Toronto, ON – November 27, 2025 – The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is partnering with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) to pilot innovative transit solutions that could improve safety, reliability, and customer experience. As part of the latest expansion of the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones, Ontario companies will have the opportunity to pilot their technologies directly within the TTC network.
This partnership unlocks new opportunities for southern Ontario companies to integrate technologies in real-world transit environments, including buses, stations, and supporting infrastructure. Companies will receive up to $100,000 to pilot a series of use cases that showcase how Ontario-made technologies can address critical urban mobility challenges.
A part of the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones program, which was launched in February 2024 with an $8-million investment from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, this expansion builds on a shared commitment to accelerate the commercialization of automotive and mobility technologies in southern Ontario.
“By investing in real-world testing environments like the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones, our government is helping Ontario companies turn bold ideas into market-ready solutions,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “This partnership with the TTC is an example of how the Government of Canada is supporting the acceleration of innovation in urban mobility, contributing to stronger domestic supply chains and helping create the conditions to enable our businesses to demonstrate their innovative technologies and grow globally.”
By anchoring these pilots within Canada’s largest transit system, the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones will play a key role in the TTC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen operations and improve the rider experience. These pilots will also connect the TTC with local, homegrown Ontario companies with made-in-Ontario solutions, creating opportunities for these companies to bring their technologies to market, enter domestic supply chains in Ontario and Canada, and provide them with a leg up as they look to scale into global markets.
“OVIN is giving Ontario businesses the tools they need to scale, compete, and win in the global mobility market,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Partnering with the TTC, these companies can test their technologies in real-world transit environments and connect with new customers. Our government is supporting entrepreneurs as they solve key transportation challenges and drive economic growth.”
“Ontario companies are taking on the most pressing transportation challenges in Canada’s largest city to eliminate gridlock and get our economy moving,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “By refining and integrating advanced technologies into TTC operations, the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones aim to enhance public transit safety, efficiency, and accessibility for millions of daily commuters, while building a launchpad for our local companies to enter into domestic supply chains and global markets.”
“The City of Toronto is the largest technology hub in Canada, and one of the largest worldwide. Creating another OVIN Technology Pilot Zone in Toronto is yet another way we can ensure this is a city where innovation thrives,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
Since its inception, OVIN Technology Pilot Zones has supplied real-world scenarios that have provided a launch pad for over 40 SMEs as they pilot and commercialize more than 40 new technologies, predominantly within the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), connected and automated vehicle (CAV), and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) areas. With the addition of TTC to a growing list of OVIN Technology Pilot Zone partners, such as the City of Toronto and Federal Bridge Corporation’s Blue Water Bridge, OVIN is providing local, homegrown companies with the opportunity to enhance their technologies before entering the market, while showcasing to potential customers their solutions, both domestically and internationally.
“Through OVIN, we’re driving innovation that transforms how people move, connect, and live,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “This partnership with the TTC enables Ontario companies the opportunity to pilot their technologies in one of the most complex transit systems in North America.”
For more information on eligibility requirements and application intakes, visit ovinhub.ca.
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, demonstration grounds, and state-of-the-art live environments to pilot technologies through the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.
About FedDev Ontario
For 16 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.
Media Contacts
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca
Corporate Communications, 416-981-1900, media@ttc.ca
Sofia Ouslis, Press Secretary, sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca