OVIN to launch demonstration sites for automotive and mobility technologies
New demonstration zone will operate across York Region, one of Canada’s largest automotive manufacturing regions.
THORNHILL – The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is launching the new OVIN Demonstration Zone in partnership with the City of Vaughan and the City of Markham. This new $7.3 million project includes $2.5 million in support from the Ontario government through OVIN and $1.4 million in combined funding from the City of Vaughan and the City of Markham.
“With a world-class workforce, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, and an abundance of critical minerals, Ontario has secured its position a global leader in the auto sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We’re building on that momentum with the new OVIN Demonstration Zone and ensuring that our innovators and entrepreneurs have the tools needed to bring made-in-Ontario automotive and mobility solutions to the world. The vehicles of the future will be built in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”
The OVIN Demonstration Zone will give Ontario small and medium-sized businesses real-world environments to pilot and demonstrate innovative automotive and mobility solutions, including electric vehicle technologies, shared and integrated mobility solutions, robotics, and connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. Companies will be able to showcase leading-edge technologies, serving as a lighthouse to attract new customers and partners which will create jobs and increase the export of Ontario-made technologies around the world.
“Ontario has emerged as a leader on the global stage as the automotive and mobility sector undergoes a transformation towards connected, autonomous and electric vehicles,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “Through the launch of the OVIN Demonstration Zone, we are inviting the world to come see all that Ontario has to offer, from the wealth of critical minerals in Northern Ontario, to the manufacturing strength of Southern Ontario, and everywhere in between.”
Automotive technologies and accelerate smart mobility innovation have the potential to improve quality of life, while generating new economic opportunities for Ontario. The Zone will operate with the support of key partners, including SmartCentres, Rogers Communications, Syntronic, Honda Canada, AMD, IBM, Qualcomm, Microart Services Inc., Remington Group, PSP Services, York Region, York Region Transit, Toronto Transit Commission, York University, Alectra, and Seneca-HELIX.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.
For more information
Alicia Pereira
apereira@oc-innovation.ca
416-888-4088
Quotes
“The Auto Mobility Demonstration Zone aligns with our vision to transform Markham into a frictionless city and to develop a living-lab for rapid prototyping new initiatives. Markham is already leading the way in automotive innovation and the addition of the Demonstration Zone furthers our commitment to advance the future of sustainable mobility technologies.”
— Mayor Frank Scarpitti, City of Markham
In Vaughan, innovation is in our DNA. The OVIN Demonstration Zone will showcase the future of transportation innovation, providing an exciting opportunity for companies to safely test their solutions in the real world. It will support the advancement of automotive and smart mobility solutions to improve the way we move people and goods, while generating new economic opportunities for Ontario-based businesses. Vaughan’s automotive sector is thriving, and I cannot wait to see what innovations will arise from this new initiative. I want to thank Premier Ford, Minister Fedeli and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network for seeing the potential in this program, as well as our partners from the City of Markham – there’s no limit to what we can achieve when we work together.
— Mayor Steven Del Duca, City of Vaughan
“The Ontario Centre of Innovation is grateful for the Ontario government’s continued support of the province’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Funding for this Demonstration Zone supports companies across our province to commercialize their automotive and mobility solutions, and signals to the world Ontario’s capabilities as a leading automotive and mobility jurisdiction.”
– Claudia Krywiak, President, and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
“Supported by a skilled workforce and highly talented STEM graduates, Ontario is attracting global investment, creating jobs, and driving innovation in the electric vehicle industry,” said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan. “I am proud of this investment right in our community of Vaughan that will support job growth and further cement our province as a leading jurisdiction for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological development.”
– Minister Stephen Lecce
“This investment is another example of how, under the leadership of Premier Ford and through the tireless work of Minister Fedeli, Ontario is becoming a global leader in the automotive industry. With this new Demonstration Zone, Vaughan will become Ontario’s automotive showroom, where the innovation and talent of our province goes on display. I want to thank Minister Fedeli and his team for bringing this important investment to the great city of Vaughan.”
– Minister Michael Tibollo
“The OVIN Demonstration Zone’s launch with Vaughan and Markham showcases our region’s potential as an automotive and mobility tech hub. Markham’s automotive heritage and skilled workforce make it perfect for cutting-edge solutions like electric vehicles and autonomous tech. This investment fuels economic growth and cements Ontario’s global automotive leadership, propelling our transportation future and positioning Ontario as an innovation powerhouse.” – Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham-Stouffville.
– Minister Paul Calandra
“Thornhill is a hub of manufacturing activity and innovation. The new OVIN Demonstration Zone will see even more transformation for one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario. I am proud to see our government investing in Vaughan, York Region and Ontario’s future as a global leader in autonomous and electric vehicle solutions.”
– MPP Laura Smith
“The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s $2.5 million investment in our automotive and mobility technology landscape through the OVIN Demonstration Zone is truly a promising development for our vibrant community,” said Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham – Thornhill, “As the MPP for Markham-Thornhill, I’m thrilled that this initiative will foster growth, innovation, and collaboration among our local businesses and key partners. Together, we’ll propel Ontario to become a leading force in the global market, creating a brighter future for all.”
– MPP Logan Kanapathi
“The Ontario government’s investment of $2.5 million to help grow and develop the burgeoning automotive and mobility technology scene through the OVIN Demonstration Zone is promising and constructive for our communities, businesses, and future,” said Billy Pang, MPP for Markham-Unionville. “I am glad that some of the key partners in Markham-Unionville will participate in developing and shaping the acceleration of these technologies. Many will benefit from this investment and it will continue to build Ontario as a strong competitive leader in North America and the world.”
– MPP Billy Pang