Overview

Ontario’s Critical Technologies Initiative (CTI) provides funding to external delivery organizations that support the government’s goal of:

  • accelerating the adoption of enabling critical technology solutions among Ontario companies and within key sectors that unlock productivity gains and support innovation
  • enabling the development, commercialization and demonstration of innovative critical technology solutions by Ontario technology companies to address domestic and global business needs and future market opportunities.

CTI programming will support foundational technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, advanced connectivity and blockchain, as well as critical manufacturing or supply-chain technologies such as robotics and semiconductors. Key sectors will include advanced manufacturing, auto, life sciences, mining, agriculture, smart infrastructure and defence or security.

Proposals that include activities and support for dual-use projects with a defence or security component are encouraged.

In addition to supporting foundational technologies, CTI programming will enable the growth and enhancement of sector clusters and regional capacity.

Applicants can apply only once and must apply through either Stream 1 or Stream 2. See Application Process section or more details.

Stream 1: Supports projects that primarily provide direct support to business.

Stream 2: Supports projects that primarily provide critical technology readiness to the ecosystem.

Proposals must include initiatives that address 3 or more of the following CTI program pillars:

  • Infrastructure

    • Living Labs
    • Testbeds
    • Facilities and equipment
    • Centre of Excellence or Hubs

  • Commercialization

    • Commercialization project funding
    • Early-stage piloting
    • IP support
    • Technology testing and validation
    • Challenge Funding

  • Adoption

    • Demonstration programs
    • Technology adoption incentives
    • Sales and promotional programs

  • Talent

    • Workforce development
    • Training
    • Internships
    • Talent attraction

Please note that example program elements have been provided for illustrative purposes only and are not mandatory elements of any response to this call for proposal.

Proposals in both streams must include initiatives and/or project funding for artificial intelligence.

CTI funding is available to support projects between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2029.

Eligibility

 Eligible applicants must meet all of the following:

  • be a not-for-profit organization with a business number designated by the Canada Revenue Agency
  • have been in active business for at least the last 3 fiscal years and provide financial statements[1] (audited or accountant-reviewed) for that period
  • be located in Ontario

Applicants must ensure compliance with all applicable laws, including the Accessibility For Ontarians with Disabilities Act (Ontario), and must not be delinquent in connection with any fees, levies, or taxes owing to the Government of Ontario.

Despite the above, the following organizations are ineligible to apply for direct funding under CTI, but can act as delivery partners for an eligible applicant:

  • Small Business Enterprise Centres
  • angel investor or venture capital funds or organizations
  • post-secondary institutions (colleges, universities, hospitals)
  • government enterprises
  • retail, professional, or personal service organizations

Eligible projects

Eligible projects must:

  • address 3 or more of the CTI program pillars: infrastructure, commercialization, technology adoption, talent
  • include initiatives and/or project funding support for artificial intelligence
  • be located in Ontario
  • support Ontario SMEs and/or Ontario-derived intellectual property and products
  • be operational (for example, capable of providing initial programming to SMEs) within 3 months of funding approval

Eligible activities

The CTI offers conditional grants to support eligible project activities that directly impact the development and adoption of critical technologies in Ontario, including:

  • product development and commercialization
  • technology demonstration and adoption
  • talent attraction, training and workforce development
  • equipment, facility improvement and machinery

Eligible project costs

Eligible project costs must be:

  • incurred on or after the project start date (April 1, 2026) up to and including the project completion date (on or before March 31, 2029)
  • directly attributable to and necessary for, the completion of the project and are not wholly for another purpose
  • incurred by the Recipient for the management and delivery of the project and programming, which may include salaries, office expenses and marketing. These costs cannot exceed 15% of total eligible project costs
  • incurred by the Recipient to partners for the delivery of programming
  • incurred by the Recipient to program participants (for example, to SME participants commercializing or adopting new critical technologies)
  • actual cash outlays, net of applicable HST, that must be documented through invoices, receipts, or applicant’s records acceptable to the ministry and are subject to verification by an independent auditor (evidence of payment must be maintained for audit purposes)
  • other costs that, in the opinion of the province, are considered necessary for the successful implementation of the program(s)/initiative(s) and have been approved in writing prior to being incurred

Note: Each successful applicant will be required to enter into a funding agreement with the ministry containing terms and conditions acceptable to the ministry. Successful applicants may begin to incur eligible project costs only on or after the project start date and up to and including, the date the project is completed (project completion date).

Ineligible project costs

The following costs are ineligible:

  • entertainment expenses and alcoholic beverages
  • expenses associated with lobbying or government-relations activities
  • costs associated with travel, activities or operations performed outside of Ontario, unless the proposed expenditures are directly related to the operation of the Recipient in carrying out the CTI and provided that the Recipient obtains prior written approval of Ontario
  • legal, accounting and consulting fees in connection with financial reorganization, security issues, capital stock issues, obtaining of patents and licenses and prosecution of claims against Ontario
  • federal and provincial income taxes, excess profit taxes or surtaxes and any special expenses incurred in relation to taxes
  • costs, including taxes, for which the Recipient has received, will receive, or is eligible to receive, a rebate, credit or refund
  • fines and penalties
  • donations in the form of goodwill and other intangibles (such as intellectual property, including licenses and patents)
  • opportunity costs
  • standard discounts
  • interest charges
  • allowance for interest on invested capital, bonds, debentures, bank or other loan together with related bond discounts and finance chargers
  • losses on investments, bad debts and related collection expenses
  • losses on other projects or contracts
  • amortization of unrealized appreciation of assets
  • depreciation of assets paid for by Ontario
  • expenses and depreciation of excess facilities
  • all costs that are not eligible expenditures
  • any costs as determined by the province from time to time at its sole discretion

Third-party engagement

Working with an external firm (for example a consultant) for the purposes of preparing an application has no bearing on whether an application will be successful. Applications may only be submitted by the prospective applicant – any applications submitted by a third party on behalf of an applicant will not be considered. Any costs associated with the use of a consultant for preparing an application are ineligible project costs under the CTI. The primary contact on the application form must be an officer or employee of the applicant.

For inquiries and questions please contact us at criticaltechInitiatives@ontario.ca.

Application process

Applications must be made through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON). TPON will open applications on April 7, 2026 and close on April 28, 2026 at 5 pm EST.

Applicants can apply only once. Applicants must apply to either Stream 1 or Stream 2.

Stream 1: Supports projects that will primarily provide direct support to business (for example, flow-through funding to SMEs). A minimum of 65% of total eligible project costs must be for SME projects where funding flows directly to the SME.

Stream 2: Supports projects that will primarily provide critical technology readiness activities to the ecosystem (for example, platforms to support IP development and company creation). Applicants to this stream are directing their CTI funding to readiness programming (for example, talent, thought-leadership, organizational capacity, etc.). A minimum of 65% of total eligible project costs must be for critical technology readiness activities to the ecosystem.

Applications to the CTI must be accessed and completed via the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) website. The completed TPON application form must be signed by an individual with the authority to bind the company or not-for-profit organization.

Please also include the following (only PDF format will be accepted):

  • copy of constating documents, such as Articles of Incorporation or Limited Partnership Agreement
  • financial statements (such as balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements) which must be submitted as 3 separate documents, from the previous 3 consecutive fiscal years and must be audited or accountant-reviewed

Note: applicants will be able to attach additional material through TPON to support their application (for example, letters of support, project plan, etc.).

Only completed applications that are submitted on or before the application intake closing date will be assessed. Applications should be as detailed as possible; only the information provided in the application through TPON will be used to assess proposals.

Applicants will be notified of decisions within approximately 60 business days of the application deadline. 

Tax compliance verification

The Ontario Tax Compliance Verification (TCV) number must be included in the application form. Generate a TCV number. If the applicant is approved for funding, an Ontario TCV certificate will be required before any funds are disbursed. We require the Ontario TCV certificate to ensure that the applicant is compliant with its federal and provincial tax obligations.

All applications must be submitted by the deadline outlined on the TPON website.

Selection process

Applications will be evaluated on their completeness, clarity and the feasibility of the proposed project and its alignment with the goals and objectives of the CTI. Please note that the CTI is a discretionary, non-entitlement program with limited funding. Even if an applicant meets all program objectives and eligibility criteria, the Government of Ontario is under no obligation to approve funding for the proposed project.

Projects will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • organizational experience and capacity of the applicant to deliver the project
  • overall project and potential impact
  • costing and budgeting
  • risks and proposed mitigation strategies

Applications that are deemed incomplete will not be reviewed.

Applications will be assessed by an internal ministry review committee. Third-party financial due diligence experts may be engaged to support the ministry’s assessment.

Key funding conditions

For an approved project, the ministry will fund up to 50% of the eligible project costs up to a maximum amount of $30 million per applicant. Stream 1 proposals can include up to 75% government funding (federal, municipal, etc.). Stream 2 proposals can include up to 100% government funding (federal, municipal, etc.). However, Ontario’s contribution cannot exceed 50% of the eligible project costs.

No financial disbursements will be made until a funding agreement has been fully executed and the applicant has satisfied all funding conditions, including but not limited to the following, to the satisfaction of the ministry:

  • evidence of project financing
  • proof of insurance
  • applicant being in compliance with all applicable laws and not delinquent in connection with any fees, levies, or taxes owing to the Government of Ontario

Funding agreements

Each successful applicant will be required to enter into a funding agreement with the ministry containing terms and conditions acceptable to the ministry.

Once funding agreements are fully executed and come into effect, successful applicants are obligated to report specific milestones and performance measures that will be outlined in the funding agreement. Performance measures and milestones provide indications on the progress of the project and the achievement of commitments defined in the funding agreement.

Funding agreements will also include provisions requiring funds to be repaid and/or adjusted if terms and conditions of the funding agreement are not met.

In addition, CTI funding agreements will require each successful applicant to make a written representation that it is compliant with all applicable laws, including accessibility legislation. In the case of applicants with outstanding compliance issues, their application will not be considered complete. Outstanding compliance issues must be resolved before an applicant is eligible to apply to the program.

Project reporting and claims for eligible expense requirements

Successful applicants to the CTI program will be expected to report project-related expense claims at quarterly intervals. Reporting requirements will include, but not be limited to, project status reports, proof of eligible project expenditures and requests for payment.

Disbursements under the CTI will be finalized with successful applicants during the funding-agreement development phase.

Successful applicants must retain all proofs of purchase, paid invoices, receipts and other relevant documentation related to expenses incurred for eligible project costs. Successful applicants must also maintain all financial records (including original invoices of any items that have been purchased for the project and receipts or other evidence of payment for these items) for a period of 7 years from their creation.

How to apply using Transfer Payment Ontario

Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) is the source for grants provided by several Government of Ontario ministries. TPON provides one-window access to information about grants that are available to companies. Learn more about applying for grants or check the status of an application.

To apply for CTI funding, applicants must first register with TPON.

  • the following items are required for registration: Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, Legal Name, Operating Name and information on at least 2 contacts within the organization. Note: TPON could take up to 5 business days to process the request but is typically faster
  • as soon as the company is registered, a “Funding Opportunities” button will appear. From here applicants can apply for CTI funding and manage applications. Please ensure applications are submitted when CTI is open for applications (details are available on the website for each program)

Confidentiality and public reporting

Please note that the ministry is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as amended from time to time and any information provided to the ministry, may be subject to disclosure under the Act. Section 17 of the Act provides an exemption from the disclosure of certain third-party information that reveals a trade secret, scientific, commercial, technical, financial, or labour-relations information supplied in confidence where disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to result in certain harms. Any trade secret or any scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour-relations information submitted to the ministry in confidence should be clearly marked.

The ministry will notify the applicant before granting access to a record that might contain information referred to in section 17 of the Act so that it may make representations to the ministry concerning disclosure.

Additionally, all information, statements and documents attached to the CTI application form or provided to the ministry in relation to the application may otherwise be disclosed pursuant to the Act as well as any other applicable laws.

Approved projects will be the subject of public announcements. The applicant agrees that any information provided to the province in the CTI application and in any subsequent project-related agreement may be shared with:

  • other ministries and agencies of the Government of Ontario, experts and/or authorized third-party firms for the purposes of assessing the application and administering the program and satisfying government accountability and reporting obligations
  • Statistics Canada for the purposes of program evaluation
  • the Federal Government of Canada for the purposes of assessing the application (including but not limited to assessing the potential for stacking of government funding) and administrating the program, including jointly discussing and reviewing the project and, when required, by exchanging limited due diligence findings

Ministries must publicly report annually on the status of business support programs and strategic investments, including project description and project investment commitment, amount of government support and results achieved to date.

The province is required to make funding agreements available for inspection by the public. However, commercially sensitive information contained in the agreement may be redacted.

Following submission of a signed application, applicants may be subject to compliance checks overseen by the listed Ministries:

Conflicts of interest

Includes, but is not limited to, any situation or circumstance where in relation to the application process, the applicant has an unfair advantage or engages in conduct, directly or indirectly, that may give it an unfair advantage, including:

  • having, or having access to, information in the preparation of its application that is confidential to the Government of Ontario and not available to other applicants
  • communicating with any person with a view to influencing preferred treatment in the application process, including the giving of a benefit of any kind, by or on behalf of the applicant to anyone employed by, or otherwise connected with the Government of Ontario
  • engaging in conduct that compromises, or could be seen to compromise, the integrity of the funding application process and render that process unfair

In relation to the performance of its contractual obligations in a contract with the Government of Ontario, the applicant or any person who has the capacity to influence the applicant’s decisions has outside commitments, relationships or financial interests that could, or could be seen by a reasonable person to, interfere with the applicant’s objective, unbiased and impartial judgement relating to the project, the use of the proceeds of the funding, or both.

Applicants with an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest as described above in relation to the CTI are not eligible to apply for funding under the program.

Who to contact

For general inquiries and questions please contact us at criticaltechInitiatives@ontario.ca.

For inquiries specifically related to navigating the online application system, please contact TPON Client Care from Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, except for government and statutory holidays, at: