Canada has an extensive range of research centres, food incubators, accelerators and labs supporting food and beverage innovation through the research they do and/or the services they offer. Each week throughout 2023, we’ll be highlighting an organization that’s supporting food innovation in Canada. Want to catch up? Click here to view our master list of foodtech resources.
Mission: Through Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), the cluster’s goal is to build up next-generation manufacturing capabilities, such as advanced robotics and 3D printing.
Focus: The cluster is positioning Canadian companies to lead industrial digitalization, maximizing competitiveness and participation in global markets. The cluster’s technology focus includes Internet of Things, machine learning, cybersecurity, and additive manufacturing (3D printing).
Services: There are several different program streams offered through the cluster. They include:
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High Potential Technology Development — Developing and scaling new technologies with significant commercial potential.
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Ground Breaking Process Transformation — Adopting advanced technologies to transform existing manufacturing processes.
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Technology Diffusion — Expanding the user base for new and unique applications of technologies developed in Canada.
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Ecosystem Development — Support for training, collaboration, and the development of tools and test beds.
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SME Capacity Building — Strengthening and scale up for SME partners.
What you need to know: Some of the recent projects supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster include the development of bacterial frameworks for biomanufacturing of industrial and therapeutic products with partners Mediphage Bioceuticals Inc., Ardra Inc.; global leadership in life sciences by enabling commercial scale manufacture of cell and gene therapies; and development of a micro-power plant advanced manufacturing demonstrator.
Notable News: The impact of programs and services offered through the cluster are expected to include the creation of more than 13,500 jobs and more than $13.5 billion in GDP over 10 years.