Testing network-enabled technology in real-world conditions is expensive. The CENGN Living Labs – Innovation Project Stream helps Canadian startups and scaleups pay for testing and validation across Canada. If your product is ready to move beyond the lab, this program supports that stage of growth.
The Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN) operates Living Labs in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Companies funded by this program gain access to advanced infrastructure. This includes 5G networks, artificial intelligence tools, cloud platforms, and edge computing resources.
The Innovation Project Stream supports Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing network-enabled technologies. The program helps companies test performance and commercial readiness in real-world environments.
This is a federal, non-dilutive grant focused on validation and commercialization. It does not support early-stage research.
Key program details:
The program is useful for companies working in:
Before you apply, check that your business meets all main requirements.
You must:
Your project needs to:
All applicants must become a CENGN member.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your company fits federal SME and innovation grant criteria before starting an application.
The CENGN Living Labs – Innovation Project Stream covers direct project costs related to testing and validation.
Eligible expenses include:
Expenses that are not eligible often include marketing, general business overhead, and any work done before project approval.
The application process is structured and competitive. Clear and concise technical information is important.
CENGN looks for projects with:
Your proposal must match one of CENGN’s Living Labs in BC, Ontario, or Quebec. Explain why that environment is important.
You will need:
Applications are assessed based on:
Applying too early in development
Projects below TRL 4 are usually rejected. This grant is for validation, not concept development.
Weak Living Lab justification
Saying you “need testing” is not enough. Be specific about what the Living Lab will enable.
Including ineligible costs
Marketing and general business development expenses can weaken your budget.
Forgetting the membership requirement
The $2,500 CENGN membership fee is mandatory. Plan for it early.
Q: How much funding can I receive from the CENGN Living Labs Innovation Project Stream?
You can receive up to $250,000 per approved project, depending on scope and eligible costs.
Q: Do I need to be a CENGN member to apply?
Yes. All funded companies must become CENGN members and pay a one-time $2,500 fee.
Q: Is CENGN Living Labs funding repayable?
No. This program provides non-repayable grant funding, but it may be considered government assistance for tax purposes.
Q: Where are CENGN Living Labs located?
CENGN Living Labs operate in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, each offering different network environments.
Q: Will this funding affect SR&ED claims?
Possibly. CENGN funding is generally considered government assistance and may reduce eligible SR&ED expenditures. Confirm with your tax advisor.
If your technology is ready for real-world testing, the CENGN Living Labs – Innovation Project Stream can cover a large share of validation costs. The strongest applications connect technical testing to future revenue.
To go further, compare this program with other innovation options like Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada or learn how to strengthen your application using How to Prepare Financial Statements for Grant Applications in Canada.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. Checking which ones match your business profile can help you plan beyond CENGN.
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