Toronto Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) – Call for Proposals
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, OVIN now seeks to establish an additional, net-new component to the Toronto Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), with a unique focus area that is complimentary to the existing RTDS network.
Important Dates
June 6, 2023: Deadline for Proposals
July 2023: Proposal Decision
Important Links
Download RTDS Call for Proposal
Call for Proposals
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, OVIN now seeks to establish an additional, net-new component to the Toronto Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), with a unique focus area that is complimentary to the existing RTDS network.
Eligibility
The Applicant must be a not-for-profit or consortium of not-for-profits operating in Toronto and surrounding constituency with a successful track record supporting Ontario’s innovation economy. Established Research Innovation Centres, academic institutions, economic development corporations, not-for-profits, and industry associations may co-apply.
The Applicant may include sites in multiple locations across Toronto and surrounding constituency to form the Regional Technology Development Site. Consortium models are encouraged, however there should be one Lead Applicant organization who will lead and coordinate all RTDS activities. The Lead Applicant should be a not-for-profit, municipal or regional agency, such as an established Regional Innovation Centre or Economic Development Corporation.
Scope of Work
The RTDS will serve as a location to test and validate technologies, support prototyping, and provide access to equipment and services to support the development and commercialization of technologies. Typical project activities include technology development, product/service validation, testing, proof of concept, demonstration. Projects can also include advisory, networking, education, and financing activities.
The site will be collaborative, sharing best practices, networking opportunities and other services with the other Regional Technology Development Sites across Ontario. Proposed activities should be complimentary to the other established RTDS activities and not duplicative.
It is expected that the site will act as a resource hub for OVIN in the region, coordinating activities among and engaging with stakeholders across the ecosystem.
Potential RTDS activities include but are not limited to providing:
- Physical space for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs to co-locate
- Space to test, validate & prototype technologies
- Access to specialized equipment, hardware and software to be used for the testing, development, and demonstration of new products and technologies
- Business and technical advisory services
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Support for regional testing & piloting of technologies
The RTDS will use an Open Innovation Ecosystem Model (sharing of knowledge) to ensure SMEs (including start-ups and entrepreneurs) retain intellectual property. The site should bring resources and partners within the innovation ecosystem together to create collaborative spaces and an environment that enables innovation to thrive.
Application Process & Evaluation Criteria
The application template is available upon request from the Sector Manager.
Only complete applications meeting the project requirements will be approved and advance through review. Please refer to the RTDS Call for Proposal document for full details.
Your proposal must be submitted through email to ovinteam@oc-innovation.ca by 23:59 on June 6, 2023. Please include “RTDS Business Plan” in the subject line.
Contacts
John George
Sector Manager, Automotive and Mobility Innovation
jgearoge@oc-innovation.ca