OVIN Incubators

Leveraging our regional strengths, resources and the capabilities of leading post-secondary institutions, such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Windsor, and globally recognized industry partners like Mercedes Benz, Infineon, and Schaeffler, the OVIN Incubators program is designed to meet the following objectives:

• Establish a framework that fosters a collaborative ecosystem where post-secondary institutions, researchers, and talent can systematically engage with industry on collaborative research and development.
• Support entrepreneurs and innovators to commercialize Ontario-made IP to create new ventures across the province.
• Generate a robust pipeline of Ontario companies that will deliver the next generation of breakthroughs in connected, autonomous, electric, and mobility technologies and solutions.
• Catalyze the entry of these technologies and innovations into global markets and value chains, supporting the growth of Ontario companies and further driving economic growth across the province.

For Participants:

Selected entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups and researchers will have unparalleled access to:

• Key automotive and mobility ecosystem players: participants will have opportunities to engage with buyers, decision-makers, and technical experts from industry partners with a focus on facilitating collaborative R&D
• and demonstration projects and create opportunities for long-term procurement and supply chain integration.
•  State-of-the-art facilities: partners of the OVIN Incubators will provide access to cutting-edge research and lab facilities to support participants in refining and advancing their technologies.
•  Engaging and informative programming: from protecting IP to refining R&D and commercialization plans, OVIN Incubators will offer valuable sessions and workshops on topics critical to participants.
•  A wide-reaching regional network: OVIN Incubators is further supported by OVIN’s provincial network of resources such as the Regional Technology Development Sites and economic development clusters, demonstration zones, and piloting programs.
• New Venture Creation Funding: OVIN Incubators provides grant funding to help convert leading Ontario academic research into promising new ventures that deliver in-demand solutions to the challenges of the automobility sector.

For Partners:

Partners, including industry, post-secondary institutions, and regional affiliates are invited to become a member of the incubator to:

• Meet and collaborate with researchers, scale-ups and start-ups developing innovative automotive and mobility technologies. 
• Expand opportunities for tech scouting, ventures, supply chain development & procurement. 
• Connect with other automotive and mobility ecosystem players to broaden existing networks and form new partnerships. 
• Help shape the future of the automotive sector by providing input on the latest technologies being developed.

• Successful applicants will have the opportunity to participate in programming and receive support from the OVIN Incubators.
• Programming will include tailored mentoring and insights from industry partners and OVIN sector experts, as well as group sessions and workshops on relevant topics.
• Upon completion of the programming, selected participants will pitch to the innovation and R&D teams of the industry partner for an opportunity to conduct collaborative research, demonstrations, and integration projects, while also leveraging procurement and funding opportunities.

• Small- and medium- sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees.
• Must have registered operations (R&D, manufacturing, product management, etc.) in Ontario.
• Developing a unique technology that caters to one of the challenge areas. 

• OVIN Incubators will periodically accept applications from Ontario-based SMEs developing technologies relevant to the challenge areas identified by industry partners.
• To begin the process, please complete a client intake form. An OCI Business Development Manager (BD) will contact you to discuss the opportunity and assist you.