With the all-Canadian, all-electric Project Arrow showcasing what can be achieved with the right backing, the provincial government is committing $17.5 million – part of a total funding package of nearly $70 million – to promote the development, testing, and commercialization of automotive and smart mobility solutions throughout the province.
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) will create nine Regional Technology Development Sites, featuring $32.8 million in industry matching investment along with over $19.3 million from various public sector sources. These centres will be located in Oshawa, Sudbury, Windsor, York Region, Simcoe County, Waterloo, Ottawa, Kingston and Hamilton.
The goal is to utilize Ontario’s regional strengths and expertise in automotive manufacturing, technology, and critical minerals to establish a network for local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli.
“The nine Regional Technology Development Sites will provide Ontario SMEs with the tools, infrastructure and expertise they need to commercialize made-in-Ontario solutions faster,” Fedeli said during an announcement in Richmond Hill on Friday. “By fostering collaboration among industry players, municipalities and academia, we aim to keep Ontario at the leading edge of automotive and mobility innovation while creating opportunities for economic growth and investment.”
The sites are physical locations that link post-secondary institutions, regional innovation hubs, incubators and accelerators with industry partners as well as municipal and regional resources to work together on accelerating made-in-Ontario solutions through local companies.
The development sites will offer companies access to cutting-edge equipment as well as hardware and software like the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel in Oshawa; the Impact Chemistry Advanced Laboratories in Kingston; and NORCAT Underground R& D Mine in Sudbury; also providing business advisory services aimed at speeding up the commercialization of technologies developed at these facilities.
Oshawa Regional Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri was present at the announcement alongside Economic Development Director Hailey Wright. He mentioned that Oshawa is taking charge of Durham Region’s technology innovation hub in collaboration with Ontario Tech University and local partners.
Marimpietri explained that these hubs are set up to assist smaller mobility and automotive SMEs in turning their ideas into market-ready products more quickly by giving them direct access to:
Advanced testing facilities (labs, wind tunnels) Business support Funding pathways along with commercialization assistance Networks connecting SMEs with researchers as well as global industry stakeholders
“This builds a practical bridge between local startup talent and global mobility markets while boosting jobs and investments within our region.”
Oshawa Regional Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri with Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter agreed that both the city and region are “at the forefront” of Canada’s shift towards new mobility solutions. He stated that provincial backing for the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem hub (DRIVE) “is a strong endorsement” of what this area has to offer.
“By bringing together industry leaders, academia team members , and government officials , DRIVE helps entrepreneurs fast-track innovations in electric vehicles , smart mobility , advanced manufacturing , rail systems , AI applications , cybersecurity measures , and micro-mobility – sectors where Durham already shines. As major investments reshape how people move throughout our region,(this) funding ensures our SMEs have access to top-notch testing facilities along with commercialization support thereby positioning Oshawa City as well as Durham Region ahead when it comes down next-gen transport options plus economic expansion.”
The nine sites will provide chances for regional testing along with prototyping technologies while connecting businesses with nearby partners which creates pathways for adopting homegrown technologies essential for strengthening supply chains. Raed Kadri who leads OVIN commented on this saying;
“As a global leader within automotive & mobility sectors ; Ontario drives transformations toward connected electric futures.” Kadri further added ; “The OVIN Regional Technology Sites grant those based here extensive networks filled up not just around support but also expertise thus lowering barriers faced by startups ensuring creation happens locally meeting needs not just across Ontario but worldwide helping drive our economy forward.”
The aspiration remains continuous funding within auto innovations leads us towards similar successes seen before like Project Arrow – Canada’s inaugural locally built zero-emission vehicle designed by students from Carleton University based outta Ottawa put together utilizing 97% Canadian parts manufactured over at Ontario Tech University’s Automotive Centre Of Excellence placed right inside Oshawa itself!
First revealed back during CES 2023 held over Las Vegas strip this car transitioned beyond concept reaching nearly full mass production stage!
This zero-emission prototype came about via efforts spearheaded under Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association led by Flavio Volpe – an outspoken advocate pushing forth positive narratives surrounding Canada despite turbulent political times felt across borders whilst former President Trump served his tumultuous two terms ! Volpe expressed enthusiasm stating : “Project Arrow showcases Canadian ingenuity resilience teamwork amidst challenges faced head-on.”
“It embodies national movement steering toward electric future presenting visions around sustainability paired alongside advancements driving us toward tomorrow.”
The second prototype from Project Arrow series scheduled unveiling occurs globally during upcoming Canadian International Auto Show taking place inside Toronto this weekend!
For additional insights related specifically onto Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network feel free visiting https://www. ovinhub. ca
The development sites will offer companies access to cutting-edge equipment as well as hardware and software like the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel in Oshawa; the Impact Chemistry Advanced Laboratories in Kingston; and NORCAT Underground R& D Mine in Sudbury; also providing business advisory services aimed at speeding up the commercialization of technologies developed at these facilities.
Oshawa Regional Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri was present at the announcement alongside Economic Development Director Hailey Wright. He mentioned that Oshawa is taking charge of Durham Region’s technology innovation hub in collaboration with Ontario Tech University and local partners.
Marimpietri explained that these hubs are set up to assist smaller mobility and automotive SMEs in turning their ideas into market-ready products more quickly by giving them direct access to:
Advanced testing facilities (labs, wind tunnels) Business support Funding pathways along with commercialization assistance Networks connecting SMEs with researchers as well as global industry stakeholders
“This builds a practical bridge between local startup talent and global mobility markets while boosting jobs and investments within our region.”
Oshawa Regional Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri with Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter agreed that both the city and region are “at the forefront” of Canada’s shift towards new mobility solutions. He stated that provincial backing for the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem hub (DRIVE) “is a strong endorsement” of what this area has to offer.
“By bringing together industry leaders, academia team members , and government officials , DRIVE helps entrepreneurs fast-track innovations in electric vehicles , smart mobility , advanced manufacturing , rail systems , AI applications , cybersecurity measures , and micro-mobility – sectors where Durham already shines. As major investments reshape how people move throughout our region,(this) funding ensures our SMEs have access to top-notch testing facilities along with commercialization support thereby positioning Oshawa City as well as Durham Region ahead when it comes down next-gen transport options plus economic expansion.”
The nine sites will provide chances for regional testing along with prototyping technologies while connecting businesses with nearby partners which creates pathways for adopting homegrown technologies essential for strengthening supply chains. Raed Kadri who leads OVIN commented on this saying;
“As a global leader within automotive & mobility sectors ; Ontario drives transformations toward connected electric futures.” Kadri further added ; “The OVIN Regional Technology Sites grant those based here extensive networks filled up not just around support but also expertise thus lowering barriers faced by startups ensuring creation happens locally meeting needs not just across Ontario but worldwide helping drive our economy forward.”
The aspiration remains continuous funding within auto innovations leads us towards similar successes seen before like Project Arrow – Canada’s inaugural locally built zero-emission vehicle designed by students from Carleton University based outta Ottawa put together utilizing 97% Canadian parts manufactured over at Ontario Tech University’s Automotive Centre Of Excellence placed right inside Oshawa itself!
First revealed back during CES 2023 held over Las Vegas strip this car transitioned beyond concept reaching nearly full mass production stage!
This zero-emission prototype came about via efforts spearheaded under Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association led by Flavio Volpe – an outspoken advocate pushing forth positive narratives surrounding Canada despite turbulent political times felt across borders whilst former President Trump served his tumultuous two terms ! Volpe expressed enthusiasm stating : “Project Arrow showcases Canadian ingenuity resilience teamwork amidst challenges faced head-on.”
“It embodies national movement steering toward electric future presenting visions around sustainability paired alongside advancements driving us toward tomorrow.”
The second prototype from Project Arrow series scheduled unveiling occurs globally during upcoming Canadian International Auto Show taking place inside Toronto this weekend!
For additional insights related specifically onto Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network feel free visiting https://www. ovinhub. ca
