Development and Commercialization of Technology or Equipment to Increase Labour Productivity

Stream: Other Business

Code:

EMPT-OA-E

For projects to adapt products, services or processes that will help drive producer and processor labour productivity

Who should apply?

See “To apply you must”

To apply you must

• Be an Ontario business or manufacturer that wants to commercialize advanced technologies, services or processes that will help drive producer and processor labour productivity
• Have completed an assessment and business case that demonstrates the need and impact of the project in addressing current deficiencies, opportunities or risks
• Have a commercialization plan that includes the following:
  • Business Overview
  • Project expected outcomes and impact for the end user (producer or processor)
  • Target market and how the technology will be marketed
  • Project budget
  • Production and implementation plan of the technology

Eligible activities and expenditures

• Advanced agri-food technology and equipment development or commercialization activities, including:
  • Material sourcing
  • Technology or equipment design
  • Engineering activities
  • Prototype development
  • Testing or analysis to verify and complement the development or commercialization process
• Capital expenses, installation or configuration costs related to the development or commercialization of the advanced agri-food technology or equipment; retrofitting or modifications of existing equipment and technology, process or procedure; and software systems in support of the development of the advanced agri-food technology or equipment
• One-time costs associated with training of key personnel on project-related new equipment, technology and processes (e.g., train the trainer)
• One-time labour costs specifically required for the project, such as third-party advisory fees (not including costs for an applicant’s staff)
• One-time costs for rental of facilities, processing equipment or machinery required specifically for the project

Ineligible activities and expenditures

• Equipment optimizations and retrofitting for existing technology or equipment
• Any activity, testing or capital expense for existing technology or equipment
• Ongoing material or input costs for technology or equipment intended to be sold
• Travel and meal costs
• In-kind contributions
• Ineligible activities and costs as detailed here

Available cost-share

35 per cent, up to a maximum of $250,000

Required documentation

• Quotes for project costs (e.g., equipment, consultants, training, services)
• An assessment and business case that demonstrates the need and impact of the project in addressing current deficiencies, opportunities and/or risks. For a copy of the requirements for the assessment and business case, contact OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300 or by email
• Commercialization plan

Merit assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed against the extent to which:

• Project addresses current deficiencies, opportunities or risks at a producer or processor facility, supported by an assessment
• Project demonstrates all relevant and quantified anticipated impacts the advanced equipment, technology or process will achieve, such as:
  • Increased labour productivity
  • Increased production output
  • Reduced identified risks
  • Job creation or retention
  • Increased sales or revenue
  • Increased profitability
  • Reduced downtime
  • Reduced waste
  • Competitive advantage for new and emerging markets
  • Technical skills development and improved performance of personnel
• The applicant will share information about the project to benefit the sector or industry (may include news release, an article in a trade magazine, presentations, social media/website, hosting an open house)
• The evidence demonstrating the need for the project outlined in the assessment aligns with the goals of the project
• Project work plans and eligible costs are clearly defined and aligned to project goals
• Resources, experience and skills necessary to oversee and carry out the project are identified
• Projects costs are reasonable and expected sources of funding for the project have been identified and allocated