Ontario invests CAD $50 million to boost manufacturers’ tech edge

Ontario's manufacturing sector is experiencing an acceleration in the adoption of new technologies following the rollout of a CAD $50 million funding initiative coordinated by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

The Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) programme, administered by OCI, targets companies operating in advanced manufacturing, agri-food, mining, and construction by providing up to CAD $1 million for collaborative projects and CAD $100,000 for individual business initiatives. Funds support research and development, equipment purchases, product testing, and workforce development activities such as upskilling and reskilling.

One year after its introduction, the CIT programme has supported the commercialisation of over 100 emerging technologies, contributing to Ontario manufacturers' ability to compete globally. OCI President and Chief Executive Officer Claudia Krywiak is drawing attention to both the achievements so far and the remaining opportunities for businesses to access support under the programme.

Programme impact

"Run, don't walk, to access these opportunities," Krywiak is set to advise manufacturers. She will underscore the scale of investment and the variety of strategic partnership opportunities facilitated by OCI's province-wide business development team, noting significant demand and ongoing opportunities for eligible businesses to apply for support.

Critical technology areas identified by OCI include 5G and advanced networks, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, blockchain, and quantum computing. Krywiak notes that the CIT programme is designed to attract interest from businesses in these fields.

She explained, "Due to the scale of investment, and early-stage support and strategic partnership opportunities offered by our business development managers province-wide, the programme has been flooded with interest," adding, "OCI is currently accepting applications from eligible businesses. Critical technologies areas include 5G and advanced networks, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, blockchain and quantum computing."

Support services

At the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) 2025, Krywiak will present details about OCI's role as a "matchmaker" between post-secondary talent and industries needing specialised expertise. OCI also facilitates the formation of consortia that unite firms of all sizes to collaborate on sector-wide challenges and offers Technology Access Sites for businesses to test and demonstrate new solutions in environments replicating real-world conditions, such as mines and greenhouses, at no charge.

Case studies

Toronto-based NordSpace is an example of a company leveraging the CIT programme to develop advanced additive manufacturing processes aimed at improving rocket propulsion technologies. The firm's initiative is aimed at bolstering Canada's position within the global space economy.

"The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative helped support NordSpace's establishment of its new Advanced Manufacturing for Aerospace Lab (AMA Lab), marking a significant step towards commercialising NordSpace's proprietary metal 3D-printed rocket propulsion engines," said Derrick Chow, Director of Operations at NordSpace. "NordSpace is striving to build sovereign space launch capabilities for Canada, leveraging CIT to boost its collaboration with the Ontario industrial base and post-secondary institutions, resulting in new domestic IP and manufacturing capabilities and opening new global markets for export."

Another beneficiary is Innovative Automation, located in Barrie, which specialises in custom robotic automation for sectors spanning automotive to medical devices. By utilising CIT funding, the company is piloting new automation platforms integrating robotics, computer vision, and AI to optimise production and enhance competitiveness.

"Innovative Automation is a Canadian leader in custom robotic solutions, recently expanding with IGC Solutions to provide integrated shared services. Through funding from the CIT programme, we are piloting a new model by helping a customer secure funding for advanced automation equipment, supporting not just with technology, but also the resources to invest," said Michael Lalonde, President of Innovative Automation. "This approach strengthens competitiveness, particularly for smaller firms, and demonstrates how robotics and AI can transform production in sectors like medical devices while contributing to Canada's innovation ecosystem."

Continued opportunities

Krywiak says continued support for adoption of advanced technologies will be crucial for local companies as international competition and trade volatility increase the need for agility.

"Critical advanced technologies are the key to success for companies," Krywiak commented. "To be competitive, Ontario businesses need to adapt, and there are programmes in place to support them in doing so."