Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, announced a combined investment of nearly $40.5 million for 23 businesses and organizations across the Waterloo and Brant regions to support growth, innovation, and competitiveness in key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, and defence.
Recipient Name |
Project Description |
Total Project Cost |
FedDev Ontario Funding Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
To strengthen domestic metal processing capabilities to support the manufacturing of complex, steel- and aluminum-based products. Incorporated in 1992 and based in Cambridge, Armour Alloys Inc. supplies stainless steel and aluminum products, transforming raw and semi-finished metals into materials used in the automotive, construction, consumer goods, energy, and telecommunications sectors. |
$1,960,000 |
$980,000 |
|
To strengthen long-term resilience by diversifying into Ontario's housing sector through the establishment of a new local fully-automated production hub. Incorporated in 2013, Cambridge-based Ascension Automation Solutions Ltd. specializes in industrial automation, particularly in robotics, providing end-to-end automation solutions, including system design, build, commissioning, integration, and ongoing service. |
$21,225,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
To strengthen operational capabilities and efficiency by introducing state-of-the-art equipment for high-precision moulding. Incorporated in 2007 and located in Cambridge, Bock North America Ltd. an office seating manufacturer specializing in plastic injection molding, assembly and upholstery of office chair components, polyurethane foam and aluminum die casting. |
$1,124,893 |
$500,000 |
|
To increase domestic manufacturing capacity and efficiency through adopting advanced machinery and building its steel framing system production. Incorporated in 2009, Brantford-based Canada Steel Corporation is a steel service centre, light processor, and distributor supplying steel coils, sheets, and framing products primarily to the construction and manufacturing industries. |
$900,000 |
$450,000 |
|
To advance the development of micro-nuclear power technology to support Arctic defence operations and remote energy applications. Incorporated in 2020, Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation, formerly Canadian Space Mining Corporation, is a Waterloo-based space and defence company focused on commercializing dual‑use nuclear technologies for applications in Arctic defence, remote Indigenous communities, nuclear research, and space nuclear markets. |
$10,095,066 |
$4,500,000 |
|
To enhance manufacturing capabilities and efficiency through the implementation of automation and equipment enhancements. Founded in 1946 and amalgamated in 1983, Cello Products, located in Cambridge, is a manufacturer and distributor of premium copper and brass fittings for plumbing, heating, and related mechanical applications. |
$1,414,000 |
$500,000 |
|
To grow by expanding into new international markets and diversifying into new Canadian markets by adapting Canadian-designed retractable roof greenhouse systems for local needs utilizing local partners. Incorporated in 1975, Cravo Equipment Ltd. is a Brantford-based manufacturer of engineered retractable roof greenhouse and field covering systems for horticultural markets worldwide. |
$1,341,250 |
$400,000 |
|
To modernize its operations by establishing a Center of Innovation to digitize its manufacturing environment and streamline design, planning, and production through real-time data and AI. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Cambridge, Eclipse Automation Inc. is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in custom automation solutions for automotive, life sciences, energy, and consumer goods sectors. |
$13,665,620 |
$6,000,000 |
|
To modernize operations at its Cambridge facility through the adoption of advanced equipment and strengthen its position as a trusted, full-service processing partner for Canadian manufacturers. Incorporated in 2012, Cambridge-based Emtek Processed Alloys Inc. is a first-stage alloy processor specializing in precision cutting and processing of stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and other specialty materials. |
$1,592,332 |
$597,125 |
|
To enhance productivity and support growth through software, network infrastructure, machinery and welding fixture upgrades, and diversify into new markets. Incorporated in 1972, Burford-based Fowler Metal Industries is a manufacturer of precision metal fabrications and transforms sheet metal into various machining components, including press brakes and machining centres. |
$610,000 |
$305,000 |
|
To acquire new advanced manufacturing equipment to introduce compact, stackable washer‑dryer units and specialty refrigeration products to the Canadian market, as well as launch a recycling program to divert units from landfills. Incorporated in 1982 and amalgamated in 1988, Koolatron Corporation in Brantford is a fully integrated manufacturer and distributor specializing in thermoelectric and refrigeration products. |
$14,321,666 |
$5,009,433 |
|
To expand its automated materials-testing systems into new global markets by redesigning its automated high‑volume testing systems to support the rubber and plastic industry. Located in Kitchener and incorporated in 2016, LabsCubed specializes in automated tensile testing solutions for rubber and plastic industries, focusing on innovative materials and advanced lab equipment to streamline testing processes. |
$2,202,064 |
$750,000 |
|
To expand current operations and enhance capabilities through the establishment of a new coil-cutting and shearing facility, improving domestic metal coil processing and enabling market diversification. Incorporated in 1996, Massilly North America Inc., a Brantford-based subsidiary of the family-owned Massilly Group, manufactures metal twist-off closures for the food and beverage industry, supplying multinational brands and regional processors across Canada and the United States. |
$4,550,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
To implement an advanced digital production and resource-management system at its textile manufacturing facility in Cambridge to improve efficiency, precision, and flexibility of its textile manufacturing operations. Founded in 1963, with over 60 years of experience manufacturing textiles, Cambridge-based MW Canada is a vertically integrated manufacturer of high-quality wholesale textiles. |
$1,035,788 |
$350,000 |
|
To enhance advanced manufacturing capabilities through product innovation, equipment upgrades, workforce development and market expansion initiatives. Located in Waterloo and incorporated in Canada in 2013, Navitas Vehicle Systems Ltd. specializes in manufacturing advanced, zero-emission electric drivetrain technologies, electric motors, and related electrification solutions for low-speed and light-industrial applications. |
$2,560,000 |
$750,000 |
|
To enhance competitiveness and capacity within the steel industry to meet growing customer demand and serve new domestic sectors such as defence. Incorporated in 2007, Cambridge-based NV Piping Systems specializes in the fabrication of custom stainless steel and nickel-alloy pressure piping systems and vessel internal distributors of stainless steel frames, skids, and pipe supports. |
$4,817,710 |
$450,000 |
|
To develop and deploy a quantum-safe artificial intelligence platform that combines advanced AI capabilities with next-generation data security technologies to protect sensitive information and critical systems from emerging quantum threats. Incorporated in 2024, Qorsa is a Canadian deep technology company offering artificial intelligence and post‑quantum cybersecurity solutions for government, defence, and regulated enterprise environments. |
$23,930,000 |
$4,500,000 |
|
To develop and commercialize quantum-enhanced radar technology while establishing Canada's first atomic vapour cell manufacturing hub, advancing next-generation quantum sensors and strengthening Canada's defence innovation capabilities. Incorporated in 2016, Quantum Valley Ideas Laboratories is an independent research laboratory in Waterloo that pursues applied research projects and takes innovative ideas to commercial ready prototypes, creating the foundation for commercialization. |
$20,000,000 |
$8,000,000 |
|
To strengthen domestic manufacturing operations and improve capabilities and efficiency by upgrading systems and adopting advanced automation and digital tools. Located in Brantford and established in 1912, Slacan Industries is a proud Canadian designer and manufacturer serving the entire Canadian electrical utility and communications industries with a comprehensive portfolio of distribution, EHV transmission, and custom pole line hardware, as well as substation components and structural steel solutions. |
$3,560,100 |
$1,000,000 |
|
To enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and support market diversification through the adoption of advanced equipment, enabling increased production of steel components for hydroelectric infrastructure and electrical grid expansion. Founded in 1932, and headquartered in Elmira, Trylon TSF Inc. is a full-service provider of cellular network site steel infrastructure, as well as site acquisition, engineering services, installation and technical services for wireless networks. |
$2,660,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
To strengthen Canada's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities by expanding its Waterloo facility and investing in specialized production equipment to increase manufacturing capacity while enhancing efficiency, quality, and supply chain resilience. Founded in 2016, VueReal is a Canadian microtechnology company that is pioneering advanced manufacturing solutions for next-generation microLED displays and semiconductor devices through its proprietary MicroSolid Printing™ platform, which enables scalable, sustainable, and high-precision production to accelerate the commercialization of innovative semiconductor technologies. |
$2,385,000 |
$750,000 |
|
To enhance manufacturing capabilities through facility upgrades, improving productivity, quality and safety while supporting growth in the Canadian mining sector, and market diversification. Founded in 1956, with facilities in Princeton, Walters Inc. has evolved from an ornamental iron shop into a world-class structural steel fabricator offering a full spectrum of structural steel services from engineering to assembly. |
$2,872,000 |
$700,000 |
|
To modernize operations, diversify revenue streams and expand domestic technical capabilities, supporting entry into defence, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing markets. Incorporated in 1992, XLTool Inc. in Kitchener specializes in designing and building metal stamping dies for the including automotive, nuclear, oil and gas, and other industrial sectors. |
$4,263,058 |
$1,000,000 |
