NGen Invests in Quantum as Part of $59 Million in Canadian Manufacturing Projects

Insider Brief

• NGen is investing $5.6 million in quantum technology projects as part of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, with a total project value of $14.1 million.
• The $59 million investment supports 15 advanced manufacturing projects across Canada, including initiatives in quantum technologies, electric vehicles, and space exploration.
• NGen’s advanced manufacturing efforts have already generated $7.2 billion in new sales and created nearly 4,000 jobs, demonstrating significant contributions to Canada’s economy.

NGen, Canada’s industry-led not-for-profit organization focused on advanced manufacturing, has announced funding for 15 new projects, with a strong emphasis on quantum technology. These initiatives are part of a broader $59 million investment aimed at bolstering Canada’s manufacturing sectors through cutting-edge innovations, according to a recent statement from NGen.

Among the projects, NGen is dedicating $5.6 million to the Commercialization of Quantum Technologies stream, which is part of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy. This investment is matched by $8.5 million in industry contributions, bringing the total project value to $14.1 million. The funded projects include groundbreaking efforts in quantum simulations for materials discovery by OTI Lumionics and Nord Quantique, manufacturing of 3D packaging for quantum processing units (QPUs) by Anyon Systems and the Centre de Collaboration MiQro Innovation, advanced processes using pulsed lasers for integrated quantum chips by Femtum, WhalePix, and Solution Novika, and the manufacturing of multisite atomic force microscopy for quantum device metrology by ICSPI Corp. and Applied Nanotools.

“From the development of new quantum technologies for manufacturing to mining on the moon, Canada’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem is tackling big challenges,” said Jayson Myers, CEO of NGen, in the statement. “Through NGen’s collaborative approach to innovation, we’re creating private and public sector partnerships across provincial boundaries that are building world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada, creating new high-value jobs for Canadians, and addressing many of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

In addition to quantum-focused initiatives, NGen is investing in other key areas of advanced manufacturing. The Moonshot for Mining, Minerals, and Manufacturing program, supported by the Canadian Space Agency, is receiving $2.3 million from NGen, matched by an equal industry contribution. This program will explore technologies such as automated task learning for autonomous robots, swarm construction, and sustainable copper oxide for lunar applications, all of which have implications for both space exploration and terrestrial industries.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Value Chain Program is another major focus, with $13.5 million in NGen funding leveraged by $26.5 million from industry partners. Projects under this program include advanced manufacturing processes for EV power electronics, lithium-ion battery innovations, and sustainable fuel cells, all critical components in the rapidly growing EV market.

“Our government is proud to collaborate with NGen to accelerate innovation and advancements in support of our key advanced manufacturing sectors like quantum and electric vehicles,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, as noted in the statement. “Projects like these advance the development and adoption of cutting-edge solutions and deliver important benefits to Canadians while creating jobs and contributing to economic growth, demonstrating Canada’s world-leading capabilities in manufacturing and technology.”

To date, NGen has approved 211 cluster projects involving 483 industry partners and 313 research groups from across Canada, according to the statement. These efforts have resulted in $7.2 billion in new sales and the creation of 3,901 direct jobs, underscoring the economic impact of Canada’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem.