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NGen investing $50M to support manufacturers producing COVID-19 aids
March 26, 2020 by Manufacturing AUTOMATION
Photo: dontree/Adobe Stock Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is investing $50 million to support companies as they prepare to produce critical technologies, equipment and medical products to aid in the fight against COVID-19.
NGen, an industry-led organization that administers Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, will fund projects that involve the rapid production launch of products in short supply.
These products include virus screening test kits, gloves, gowns, masks, and other personal protective equipment, hospital equipment such as ventilators and peripherals, as well as cleaning and sterilization chemicals and equipment.
Projects will be selected for funding according to critical needs identified by the federal government and the ability of manufacturers to produce products that are safe for both patients and health care workers.
NGen will fund projects that can have an immediate impact in the next four to 12 weeks.
Funding will be available for companies across Canada.
NGen will prioritize funding for projects that can have an immediate impact between April and the end of June 2020 and will fund eligible costs for projects within this timeframe up to 100 per cent (depending on the level of knowledge and information sharing to help Canadians).
Projects that will have an impact in the medium term – beyond the June 30 timeframe – may also be considered for funding at 50 per cent.
Projects are not expected to exceed funding of more than $5 million.
The organization says it recognizes that the rapid launch of safe medical products is no easy task. It will require expeditious product validation, secure supply of materials and components, regulatory approvals, and the scale-up of new manufacturing systems before full-scale production can be brought on line.
Companies looking for support in launching production of critical products to fight COVID-19 and experts who are able to assist can indicate their interest at www.ngen.ca/covid-19-response.
