(Leipzig, Germany—September 29, 2026) The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and the Automotive Cluster Ostdeutschland GmbH (ACOD) are embarking on a strategic partnership that will unlock six new markets in Germany for Ontario companies, including the regions of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. This multi-state collaboration will catalyze new opportunities for Ontario and Canadian companies to expand into Eastern Germany across the areas of automotive, mobility, defence, and dual-use technologies.
“Ontario and Canada have been at the forefront of every major transformation in the automotive and mobility industry, from connected and autonomous vehicles to electrification, and now the integration of dual-use technologies in the defence sector,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN at the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “Our partnership with ACOD builds on that momentum by connecting Canadian companies to new partners in Eastern Germany and creating more channels to access new markets, secure new customers, collaborate with global industry leaders to attract more investment, create jobs and drive lasting economic growth.”
This partnership is designed to harness the strengths of Ontario and Eastern Germany to keep industry moving forward. Through OVIN Going Global, automotive and mobility companies with dual-use capabilities will gain the opportunity to access new customers and partners and accelerate their growth across industries. The collaboration will also strengthen the battery value chain, support the development of cutting-edge charging and energy storage technologies, and reinforce both regions’ position as global leaders in the transition towards clean, electric mobility.
“Ontario’s worldclass startups and entrepreneurs are at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies that are redefining the way global industry operates,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “At OCI, we have built the infrastructure that enables Ontario companies to scale, bring their technologies to market faster, and reach customers around the world.”
At the heart of this MOU is the commitment to strengthening the competitiveness of businesses in Ontario and Eastern Germany. Key initiatives in this agreement include connecting Ontario and Eastern German companies across shared areas of interest, co-hosting bilateral and multilateral events, and facilitating knowledge exchange that will provide companies in both regions with necessary market intelligence and support to expand and succeed globally.
As Ontario and Eastern Germany look to the future, this partnership will lay the groundwork for both regions to work together on the technologies and solutions that will shape emerging supply chains in the automotive, mobility, and defence industries for generations to come.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (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: https://www.ovinhub.ca