Next Generation Network Program

The Next Generation Network Program (NGNP) was completed in 2022. It fostered industry collaboration, provided access to ultra-high-speed network connectivity, and supported innovation in information and communications technology (ICT) for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Ontario.

NGNP Accomplishments

CENGN Celebrates the Completion of the Ontario Government Next Generation Network Program

OCI Logo         Government of Ontario Logo          NGNP

The $63-million Government of Ontario program was offered through a partnership between CENGN and the Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI). Including matching industry and partner contributions, this program represented a five-year investment of more than $115 million.

The NGNP connected CENGN’s digital infrastructure to innovation hubs across Ontario, allowing SMEs, start-ups and researchers unprecedented access to a state-of-the-art, multi-vendor, open-platform testbed and services to validate innovative products and solutions. The NGNP to assisted over 200 Ontario businesses in commercializing their solutions on a global scale.

Beyond testing and validation, the NGNP supported the growth of Ontario talent in Next Generation Networking technologies by enabling certified training opportunities and skills development.

The program established a digital backbone for Ontario’s innovation-driven economy that promoted future growth, created high-quality jobs, and enhanced the province’s global competitiveness.

Visit OCI's NGNP web page

Proof of Concept Demonstration Projects

With the NGNP, SMEs across Ontario had access to the CENGN Testbed, connecting them to state-of-the-art equipment and network services to test and validate their solutions. SMEs, multinational enterprises (MNEs), government, and academia leveraged the CENGN testbed to collaborate on commercializing their products.

Talent Development

CENGN provided industry training through certified workshops and open-source technology networking and learning events on topics such as software-defined networking (SDN), Network functions virtualization (NFV), OpenStack, OpenDaylight, management and orchestration. CENGN also offered hands-on learning and professional development opportunities for students in the ICT sector.

Residential Broadband Program

CENGN funded innovative projects across Northern and Rural Ontario to provide solutions that improve connectivity and close the digital divide between remote communities and urban centres in Canada. The CENGN Residential Broadband Program offered flexible, lower-cost, higher-performance broadband access to residences within Rural Ontario communities.

Smart Agriculture and Smart Mining

The CENGN testbed is a crucial resource for the testing and development of products and services in the smart agriculture and smart mining industries. Smart agriculture involves data-driven planting and harvesting and the use of smart technologies such as real-time weather data, crop maturity, and soil and air quality data to reduce costs and optimize output. Smart mining technologies focus on optimal production to minimize waste, control costs, enhance safety, and reduce environmental impact.

Learn more about the Next Generation Network Program

Visit OCI’s NGNP webpage to find out more about our program.