Critical Industrial Technologies initiative - Technology Acceleration Program (TAP)

Description

Eligible SMEs can access a Technology Development Site to integrate, develop, test, and showcase their critical technologies solution.

Ideal for: SMEs interested in adopting, integrating, or demonstrating critical technologies and developing new IP-rich products and services.

The Technology Access Program provides Ontario SMEs with no cost access to the CIT Technology Development Sites (TDSs) to support the development and commercialization of Ontario made products and services that integrate/adopt Critical Technologies (5G and advanced networks, AI, blockchain, robotics, quantum, cybersecurity) related to four key sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction and Mining. At these sites SMEs can develop, test, validate and showcase their products and services, helping disruptive innovations hit the market faster. The Technology Access Program (TAP) Program is part of the Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative (CIT) delivered by OCI (Ontario Centre of Innovation) on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

 

Eligibility Requirements Applicant • A small- and medium- sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees. • Must have registered operations (R&D, manufacturing, product management, etc.) in Ontario and a valid CRA business number. • Has the intent and potential to apply, exploit and/or commercialize the results of the project for the economic benefit of Ontario. • Has the necessary expertise and resources to put the project into effect within an appropriate time frame. • In good financial and reporting standing with OCI. • Adoption of critical technologies is part of their long-term product roadmap. Project • Projects must support Critical Technology (5G and Advanced networks, AI, blockchain, robotics, cybersecurity and quantum) integration, adoption, demonstration, prototyping, testing and/or showcasing by the SME. • Projects must involve the utilization of at least one of the Technology Development Sites for a minimum of 2 hours per test bed. If applicable to the project a SME can leverage multiple sites. • Projects should result in the development or advancement of a new solution/product/service with strong commercial opportunity in one or more of the four CIT Key Sectors. • Project activities are carried out in Ontario. • Projects must be a maximum of 6 month in duration. • Solution MUST already have all necessary certifications, if required, for a project to be executed. • Intellectual Property (IP) arising from the project will be managed by the Applicant, OCI does not claim or manage IP rights.