The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario) announced that FedDev Ontario will be partnering with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) to launch a new program called SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth. Fed Dev will be providing $20 million of funding to launch this new initiative.
The new CME SMART program will be launched on December 1, 2014, and will provide funding for southern Ontario manufacturers who are exporting, planning to export, or selling into a supply chain, to conduct technology assessments and adopt advanced technologies. These types of technologies, such as robotics, 3D printing and automated materials handling, help to reduce manufacturers’ production costs and expand their production capabilities. The goal of the program is to enable businesses to become more competitive and to strengthen their ability to participate in global supply chains.
Support will be provided for Advanced Technology Adaptation/Adoption projects that improve productivity through the adaptation or adoption of new or upgraded advanced technologies, materials or processes. Advanced technology projects will be eligible for funding up to 35 percent of eligible costs to a maximum non-repayable contribution of $100,000. Preference may be given to companies that have not received previous funding from CME and for projects that diversify a regional economy.