Toronto, Ontario – [August 18, 2026] – Aeroflux, a Toronto-based technology company developing advanced braking solutions for the aerospace and rail industries, is collaborating with Alstom Canada, a global leader in rail transport systems and Canadian-based manufacturer, to advance a novel induction heating technology designed to improve train braking performance in winter conditions. The project is supported by the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) R&D Partnership Fund, with a total project value of over $275,000, including over $72,000 from the Province of Ontario and over $203,000 from private industry.
Aeroflux’s contactless, permanent, magnet-based induction heating unit offers an innovative approach to improving rail braking performance in harsh winter conditions. The system prevents the buildup of snow and ice on braking components while eliminating the need for energy-intensive friction-based methods currently used across the industry. By improving system reliability and operational efficiency, the technology supports safer and more resilient rail operations during Canadian winters.
The current phase of the project focuses on laboratory validation and design optimization, with testing conducted in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). In addition to validating system performance under simulated winter conditions, Aeroflux is exploring advanced design configurations to further improve performance and adaptability across different rail platforms.
Alstom Canada is providing engineering support, application expertise and test benches to ensure the technology aligns with real-world operational requirements and safety standards. The company benefits from a strong base of more than 1,000 engineers and several projects in operation across the country, as well as an innovation and prototyping facility in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, and a dedicated test track in Kingston, Ontario.
Through OVIN support, the project is helping accelerate the development and commercialization of Ontario-made mobility technologies while strengthening the province’s position as a leader in transportation innovation.
Quotes:
“This project represents a meaningful step toward improving the reliability of rail operations in winter conditions. Thanks to our solution, we can reduce maintenance demands, lower operational costs, and deliver a more efficient solution for transit systems. Support from OVIN enables us to accelerate development and position this technology for broader adoption through a clear path to commercialization.”
Nikola Kostic, CEO of Aeroflux
“Winter performance remains a key challenge for the transportation sector globally, and innovations like Aeroflux’s solution represent a promising step forward,”. We are pleased to collaborate with Aeroflux, with support from the Government of Ontario, to advance technologies that enhance performance, reduce operational impacts, and improve the overall efficiency of the rail system.”
Éric Rondeau, Head of the Montreal Innovation Station at Alstom
“Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector continues to demonstrate the innovation, talent and ambition needed to lead in a rapidly evolving global market. Through OVIN, we are helping Ontario companies accelerate the development of transformative technologies, strengthen strategic partnerships, and bring made-in-Ontario solutions closer to commercialization. Investments like these play an important role in reinforcing Ontario’s supply chain and ensuring the province remains competitive in the industries of the future.”
Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) at OCI
“Ontario’s continued leadership in automotive and mobility innovation is built on the strength of collaboration. By bringing together innovative SMEs, industry partners, researchers, and government, OVIN is creating the conditions for made-in-Ontario technologies to move from concept to commercialization faster. These investments are helping build a more resilient, competitive automotive ecosystem—one that creates high-value jobs, attracts investment, and ensures Ontario remains a global leader in the future of mobility.”
Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation
About Aeroflux
Aeroflux is a Toronto-based technology company focused on developing advanced, contactless braking systems for the aerospace and rail industries. The company’s innovations aim to improve safety, reduce maintenance requirements, and enhance operational efficiency, particularly in challenging environmental conditions.
About Alstom
With over 5,000 highly skilled Canadian employees, Alstom is the only rolling stock manufacturer in the country, and provides a full suite of rolling stock, signalling solutions, and operations and maintenance services for major rail projects in Canada. Alstom is Canada’s national champion for urban rail mobility solutions and is proud to be at the centre of mobility projects across Ontario, including Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa, as well as other Canadian projects in Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, and soon, Quebec City.
About OVIN
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (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: www.ovinhub.ca.
Media Contact
Stacy Patenaude
438-336-5191
stacy.patenaude@alstomgroup.com
Stevan Kostic
stevan.kostic@aerofluxbrakes.com