ONTARIO FUEL CELL INNOVATION PROGRAM GUIDELINES 

What is the Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program?

The Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program (OFCIP) is a discretionary funding program administered by the Ministry of Research and Innovation that focuses on the commercialization of fuel cells and fuel cell-related technologies with an emphasis on moving products to the manufacturing stage.

The overall strategic objectives of the program are to:

• Nurture the development of small and medium firms involved with fuel cells and fuel cell compatible technologies in Ontario, leading to cutting-edge jobs and investment;
• Increase the performance, reliability, durability, and economical viability of fuel cell and fuel cell-compatible technologies; and
• Increase public, consumer, and investor awareness and acceptance of fuel cell technologies.

What Initiatives will OFCIP Consider Supporting?

Subject to funding limits, OFCIP will consider supporting projects that provide benefits to Ontario and involve the commercialization, manufacturing or pilot demonstration of fuel cells and fuel cell-related technologies, such as "balance of plant" technologies (parts and systems suppliers to the fuel cell industry).

Other technologies that support the fuel cell industry may be considered.

Activities must take place in Ontario.

What Type of Support Would OFCIP Provide?

OFCIP will provide targeted financial support as follows:

1. If the project were to receive federal government funding, then the maximum provincial funding the project could receive under OFCIP would be the lesser of one-third of total eligible project costs up to a maximum of $500,000.
2. If the project received no federal government funding, then the maximum provincial funding the project could receive under OFCIP would be the lesser of one-half (50%) of total eligible project costs up to a maximum of $500,000.

Therefore, the total maximum support potentially available under OFCIP is $500,000 per project and represents a one-time funding agreement by the Province.

Who May Apply?

Individual corporations, or a group or consortium of legal entities with project proposals that meet the objectives of OFCIP, may apply. Individual persons are not eligible.

In the case of a group, one member must be selected as the lead or managing point of contact with the Government of Ontario and manage the support agreement, including receiving and distributing to other group members the support contribution made pursuant by OFCIP. This lead must be incorporated and registered pursuant to the laws of Canada or Ontario.

Each group member will be required to sign an agreement with the Government of Ontario, and be subject to all of its terms and conditions. Each group member will be subject to any liability conditions as defined in the agreement, including joint and several liability.

Ontario support will be administered and disbursed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement. These terms and conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Project members fulfilling their obligations;
• Formalizing the various funding commitments;
• The preparation of program cash flow projections;
• Establishing performance measures;
• Establishing reporting requirements;
• Establishing conditions and other general terms in a form that is satisfactory to the Province.

What Types of Costs are Eligible?

Certain costs integral to implementing the project are eligible for funding. Start-up costs such as the development and design of the prototype, purchase and installation of equipment, personnel and project management costs, monitoring costs of the project are eligible for funding.

Eligible Costs are those costs incurred by the eligible recipients that, in the opinion of the Minister, are necessary and reasonable to carry out the activities of the project (as outlined in the project's Statement of Work). These Eligible Costs are attributable to the project and would include direct labour, material and overhead costs, insurance costs, equipment and other direct charges. It should be noted that costs related to demonstration activities such as operating, testing, maintenance, codes, safety and standards development, training of skilled resources and public awareness of the project would also qualify as Eligible Costs and subject to OFCIP funding.

Eligible Costs would also include in-kind contributions that are critical to the success of the project. The valuation of such contributions must be assessed by an independent third party and acceptable to the Ministry.

Eligible Costs exclude the cost of acquiring land or buildings and any costs associated with the preparation of the application.

Applicants should be aware that the Province will not reimburse Eligible Costs incurred if the application for funding is not accepted.

If applicants have any questions as to what qualifies as Eligible Costs it is recommended that they contact Ministry staff for clarification.

See Definition of Terms for further detail.

How are Projects Assessed?

All applications will be assessed against the objectives of the OFCIP program. Specifically, the program will be looking for projects that:

• Involve the commercialization, manufacturing or pilot demonstration of fuel cells and fuel cell-related technologies such as "balance of plant" technologies (parts & systems suppliers to the fuel cell industry);
• Provide technological and broad environmental, social and economic benefits to Ontario;
• Support the establishment of a fuel cell industry, the development of a cluster of ancillary, supplier and support service industries around an existing fuel cell technology base;
• Have a viable business case, including evidence of technological feasibility and innovation;
• Are technologically feasible, and for which the proponent has the requisite technological and managerial experience and financial resources to achieve the project's objectives;
• Require a contribution under OFCIP to ensure progress is achieved towards the desired scope, timing or location; and
• Involve eligible proponents that are currently involved, and plan to continue their involvement, in Ontario's economy.

Increasing public, consumer and investor awareness and acceptance of fuel cell technology are integral objectives of the Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program and will also be key considerations in the assessment of projects.

How to Apply?

Each applicant must complete the Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program Application Form (Word - 104 KB). Applicants are encouraged to work with program officials in developing their application form.

Submissions to the Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program will be accepted for review at any time.

Mail submissions to:

Ministry of Research and Innovation
Research and Commercialization Division
Commercialization Branch
Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program
11th Floor, 56 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, ON M7A 2E7

OR

Email submissions to:

fuelcells@mri.gov.on.ca

Contact Information

For inquiries on developing a proposal to the program, Email fuelcells@mri.gov.on.ca or phone 416-326-0841 and Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program staff will provide assistance.