(May 27, 2024—Toronto, ON) The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), with support from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has launched a Technology Pilot Zone focused on urban mobility. the Zone responds to call for testing and piloting sites to drive the development of next-generation automotive and mobility solutions.
“Having secured over $43 billion in new electric vehicle and EV battery manufacturing investments over the last four years, our government continues to recognize the economic potential of advanced automotive technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We congratulate OVIN and the City of Toronto on the launch of their new Technology Pilot Zone, and look forward to the new innovations in urban mobility solutions that will be produced by Ontario-based SMEs.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between OVIN and the City of Toronto will provide eligible small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to real-world environments where they can pilot technologies that address urban mobility challenges such as pedestrian safety, congestion management, and dated infrastructure. These pilots will also provide the City of Toronto with opportunities to evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on current mobility challenges and leverage potential benefits for improving transportation services in Canada’s largest metropolitan area.
“Our government is working tirelessly to ensure our province has the transportation infrastructure we need to support our growing population,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Transportation. “The launch of the OVIN Technology Pilot Zone will help find ways to make transit more seamless and is a major step forward in realizing our vision for the future of urban mobility.”
Receiving up to $100,000 in funding through the program, eligible SMEs will be able to integrate made-in-Ontario connected, autonomous, and electric vehicle (EV) and mobility technologies with urban infrastructure, enabled by 5G wireless connectivity and leading-edge computing infrastructure. Examples of technologies and solutions to be piloted include connected and autonomous vehicles for passenger transport or delivery services, EV charging technologies, accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities, dynamic signage and traffic signals, and road safety solutions, particularly for vulnerable road users.
“As a vibrant, dynamic and growing city, it’s important to explore new ways to better manage all forms of traffic so we can keep Toronto moving,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “We are proud to partner with OVIN to leverage the potential of innovative traffic technology that can help ensure all road users have a smoother, faster and safer journey on our streets.”
In February, the Government of Canada provided an $8-million investment to OVIN to establish two live-environment piloting sites to support the development and commercialization of new transportation technologies and innovative solutions in southern Ontario.
“As Ontario and Canada’s economic and tech powerhouse and largest metropolitan area, the City of Toronto is uniquely positioned to adopt innovative urban mobility technologies that will facilitate safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “The OVIN Technology Pilot Zone for urban mobility cultivates the unparalleled potential of made-in-Ontario innovation to address mobility challenges, while accelerating their commercialization and growth.”
The Toronto location focuses on urban transportation. The Windsor/Sarnia site focuses on cross-border and multi-modal scenarios. These world-class, live-testing sites will act as a launch pad for over 40 SMEs as they pilot and commercialize over 40 new technologies, predominantly within the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and connected and automated vehicle (CAV) areas.
“The work being done through OVIN’s pilot zones is vital to the growth of Canada’s EV and CAV technology and manufacturing sector, and the health of our communities and environment,” said The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada is happy to support this project as we work together for a brighter future for Canadians.”
For more information on eligibility requirements and application intakes, visit OVIN Technology Pilot Zones.
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.
About the City of Toronto
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.
For more information
Alicia Pereira
apereira@oc-innovation.ca
416-888-4088