HAMILTON & HALTON, ON | May 15, 2026 — The Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM), an initiative of Innovation Factory, has secured renewed funding as one of nine Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS) within the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). This follows the provincial announcement of an investment of over $69.6 million into Ontario’s automotive and mobility ecosystem. This funding—comprising $17.5 million from the Government of Ontario, $32.8 million in matching industry investment, and $19.3 million from the broader public sector—is a strategic commitment to ensure that made-in-Ontario mobility solutions drive jobs, growth, and long-term competitiveness across the province.
Innovation Factory will continue to serve as the lead for the Hamilton Region RTDS, which will receive $2 million through OVIN, matched by over $330,000 from other public sector sources, and $2.2 million from private sector contributions, for a total investment of $4.5 million into the region.
As a critical catalyst for Ontario’s automotive and smart mobility sectors, CITM provides specialized business and technical assistance to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop, validate, and scale next-generation automotive and mobility technologies innovations. These efforts focus on key areas, including electrified vehicle and alternative powertrain technology, electric and hydrogen energy infrastructure, connected and autonomous vehicle systems, smart transportation infrastructure, and Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) solutions.
Central to CITM’s services is a robust, multimodal innovation framework that leverages the Hamilton and Halton regions’ unique concentration of road, rail, port, and air infrastructure. By fostering a collaborative and strategic ecosystem for SMEs, CITM provides a dedicated pathway to world-class research centers—including McMaster University, Mohawk College, Sheridan College, and CanmetMATERIALS—for advanced prototyping and material testing. This physical R&D foundation is bolstered by a suite of advanced technology platforms, including 5G network access via Rogers Communications, rich telematics data through Geotab, and specialized AI and software development capabilities from partners like NeuronicWorks, FYELABS, Naryant, and Ample Insight. CITM anchors these R&D and digital resources within real-world “living lab” pilot environments at HOPA Ports and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. CITM is also supported by impactful partners, including Miller Thompson, Hamilton Technology Centre, Innovate Niagara, Urban Robotics Foundation, Burlington Economic Development & Tourism, Invest in Hamilton, Invest Oakville, and Four County Labour Market Planning Board.
By advancing this integrated ecosystem, the impact of this funding will help foster a more resilient and diversified economy, enabling companies to transition from concept to deployment and drive job creation across the province. Ultimately, this sustained support ensures that the Hamilton and Halton regions remain a vital pillar of Ontario’s mobility supply chain, transforming homegrown innovation into long-term prosperity and global commercial success.
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“The greatest hurdle for mobility start-ups isn’t just perfecting the technology; it’s finding a safe, regulated environment to prove that it works at scale,” said David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory. “By creating a clear roadmap to specialized R&D and technical expertise, we are aiming to de-risk the path to market for innovators. This renewal ensures that CITM remains a key resource for companies that need to build, test, and scale their solutions right here in Ontario.”
“As a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector, Ontario is driving the 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 Ontario’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.”
About the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM)
The Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) provides specialized business and technical support to help start-ups and SMEs develop, validate, and scale connected and electrified vehicle and smart infrastructure innovations. With a unique multimodal focus spanning road, rail, port, and air, CITM provides access to a world-class R&D and industry ecosystem. This includes real-world “living lab” pilot environments, advanced prototyping and testing facilities, and digital infrastructure resources such as 5G connectivity, rich telematics data, and specialized AI and software development support. Through a robust network of academic and industry partners, CITM helps innovators bridge the gap between ideation and commercial success—all at no cost to the innovator.
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator serving the Brant, Halton, Hamilton and Norfolk regions since 2010 and is dedicated to growing the regional economy by accelerating start-up and scale-up companies. Innovation Factory provides innovators with business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to resources, opportunities and world-class institutions — driving market adoption, leveraging intellectual property, and increasing revenues, investment, and jobs. Innovators can also access sector-specific resources, including exclusive smart transportation test environments and data, and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem.
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.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Gauvreau, Director of Marketing
Innovation Factory
jennifer.gauvreau@innovationfactory.ca
905-802-7308