Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is investing $32.3 million into 15 tech-enabled manufacturing projects across the country.
The latest investments from the Canadian innovation cluster were made at NGen’s first-ever N3 Summit. Combined with $54.4 million in commitments from the private sector, the projects are worth $86.7 million.
Between 2019 and 2023, NGen has completed 165 projects, which have resulted in $7 billion in new sales.
NGen is part of the federal government’s Innovation Clusters initiative (formerly known as the Innovation Supercluster initiative). Its goal is to bring together manufacturers, tech companies, innovation centres, and researchers, providing funding and business support to projects that develop or scale-up manufacturing solutions in Canada.
In a statement, NGen claimed that between 2019 and 2023, the cluster completed 165 projects, which have resulted in $7 billion in new sales, a 32-fold return on NGen’s investment, and 55 new companies created.
Among the companies working on the 15 projects is Montreal-based CarbiCrete, which is working with Ontario-based Macron Industries to implement cement-free concrete technology.
CarbiCrete is a carbon removal technology company that is developing low-cost building solutions that are designed to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The startup raised $23.5 million in Series A funding in 2022.
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Another startup named on the list of projects receiving NGen funding is Halifax-based 3D BioFibR, which is working on collagen fibre manufacturing with project partner Plantform.
3D BioFibR has developed a process that mimics the action of a web-spinning spider to produce fibres from proteins such as collagen. The startup raised $3.52 million in seed and grant funding in July 2023.
Falkbuilt is also one of the project partners working on a project focused on magnesium cement boards. The startup, based in Calgary, manufactures digital components aimed to bring speed, efficiency and sustainability to the construction industry. Falkbuilt was founded in 2019 and raised $14 million in Series A funding in 2020.
Feature image courtesy Unsplash. Photo by Louis Reed.