Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Competitive grants of up to $150,000 (50% match) for Ontario automotive supply chain SMEs to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, AI solutions, lean practices, and product development tools. Round 7 prioritizes AI-enabled solutions. Requires 30% of revenue from the automotive sector.
Eligibility Requirements
- For-profit business incorporated in Ontario with CRA Business Number
- Fewer than 500 employees in Ontario
- Less than $1 billion in consolidated global revenues
- At least 30% of total sales revenue from the automotive sector
- Must be a supplier to OEMs of passenger or commercial vehicles (not aftermarket)
- Must have or commit to having a manufacturing location in Ontario
- Minimum 2 years of audited financial statements
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $150,000 per project (50% of eligible costs)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Between intakes — Round 7 closed Apr 16, 2026; Round 8 timing TBD
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win O-AMP — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 6-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 6-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 3-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
Applying for O-AMP? Our Grant Proposal Template ($19) mirrors the section structure Canadian reviewers actually score on. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipRound 7 explicitly prioritizes AI-enabled solutions — applications featuring AI/ML for predictive maintenance, quality control, or production optimization will score highest. The 30% automotive revenue threshold is strictly enforced; have financial documentation ready. Consider combining with the federal IRAP program for the technology assessment phase, then using O-AMP for the implementation. Past recipients in Rounds 4-6 can reapply for different projects.
Success Profile
Ontario Tier 2 and Tier 3 automotive parts suppliers with 50-300 employees modernizing production through AI, automation, or lean manufacturing. Companies transitioning from ICE to EV component manufacturing. Machine shops and metal stamping operations adopting Industry 4.0 technologies.
Evaluation Criteria
Assessed on technology innovation (AI solutions prioritized in Round 7), economic impact (productivity gains, job creation/retention), project feasibility, and company capability to execute. Strong emphasis on measurable outcomes.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 9
- Advanced manufacturing hardware and software
- AI-enabled solutions and implementation
- ERP systems and production tracking software
- Predictive analytics and quality control systems
- CAD/CAM systems and FEA software
- Rapid prototyping equipment
- Lean manufacturing implementation and consultant fees
- Training for new equipment and processes
- Incremental salaries for project staff (proportional to time)
Ineligible Expenses 6
- R&D costs
- Building construction or infrastructure
- Equipment unrelated to technology adoption (forklifts, storage)
- Routine maintenance
- Business acquisitions or restructuring
- Staff relocation costs
Intake Periods
Competitive rounds, typically 1-2 per year. Round 7: March 4 – April 16, 2026.
Deadline Notes
O-AMP operates in competitive rounds. Round 7 opened March 4, 2026 and closes April 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT. Round 8 timing TBD. Not all rounds are guaranteed — depends on available budget. Apply early as intakes may close if oversubscribed.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Aftermarket automotive parts manufacturers
- Non-automotive manufacturers (under 30% auto revenue)
- Companies with 500+ Ontario employees
- Companies with $1B+ global revenue
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskStandard reimbursement model — funds only disbursed after verified expenses. No repayment risk as payments are post-expenditure.
How O-AMP Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Automotive Modernization Prog... | Up to $150,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Between intakes — Round... |
| NRC IRAP Clean Technology Program | $100,000–$500,000 | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Next deadline: May 29,... |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
| Ontario Innovation Tax Credit | Up to 8% tax credit | Moderate | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about O-AMP