London, Ontario – September 9, 2026 – The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is pleased to welcome Western University as the newest OVIN Incubators strategic partner. By connecting Western’s internationally recognized expertise in automotive and mobility innovation with OVIN’s extensive network of industry, post-secondary, and entrepreneurial partners, the collaboration will accelerate the commercialization of transformative technologies, strengthen industry-research partnerships, and support the creation and growth of Ontario-based ventures.
Western is a recognized leader in automotive and mobility innovation, with expertise in advanced manufacturing, lightweight composite materials, sustainable transportation, and technology commercialization. Through the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Composites Research, Western develops and validates advanced materials and manufacturing processes that support next-generation vehicles. Western’s researchers are also advancing the connectivity, sensing, perception, and decision-making systems that underpin vehicle automation, from sensor fusion and machine vision to real-world testing and validation of advanced driver-assistance and automated driving technologies. These strengths are complemented by Southwestern Ontario’s advanced manufacturing and defence industry ecosystem, which offers deep expertise in advanced materials, electronics, software, systems integration, prototyping, and dual-use technologies.
As the newest strategic partner of OVIN Incubators, Western will help expand opportunities for researchers and entrepreneurs to transform research into successful ventures. Since its founding, OVIN Incubators has fostered collaboration between Ontario’s post-secondary institutions and SMEs to accelerate the commercialization of Ontario-made intellectual property. Through its New Venture Creation program, OVIN Incubators supports the creation of promising companies emerging from leading academic research, helping innovators transform mobility technologies into market-ready products, scale their businesses, and contribute to Ontario’s long-term economic competitiveness.
OVIN Incubators was launched in October 2024 and has since continued to onboard industry partners including Mercedes-Benz, Infineon Technologies, and Schaeffler. Western joins the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Windsor as OVIN Incubators post-secondary institutional partners.
Quotes
“Ontario post-secondary institutions have a strong track record of turning world-class research into real-world solutions. By combining Western’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and mobility innovation with OVIN’s province-wide ecosystem of industry and academic partners, we are creating new opportunities for researchers and entrepreneurs to commercialize cutting-edge technologies, launch successful ventures, and strengthen Ontario’s leadership in the future of mobility.”
– Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
“Western is uniquely positioned to help turn breakthrough research into new ventures and technologies that shape the future. Being in London, at the heart of Southwestern Ontario’s strong automotive and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, creates a powerful foundation for collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs and industry. Through our partnership with OVIN, we are building on these strengths to accelerate mobility innovation, create new companies, and move promising technologies from the lab toward real-world impact.”
– David Muir, Associate Vice-President, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Western University
“Partnerships like this are critical to translating Ontario’s world-class research into market-ready technologies, new ventures and long-term economic growth. By bringing together Western’s research expertise and OVIN’s industry network, we can accelerate commercialization, strengthen industry collaboration and reinforce Ontario’s leadership in automotive and mobility innovation.”
– Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
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.
About Western University
Western is among the top research-intensive universities in Canada, known for its world-class facilities and expertise across disciplines. From fundamental research to applied discovery, our researchers and scholars are advancing knowledge and making a positive impact in Canada and worldwide.
Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca