligible
• Not receiving other contributions toward the activities contained in the funding application from other government-funded programs, including but not limited to:
  • University or College funding programs
  • Export funding programs
  • Other related government funding programs

Eligible Activities

The program provides funding for investments and implementation of long-term production assets and technology that increase capacity and reduce emissions on production. Technologies may include: robotics; artificial intelligence and other machine learning applications; and advanced networks and the Internet of Things.

Please note: investments in ERP systems and general training are not covered under this program. Investments beginning April 1, 2022 (retroactive projects in long-term production assets and technology) may be eligible for funding. Implementation of the long-term production assets and technology must be completed by December 31, 2023.

Eligible Costs

A proposed budget must be submitted with each application. The budget should provide a detailed breakdown of costs. All service provider invoices must clearly outline the services provided. Line item descriptions such as “services rendered” will not be accepted.

• Project Management/Consulting fees (excluding travel) are eligible
• Direct labour devoted to the completion and management of the project are eligible
• Direct materials related to the project are eligible
• Training on new equipment related to the project is eligible
• Capital Equipment is eligible
• Installation of capital equipment related to the project is eligible
• Entertainment and meals are not eligible costs
• Any receipts that are not included will be removed from eligible costs
• CME reserves the right to remove any unreasonable costs

Deadline

March 31, 2024