NGen launches $30M challenge to develop strategic supply capabilities

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) has launched a $30-million Strategic Supply Challenge aimed at developing sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing capabilities in Canada for products critical to fight COVID-19 and potentially other future contagious disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.

NGen is looking for opportunities where companies can deploy advanced manufacturing capabilities to establish globally competitive and sustainable production systems in Canada.

Projects will be selected for funding based on critical needs identified by the Canadian government of Canada, the long-term viability of manufacturing those products in Canada, and the ability of manufacturers to produce products that are safe for use and meet required product and production quality standards.

NGen is hosting an information webinar on July 9 from 2 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss program details, eligibility information and how to apply.

This is NGen’s third program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $50-million Rapid Response Program launched in March and was focused on supporting the production of critical health care products to meet the immediate needs of front-line health care workers. In May, NGen launched the Disinfecting Robot Challenge to aid in protecting the health and safety of Canadians in the workplace.

The Strategic Supply Challenge is intended to respond to the pandemic while fuelling economic recovery by establishing long-term manufacturing capabilities in Canada that address critical supply shortages.