Future Ready (FR) program
The Future Ready (FR) program provides support for Ontario-based SMEs working in CIT’s four key sectors (Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Agri-food and Mining) to upskill/reskill current employees on Critical Technologies (5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum,
and Robotics) to support the company's adoption of Critical Technologies and commercialization of new products and services. Under this program eligible SMEs receive support to hire an external third-party consultant to train their employees in the adoption and implementation of these Critical Technologies.
Offered by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Critical Industries Technologies
Amount
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000 of matched funding per company (1:1 match by the SME)
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Be a small- and medium- sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees.
- have registered operations (R&D, manufacturing, product management, etc.) in Ontario
and a valid CRA business number.
- Applicants who have received over $500,000 of funding from OCI administered programs in their lifetime (excluding TalentEdge) are required to obtain OCI approval before a new application for funding is initiated. Your Business Development Manager can guide you through the process.
- Demonstrate a genuine need for training in one or more of the following
critical technologies: 5G, AI, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain Companies must outline a clear plan for how the training will benefit their employees and contribute to the overall growth and development of the organization.
- Have the capability to implement and internally sustain new Critical Technologies.
- Have a change management culture and structure that values growth and innovation,
willingness to review/adopt new technologies to support scaling.
- Has the intent and potential to apply, exploit and/or commercialize the results of the project for the economic benefit of Ontario.
- Has the necessary expertise and resources to put the project into effect within an appropriate time frame.
- In good financial and reporting standing with OCI.
- Adoption of critical technologies is part of their long-term product roadmap.
About the funding
The CIT-FT program contributes up to a maximum of $10,000 in reimbursement funds. SME’s must provide at least a 1:1 funding match
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream | Grant, Loan | Up to 15% of eligible project costs | Open |
| AgriScience Program – Projects | Grant, In-Kind Support | Up to $5 million per project and $10 million per applicant over the program's duration (2023 to 2028) | Open |
| Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program | Grant, Loan | AAFC contribution normally not exceeding $1 million per project, generally not more than $5 million over 5 years for each applicant | Open |
| Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan | Grant | Up to $15K | Open |
