Overview:
In September 2025, the Ontario government, through the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), announced a $50 million funding and support program targeting four key sectors: advanced manufacturing, agri-food, mining, and construction. The program builds on OCI’s Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative, which provides up to $1 million for company collaborations and $100,000 for individual businesses to support R&D, equipment purchases, product testing, and talent development.
Since its launch, the CIT program has helped commercialize over 100 emerging technologies, advancing Ontario’s competitiveness in manufacturing on a global scale.
Key Highlights for Italian Industry:
Focus on Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Funding covers areas such as robotics, AI, machine learning, 5G networks, cybersecurity, blockchain, and quantum computing.
Support for SMEs: Smaller firms can access funding for equipment acquisition and technology adoption, making it easier to integrate advanced solutions into production lines.
Proven Success Examples: Innovative Automation, a Canadian system integrator, is piloting robotics and AI-driven platforms for medical device manufacturing, improving efficiency and competitiveness.
Implications for Italian Manufacturers:
Italian companies specializing in automation, robotics, AI-driven manufacturing systems, and industrial software could explore partnerships with Ontario firms benefiting from CIT funding. Opportunities include supplying advanced machinery, software platforms, or consulting services to optimize production processes. The program also emphasizes talent development, creating space for Italian firms to contribute expertise in training or system integration.
Next Steps / Events:
OCI president Claudia Krywiak highlighted these funding opportunities at CMTS 2025 in Toronto (Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, 2025), where Italian companies could meet potential partners and gain insights into Ontario’s manufacturing technology landscape.
