NGen Boosts Space Innovation as Part of $59M Funding for Advanced Manufacturing Projects

Insider Brief

• NGen has announced $59 million in funding for 15 new advanced manufacturing projects, including investments in space technology like space mining, autonomous robotics for exploration, and materials manufacturing for lunar applications.
• These projects will support 31 companies across various sectors, with NGen contributing $21.4 million and attracting $37.4 million from industry partners.
• Since its founding, NGen has approved 211 projects across various industries, including space, quantum, and electric vehicle manufacturing, generating $7.2 billion in new sales and creating nearly 4,000 jobs in Canada.

NGen has announced $59 million in funding for 15 new advanced manufacturing projects, including investments in space technology. These projects will support 31 companies across various sectors, with NGen contributing $21.4 million and attracting $37.4 million from industry partners. The investments include a strong focus on space mining, autonomous robotics for exploration, and materials manufacturing for lunar applications.

Through its Moonshot for Mining, Minerals, and Manufacturing initiative, NGen is advancing Canada’s role in space innovation. One key project is the development of automated task-learning technology for the fast setup of autonomous robots, which will be critical for future space missions. The program also supports creating ultra-precise location systems for space exploration and swarm construction capabilities for space mining.

In addition, the initiative funds projects that focus on sustainable space materials, such as manufacturing nano-alumina doped with rare earth elements and copper oxide for lunar uses. These technologies aim to support the future of space exploration by developing materials and processes that can withstand harsh extraterrestrial environments.

The space-focused efforts are part of NGen’s broader push to drive innovation in advanced manufacturing. Since its founding, NGen has approved 211 projects across various industries, including space, quantum, and electric vehicle manufacturing, generating $7.2 billion in new sales and creating nearly 4,000 jobs in Canada. These investments are helping build a competitive, world-leading space manufacturing sector, working to push Canadian companies to the forefront of space exploration and technology development.