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Raed Kadri, head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, addresses a crowd at the Kingston Innovation Hub on Princess Street in Kingston on May 22, 2026. (Supplied photo/Daniel Solorio/Kingston Economic Development) jpg, KI, apsmc
Kingston and eastern Ontario have been chosen as one of nine regional technology development sites under the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network across the province.
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The initiative called Fuse marks Kingston as Ontario’s first site dedicated specifically to chemistry and materials innovation for automotive technologies and mobility solutions.
The project is spearheaded by the Kingston Economic Development Corporation with funding comprising $2 million from the Ontario government, $4 million in industry investment, and $3 million in public sector support. This totals $9 million aimed at advancing new automotive technologies for market readiness.
The development site will also receive backing from neighboring municipalities like Gananoque, Peterborough, and Kawartha Lakes.
“One of the technologies that has been missing, and one of the expertise that has been missing (from previous regional technology development sites), has been chemistry-based. For automotives, chemistry is heavily engaged, especially when it comes to EV batteries, semiconductors, and material development,” Kingston Economic Development Corporation’s director of business development, Shelley Hirstwood said in an interview.
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This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below.According Hirstwood , Kingston was selected as location for chemistry-focused development site because technology development partners that are already present here include Impact Chemistry , Kingston Process Metallurgy , Kingston Metals Materials , and Reaction Hub.
These collaborations based out of Kingston have played a vital role making this regional development site possible.
“(Kingston) has a proven pathway for commercialization chemistry-based companies. I don’t think there’s any other expertise like that across Ontario, and I think that’s even actually been limited across Canada. Of course , that is complemented with expertise at Queen’s University and our industry partners who are also involved,” Hirstwood said.
Queen’s will be another key partner. While this project offers technical partners chances to utilize Queen’s resources, Hirstwood noted “as these companies are scalingand growing,[..] there’ll be opportunities for(Queen’s students) whether it’s internships, jobs, and future opportunities.”
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This ad hasn’t loaded yet, your article continues below.<fuse aims bridge lab research industrial production using wet labs, piloting bays analytical equipment The goal according Claudia Krywiak, president chief executive officer Ontario Centre Innovation, is turn “regional innovation into real economic impact,” stated May25 release In same release, Kingson Mayor Bryan Paterson remarked how this developmental zone will lead create “high-value jobs reinforce Eastern Ontarios position hub sustainable innovation.” Although there isn’t clear estimate how many roles this venture create, Hirstwood expressed expected benefits startups while offering openings chemists engineers. Hirstwood emphasized today’ relevance chemistry addressing national global issues can’t overstated Chemistry essential “everything recycling using cyclic materials example, recycling magnets back rare earth elements or developing new battery tech better efficiency extreme cold weather very much suited Canadian climate” She insisted significance chemical innovation expands well beyond city limits. “We’re really centered forefront shaping future advanced manufacturing side even amidst large investments defense tons chances how skills here can address many real-life challenges both within Canada through NATO partnerships.”
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