The City of Oshawa is excited to share that the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem (DRIVE) has been recognized as one of OVIN’s nine Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS).
(From left to right) John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO of The Regional Municipality of Durham; Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Oshawa Economic and Development Services Committee Chair; Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head, OVIN; Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter; Mona Eghanian, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head, OVIN; and Dr. Les Jacobs, Professor and Vice-President of Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech University during the March 3 DRIVE RTDS announcement.
The City of Oshawa along with its partners extends gratitude to the Government of Ontario for their support in DRIVE, which was announced at Ontario Tech University’s Automotive Centre of Excellence. The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) will contribute up to $2 million in funding for DRIVE. This initiative has also attracted over $2.4 million from industry investments and more than $2.5 million in public sector support that includes opportunities for real-world testing zones, mentorship programs, workspace availability, co-location services, and acceleration support. This leads to an overall investment close to $7 million aimed at giving small- and medium-sized enterprises access to specialized tools, advanced testing facilities, capital opportunities, and advisory assistance to promote advanced automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions.
The complete RTDS network was unveiled on February 6 by the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. This initiative is backed by a $17.5 million investment from the Government of Ontario through OVIN. Additionally, this funding is complemented by $32.8 million from industry investments alongside over $19.3 million from other public sector sources for a grand total nearing $70 million.
These financial commitments position Oshawa and Durham Region as frontrunners in next-generation mobility solutions as well as advanced manufacturing innovation within smart transportation.
About Drive
DRIVE is spearheaded by the City of Oshawa in collaboration with Ontario Tech while receiving backing from vital regional partners such as ACE Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel, Brilliant Catalyst, 1855 Technology Accelerator, the Region of Durham, and the Town of Whitby.
About the RTDS Network
The combined resources enhance Ontario’s mobility ecosystem while offering small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to cutting-edge testing facilities along with advisory services aimed at commercializing innovations.
About DRIVE RTDS
As Durham Region experiences rapid growth-from the GO East Extension stretching through Oshawa towards Bowmanville to improvements on Highway 401 along with Ontario Power Generation’s SMR project plus plans for Alto high-speed rail corridor-new chances are arising for transforming how people and goods travel throughout the region. DRIVE provides SMEs with access to specialized equipment including advanced testing via ACE Climate Wind Tunnel along with funding pathways alongside practical business guidance plus technical advisory support. Industry leaders like Alstom, Protexxa, Illuminex AI , and Scooty bolster DRIVE’s ecosystem through their expertise in rail technology , cybersecurity , AI , and micro-mobility sectors.
Are you considering investing or expanding in Oshawa? Discover sector insights , data tools , and support options at oshawaecdev. ca or reach out directly to the Oshawa Economic Development team via business@oshawa. ca or 905-436-5617.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
OVIN represents an initiative created by the Government of Ontario led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). Its goal is to solidify Ontario’s status as a leader in North America concerning advanced automotive technologies alongside innovative smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles , autonomous driving systems , and electric or low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources like research & development (R&D) aid alongside talent development efforts technology acceleration initiatives business & technical supports plus demonstration sites OVIN gives an edge competitively for companies producing automotive & mobility tech within Ontario. For additional information visit www. ovinhub. ca.
Quotes:
“As a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector , Ontario is driving transformation towards a connected, electric future,” said Raed Kadri , Head Of OVIN.”The OVIN Regional Technology Sites provide Ontario-based SMEs access To An Extensive network Of Support And Expertise And Reduce Barriers For Start-Ups And Companies To Create Homegrown Solutions To Meet Not Only Ontar Io’S Needs But Those Of Customers All Across The Globe To Drive Our Economy Forward.”
“Through OVIn , Ontario Is Creating A Province-Wide Network That Turns Regional innovation into Real Economic Impact ,” said Claudia Krywiak, President And CEO Of The ontario Centre Of Innovation.”By Establishing Nine Regional Technology Development Sites We’re Giving SMEs Access To World-Class Infrastructure And Expertise That Helps Them Commercialize Faster Strengthen Supply Chains And Compete Globally. This Investment Ensures That Made-In-Ontario Mobility Solutions Drive Jobs Growth And Long-Term Competitiveness Across The Province.”
“The City Of oshawa And Durham Region Are At The Forefront Of Canada’s Mobility Transformation And Ovin’S Support For Drive Is A Powerful Endorsement Of The Regions Strengths ,” said Mayor Dan Carter city OF osh AWA.”By Bringing Together Industry Academia AND Government Drive IS Helping Entrepreneurs Accelerate innovation In Electric AND Smart Mobility Advanced Manufacturing Rail AI Cybersecurity AND Micromobility Areas Where durham Already Excels.”
“We Thank The government OF ontario AND ovin For Their Support This Investment Strengthens oshawas Position AS A Global Leader AND Driving Force IN ontarios Innovation Economy – Accelerating Job Creation Supporting OUR Local Sm Es AND Driving Long-Term Economic Growth Across OUR Metropolitan City AND THE Broader DURHAM REGION,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri Chair OF THE CITY OF os Haw A’s Economic AND DEVELOPMENT Services Committee.”
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