Kitchener, ON — [May 14, 2026] — The Government of Ontario, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), has announced an investment of $17.5 million to establish nine Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS), with a matching industry investment of $32.8 million as well as an investment of over $19.3 million from the broader public sector, for a total investment of over $69.6 million.
As part of this province-wide initiative, Catalyst Connected Infrastructure Network (CCIN) will serve as lead for the Waterloo Region RTDS, which will receive up to $2 million in funding, matched by $2.6 million from local government and not-for-profit partners, and $4.6 million from the private sector, for a total investment of $9.2 million in the Waterloo Region. This funding will accelerate the development, testing, and commercialization of next-generation mobility and connected infrastructure solutions.
Building the Future of Connected Infrastructure
The OVIN RTDS in Waterloo provides companies with access to a live, region-scale test environment powered by real infrastructure and enriched through data integrations with Canadian leaders like GeoTab and Miovision. With access to more than 500 smart intersections and 1,200 connected municipal fleet vehicles, companies can develop, test, and validate technologies using real-time data in real-world conditions.
A Platform for Industry Collaboration
The OVIN RTDS brings together a coalition of private sector, academic, and ecosystem partners to create a high-impact commercialization platform. The RTDS will be delivered in partnership with Geotab, Miovision, Communitech, University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, Deloitte, and others, participating companies gain access to a real-world test environment powered by live infrastructure data, hands-on technical and commercialization support, direct connections to municipal and enterprise partners, and clear pathways to procurement and global markets.
Quotes:
“This investment marks a pivotal step in positioning Waterloo Region as a global leader in connected infrastructure and next-generation mobility. By partnering with trusted Canadian leaders like Geotab and Miovision, we are enabling companies to develop, validate, and scale transformative technologies on proven platforms with real-time data. Our focus is clear: build in Ontario, scale across Canada, compete globally.”
Amber French, Executive Director, CCIN
I am indeed thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Catalyst Connected Infrastructure Network, with special thanks to the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network. Waterloo Region’s mobility innovation ecosystem is really special, with companies like Miovision and Geotab leading the way. This investment empowers companies to stand on the shoulders of these innovation giants, inventing a future for mobility that we can hardly imagine today.
Tony LaMantia, President & CEO, Waterloo EDC
There are few places in the world where companies can access this level of connected infrastructure, real-world data, and ecosystem support in one place. By bringing together assets like Geotab-connected public sector fleets and signalized intersections across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, CCIN is enabling a large-scale testbed for next-generation mobility. Geotab is proud to help create a clear pathway for businesses to move from testing to commercialization and scale their solutions globally.
Mike Branch, Vice President, Data & Analytics, Geotab
This investment by OVIN is a powerful validation of the world-class mobility ecosystem being built right here in Waterloo Region. Miovision is proud to contribute our network of intersections to the CCIN RTDS, providing a crucial, real-time testing environment that will accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation transportation solutions. This partnership is essential for solidifying our region’s position as a global leader in Intelligent Mobility.
Kurtis McBride, CEO, Miovision
“As a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector, Ontario is driving the transformation towards a connected, electric future. 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 Ontario’s needs, but those of customers all across the globe, to drive our economy forward.”
Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Business Development, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), OCI
“Through OVIN, Ontario is creating a province-wide network that turns regional innovation into real economic impact. 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.”
Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation
Media Contact
Catalyst Connected Infrastructure Network (CCIN)
Amber French
Executive Director, CCIN
amber@catalyst-ventures.co
About Catalyst Connected Infrastructure Network (CCIN)
The Catalyst Connected Infrastructure Network (CCIN) is a not-for-profit initiative focused on designing, building, and activating next-generation infrastructure environments that support the development and commercialization of advanced technologies. By bringing together industry, academia, and government, CCIN enables companies to test, validate, and scale innovations in real-world settings, accelerating economic growth and strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
About OVIN’S RTDS
The Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS) initiative is a province-wide network designed to provide Ontario-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to resources, environments, and partnerships needed to develop, test, and commercialize advanced automotive and mobility technologies. By leveraging regional strengths, RTDS enables coordinated innovation and accelerates the adoption of next-generation solutions across Ontario.
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: https://www.ovinhub.ca.