Funding Webinar on Critical Minerals and Canada's EV Supply Chain

Welcome and Introductions

• Speaker: Arthur Kong, Director of Project Development at NGen Canada
• Date: Tuesday (specific date not mentioned)
• Event: Funding Webinar titled Propelling Critical Minerals and Materials in Canada's EV Supply Chain
• Main Topic: Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Value Chain Program (EVMP)
• Objective: Inform about the EVMP funding program

Key Partners

• Canadian Critical Minerals and Materials Alliance (C2M2A) - Marilyn:
  • Champion Canada's efforts for global clean technology manufacturing
  • Advocate for domestic production/processing of materials
• Battery Metals Association of Canada (BMAC) - Sean DeVries:
  • Non-profit representing the entire battery value chain in Canada
  • Key works: Roadmap report & interactive battery ecosystem map
  • Event: Charged Battery Conference (October 24th, Calgary)
• Accelerate ZDV Consortium - Matthew Fortier:
  • Alliance including private sector, government, labor, and researchers
  • Focus: Strengthen Canada's ZEV industry
  • Partnership with NGen: Launched an interactive supply chain map
  • Key task forces: Critical minerals and battery manufacturing

Overview of NGen Canada

• Objective: Enhance and build advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada
• Functions:
  • Promote Canadian capabilities
  • Build connections and catalyze partnerships
  • Workforce development programs
  • Industry-led advisory councils/ groups
  • Provide collaborative R&D funding
• Notable Achievements: Funded over 140 million dollars worth of projects from 100+ industry partners

EVMP Program Details

• Focus: On-road battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles
• Areas Covered:
  • Processing and refining of critical minerals
  • Manufacturing of battery materials/ components
  • Related semiconductor and lightweighting components
• Project Requirements: Must meet criteria including process innovation, transformational IP, collaboration, commercial benefit, and broader benefits to Canada's ecosystem
• Eligible Project Types:
  • Advanced manufacturing technology development
  • Novel manufacturing processes
  • Circular economy processes
• Out of Scope: Product development, off-rd vehicles, ICE-based powertrains, EV charging infrastructure

Collaboration Requirements

• At least two unassociated industry partners
• Must include one SME (<500 employees globally)
• Clear path to commercialization
• First come, first served project funding
• Maximum duration: Until March 31, 2028
• 100% stackable with other sources of government funding

Application Process

• Screening (Due Oct 11, 2023):
  • High-level project description
  • Contact information of all partners
  • Signed application agreement
  • High-level financial proposal
• Full Application (Due Nov 15, 2023):
  • 10 application questions, project plan, risk register, IP plan, financial workbook, letters of support
• Evaluation and Contracting: Independent panel of experts

Supporting Tools and Resources

• Project Development Team Support: Help find collaborative partners and answer questions
• Collaboration Portal: Browse project ideas and partners
• Upcoming Events:
  • B2B networking event (Sept 6th)
  • Project Development Workshops (Sept 20th, Oct 17th)

Workforce Development Programs

• Future Ready Initiative: Modernize and upskill the workforce
  • TLP Program: Leadership training for SME manufacturers
  • AMPA Program: Personalized upskilling plans and assessments

FAQs from Webinar

• Question on vehicle light weighting: Includes manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing
• Project screening: Required, not optional
• Eligibility of projects with non-traditional brines: Encouraged
• Stacking with other funding: Allowed up to 100%
• Eligibility of Rare Earth element projects: Eligible
• Announcement of industrial decarbonization program: Later in the calendar year

Conclusion

• Contact information and detailed resources available on NGen's website
• Encouraged to reach out with any questions or for follow-up discussions