Communitech, Ukrainian Startup Fund, and the Ontario Centre of Innovation sign MOU on World Innovation Day

April 21, 2023

Communitech, Ukrainian Startup Fund, and the Ontario Centre of Innovation signed an MOU to collaborate on a Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge. 

TORONTO, April 21, 2023 – Today, to highlight World Innovation Day and to deepen the collaboration between Canada and Ukraine, the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge (CUSIC) has been established. This challenge will be a collaborative effort between Communitech, the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and the Ukrainian Startup Fund, among other partners.

Tech companies in Canada and Ukraine will be invited to participate in a bilateral competition and showcase that will bring together tech entrepreneurs from both countries to work on innovative solutions that will strengthen Canada and Ukraine’s technological expertise and could shape the future of national, economic, and climate security. 

“We are thrilled to launch the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge with our partners as a testament to the power of collaboration between our two nations.  By leveraging innovative and leading-edge solutions from Canadian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs, we can address critical national, economic, and climate security challenges.  At the Ontario Centre of Innovation, we are committed to accelerating the development and adoption of new technologies that can truly make an impact on the global stage.” – Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation

“Communitech is proud to participate in the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge and work to connect founders in Canada’s innovation economy with opportunities that have the potential to strengthen technological excellence in both countries while also shaping the future of modern global security. This initiative is another example of our ecosystem’s commitment to harnessing the power of collaboration and using Tech For Good™.” – Joel Semeniuk, Chief Strategy Officer at Communitech

“We are pleased to launch together with partners the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge. Being a country with a digitalization attitude, we deeply believe that the future of national, economic and climate security belongs to the solutions invented by creative minds, entrepreneurs and tech leaders. For the Ukrainian Startup Fund as a national tech ecosystem builder, this project helps to scale and expand the opportunities for the Ukrainian startup teams developing cutting-edge solutions which could tackle the global challenges today and tomorrow. We are also grateful to Den Herman for his assistance in making our connection happen. Together, we can empower the next generation of innovators to build a better world. ” – Pavlo Kartashov, CEO of the Ukrainian Startup Fund.

More information on the Challenge will be released in the coming weeks.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation:
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians. As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly skilled talent.
OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

About Communitech:
Established in 1997 in Waterloo Region, Communitech was built by tech founders who saw the need for a community of support to help ensure the future prosperity of Canada. Today, Communitech is Canada’s leading innovation hub, supporting a community of more than 1,200 founders by providing accelerated opportunities to access talent, capital and sales.
As Canada’s tech supercharger, Communitech helps founders start, grow and succeed by:
● Hiring and retaining the smartest, brightest and most experienced people
● Accessing growth financing at every stage
● Selling to the biggest customers at home and around the world
● Connecting the right people at the right time – peers who have been there before, coaches who can guide them through the difficult spots and partners from all over Canada

About Ukrainian Startup Fund:
UKRAINIAN STARTUP FUND is the one-of-a-kind state institution that helps innovative projects and technology startups raise funds at the early stages and launch their projects. The fund is the driver of the startup ecosystem development, provides conditions for the growth of the sector, creates a positive investment image of the Ukrainian tech industry abroad, and represents Ukrainian innovative solutions around the world.

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario investments in Regional Technology Development sites across the province

December 13, 2022

Seven regional sites harness the automotive, manufacturing and mobility strengths, expertise and opportunities Ontario has to offer

TORONTO, December 13 – Today the Government of Ontario announced an investment of $19 million through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) toward the province’s seven Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS). This investment brings the government’s overall commitment to approximately $46.5 million, which will help Ontario lead the next generation of vehicle development and manufacturing of zero-emission, electric vehicles (EV).

“Investing in Ontario’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem is another way our government is ensuring Ontario remains a global leader in innovation,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This investment in the Regional Technology Development sites will help to ensure that innovators, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises across the province have the support they need to bring Ontario-made EV and connected and autonomous vehicle solutions to the world. The cars of the future will be built in Ontario by Ontario workers.”

There are seven RTDS’ across Ontario, part of a flagship program to drive innovation and investment across Ontario’s electric, connected and autonomous vehicle sector. An overall $56.4 million investment in OVIN is part of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, the government’s 10-year plan to drive deals and secure production mandates for hybrid and electric vehicles, create a domestic battery ecosystem, and strengthen Ontario’s position as a North American automotive and EV innovation hub.

“The Ontario Centre of Innovation is grateful for the Ontario government’s continued support of the province’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Funding to these Regional Technology Development Sites across the province will result in reaching more companies and supporting Ontario’s position as a leader in the automotive and mobility sectors,” said Claudia Krywiak, President, and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Over the last two years, Ontario has attracted $16 billion in transformative automotive investments by global automakers and suppliers of electric vehicle batteries and battery materials. This includes more than $12.5 billion in electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery-related manufacturing investments. These include significant and historic investments by Honda, Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, General Motors, and Ford that will generate and secure thousands of local jobs for the province’s highly talented automotive workforce.

“Ontario has emerged as a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector as it transforms towards electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles,” said Raed Kadri, Vice-President Strategic Initiatives and Head of Ontario Vehicle. “Through the OVIN Regional Technology Development Sites, we are harnessing the strengths of our entire province, from the critical mineral wealth of Northern Ontario and to the manufacturing strength of Southern Ontario, and everywhere in between – cementing Ontario’s role as the global hub for the vehicles of the future.”

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.

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For more information

416-888-4088
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Government of Ontario announces new Digitalization Competence Centre

November 24, 2022

The digital centre is focused on enhancing digital literacy and transformation in Ontario SMEs

Yesterday, at the Ontario Economic Summit Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), a Government of Ontario initiative led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).   

“As part of our plan to build Ontario, our government is launching a new Digitalization Competence Centre to provide Ontario businesses with a supportive partner in navigating and adopting next-gen technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This new virtual centre will help small to medium sized enterprises cut through the clutter to improve day-to-day operations and help them compete and flourish in a business environment that is rapidly developing.”

DCC is a source of technical expertise and resources, delivering programming, advice, and funding to support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt digital technologies.  DCC connects companies with innovative digital solutions and helps SMEs across all sectors implement new digital technologies and digitalize operations to remain competitive.  Supports include educational resources, advisory services, digital modernization and adoption planning, and technology demonstration projects.

“The adoption of digital technologies is critical to competitiveness.  DCC will help reduce barriers to adoption and build capacity in Ontario companies, accelerating their adoption of new digital technologies,” adds Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Digitalization is redefining the future for companies. It is a critical factor in the success and growth of Ontario’s companies, enabling them to release products to the market faster and reach the right customers.

“The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to ensuring businesses have the right tools to succeed. Digitalization boosts productivity, improves customer engagement, and enables businesses to reach new markets, compete and grow. We are pleased to see the launch of the Digitalization Competence Centre, which will provide small and medium-sized enterprises with training and information that will support technology adoption,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Program information can be found online on the program page.

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About the Ontario Centre of Innovation:

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians. As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops, and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Government of Ontario announces new 15M Life Sciences Innovation Fund

November 03, 2022

The early-stage co-investment fund aims to address challenges life sciences entrepreneurs face in moving game-changing and capital-intensive innovations from the research lab into the marketplace

Today, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced the Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) and detailed how it will support early-stage companies in human health related Life Sciences and Healthcare Technologies sectors. The fund targets investment into start-up companies headquartered in Ontario who are raising pre-seed or seed investments. 

“Part of our government’s plan to build Ontario is ensuring that companies, innovators and entrepreneurs have the support they need to advance next-generation health technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The new Life Sciences Innovation Fund will foster more innovation and ensure Ontario continues to lead the pack in the life sciences sector now and for generations to come.”

LSIF will co-invest up to $500,000 in life sciences startups to help make early-stage investments less risky and attract private-sector co-investors to help scale made-in-Ontario solutions for global markets. OCI will work with partners across Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem to identify opportunities with the highest potential for successful commercialization and the biggest impact on patient and healthcare outcomes, maximizing the benefit to Ontarians.

“Life sciences startups face distinct challenges in moving their innovations from the research lab into the marketplace.  The Life Sciences Innovation Fund will provide much needed support to de-risk early-stage opportunities and accelerate time to market,” adds Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Program information can be found online on the program page.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation:

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

 

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario Centre of Innovation’s Annual General Meeting Features New Programs and Showcases Return on Innovation

October 26, 2022

Minister Fedeli announces the launch of the Collaborate 2 Commercialize and Ready 4 Market programs.

Today, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced two programs launches at the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s (OCI) Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was both streamed and in-person at Toronto Metropolitan University.

“Ready 4 Market is Ontario’s leading pre-seed investment fund for Ontario-based start-ups with transformative technologies. Collaborate 2 Commercialize supports academia and industry collaboration to solve an industry‐based problem and drive the commercialization of intellectual property. These tremendous programs will help talented, driven people get ideas off the ground and work to make Ontario an economic and innovation leader,” said Minister Fedeli.

The Ready 4 Market (R4M) and Collaborate 2 Commercialize funding programs support Ontario innovators to develop and commercialize new technologies, accelerating time to market.  Program information can be found online through the R4M and C2C pages of OCI’s website.

OCI’s 2021-2022 Annual Report was presented at the AGM, highlighting program investments into innovation projects across Ontario and the Return on Innovation:

• $218 million invested in collaborative R&D and commercialization projects, including $150 million in co-investments from industry and other partners
• 959 Ontario companies supported
• Creation and retention of 6,642 jobs
• $349 million in incremental sales revenues by client companies
• $800 million in private sector follow-on investments

Also taking place at the AGM was the awarding of the coveted Mind to Market winner.
The Mind to Market Award celebrates the best of OCI supported R&D collaborations between the business and research communities that result in commercialization of transformative leading-edge solutions and IP. Award recipients exemplify the innovation that is possible when the brightest minds in industry and academia collaborate to address critical issues. 

“Congratulations to the winner, Genecis! Genecis converts food waste into biodegradable plastics and other high value materials. The Mind to Market award has a rich tradition within OCI as it recognizes extraordinary achievements in next-generation technology commercialization and celebrates ‘best in class’ R&D collaborations that drive the development of made-in-Ontario technologies,” said Claudia Krywiak, President, and CEO of OCI.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation:

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

 

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

OVIN’s Regional Future Workforce Program to connect Ontario’s Automotive and Mobility Sectors with the Next Generation of Talent

October 20, 2022

New initiative advances equity, diversity, and inclusion, while promoting collaboration between industry, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s (OVIN) newest initiative will help to bridge the gap between students and the automotive and mobility sectors.

Today, as part of the Talent Sourcing & Attraction objective outlined in its Talent Strategy and Roadmap, OVIN has launched the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program. The program is a key part of Ontario’s Driving Prosperity auto plan, which is helping to equip workers with the skills they need to secure rewarding, high-paying jobs in the auto sector and broader supply chain.

The RFW Program offers up to $500,000 in funding to Ontario non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and school boards to deliver eight-month-long automotive and mobility-focused programs that connect students from elementary to post-secondary to the sectors.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, Ontario’s auto sector is attracting unprecedented investment and growth. Jobs in the auto industry are rewarding and well-paying, and we need to ensure we have the skilled workers to fill them. I applaud OVIN’s leadership in preparing the next generation for these purpose-driven careers,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Recently, there have been several exciting announcements impacting the automotive sector including a  joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution to build the province’s first large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Windsor, the launch of the Critical Minerals Strategy, which will help integrate northern Ontario’s mining industry with southern Ontario’s automotive manufacturing strengths, and the provincial government’s investments in accessible training programs for people from equity-deserving groups.

As outlined in OVIN’s Talent Strategy and Roadmap, there are currently more than 160,000 direct and 730,000 indirect jobs associated with the automotive and mobility sectors. In the face of rapid technological advancement, the sectors (and by extension Ontario’s economy) expects continuous growth which paves the way for exciting new employment possibilities. The Regional Future Workforce Program represents a significant step in preparing the next generation of talent for the opportunities that await them.

“The program is focused on reducing the stigma associated with automotive industry careers and aims to increase awareness and opportunities for students from equity-deserving (underrepresented) groups. At the heart of the program lies a requirement for cross-ecosystem collaboration including industry, non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, schools, and school boards,” says Raed Kadri, VP Strategic Initiatives, Business Development & Head of Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).

To learn more about the Regional Future Workforce Program, view the Program Page.

To read the full Talent Strategy & Roadmap, and associated initiatives for each objective, click here: 
English | French. To view the OVIN video, click here. 

About OVIN
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is the Government of Ontario’s flagship initiative on the future of automotive and mobility.  OVIN is led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. OVIN aims to be the global leader in accelerating the development, testing, commercialization, and deployment of the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies. 

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca

Ontario Centre of Innovation marks World Innovation Day and hosts panel highlighting innovation across Ontario over the past 3 decades

April 21, 2022

OCI celebrates how far innovation in Ontario has come in its 35 years

For the past three decades the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) has played a key role in the innovation ecosystem, from catalyzing innovation through programming and supporting industry-academic partnerships to connecting players across the province, with the vision of increasing prosperity through innovation.

“Today, we celebrate 35 years of serving Ontario’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Since 1987, OCI has worked with Ontario’s businesses, post-secondary institutions, and all levels of government to accelerate the commercialization of new technologies. We have had the honour of supporting some of Ontario’s leading tech companies, helping them start-up, scale-up, and succeed, and we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of innovators,” says Dr. Claudia Krywiak, OCI’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

April 21 is declared World Innovation Day by the United Nations and OCI is marking turning 35 on this special day by hosting a Founder’s panel discussion to highlight and showcase made-in-Ontario success stories over the past three decades.

The panel of Founders across these decades will speak to their achievements from their initial engagement with OCI, and the importance of early-stage support in enabling the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.

The panel will be moderated by OCI’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Claudia Krywiak.

“Congratulations to the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) on celebrating 35 years of connecting innovators and entrepreneurs to markets, capital and customers to help them succeed,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Commercializing innovation is vital to our economic growth and, in partnership with OCI, we remain committed to ensuring Ontario’s vibrant and dynamic innovation sector continues to create good jobs for people across the province.”

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Made-in-Ontario technologies. A pan-provincial collaboration platform, with a broad and deep network across industry, academia and government, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

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Contact:

Alicia Pereira
Director, Communications & Strategy, Ontario Centre of Innovation
416-888-4088

Ontario Centre of Innovation announces bold new innovation strategy

April 01, 2022

New strategic plan to guide OCIs activity over the next five years

TORONTO, April 1, 2022 – Today, the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) launched a new five-year strategic plan.

The 2022-2026 Accelerating Job Creation through Innovation Strategic Plan builds on the close partnership with industry, academia, and government – harnessing the potential of Ontario’s innovators and driving tangible economic outcomes – to catalyze the creation and retention of tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in private sector investments in innovation.

“OCI’s unique position as a pan-provincial innovation collaboration platform with reach across all industrial sectors, ability to convene the right players at the table, and track record of driving where-next-happens is now more critical than ever before,” said Dr. Claudia Krywiak, OCI’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

The strategic plan outlines a new vision and mission supported by the organization’s corporate values and a new set of strategic goals, objectives, and performance measures.

This strategic plan builds on OCI’s more than three decades of success and will guide and drive OCI’s overall strategic focus, priorities, and operations over the next five years in delivering on its mandate to support Ontario’s innovators.

“As OCI and our government continue to work closely to drive prosperity, we want to continue to prime Ontario companies for success by accelerating their development of innovative products and solutions,” said the Hon. Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

For over 34 years, OCI has played a key role in the innovation ecosystem, from catalyzing innovation through programming and supporting industry-academic partnerships to connecting players across the province, with the vision of increasing prosperity through innovation.

To read the plan visit: www.oc-innovation.ca/strategicplan

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About the Ontario Centre of Innovation

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Made-in-Ontario technologies. A pan-provincial collaboration platform, with a broad and deep network across industry, academia and government, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

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Contact:

Alicia Pereira
Director, Communications & Strategy, Ontario Centre of Innovation
416-888-4088

Ontario Centre of Innovation and Quantum Industry Canada announce partnership

January 25, 2022

Building capacity for quantum through a national consortium

Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) are excited to announce a new partnership to accelerate the development, commercialization, and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada.

Canada is a recognized leader in quantum innovation and has the opportunity to leverage the current momentum of research and development and to spark economic prosperity for Canada through the impactful adoption of quantum innovations and the accelerated growth of the Canadian quantum industry. Applying these emergent technologies to advance Canada’s economic interests, including aligning our technology needs with our economic development opportunities, requires effective collaboration across the country.

Leveraging OCI’s team of innovation experts from across the province, and the quantum technology expertise of QIC’s members, OCI and QIC are working to seize this opportunity.

“Ontario is where new innovations drive real economic growth for the next generation,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our government will continue to support partnerships like this one that showcase Ontario talent and made-in-Ontario solutions brought about by quantum technologies.”

“The impact of quantum technologies across Canadian industries is endless,” said Dr. Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, OCI. “Together with QIC, we look forward to strengthening this critical network of businesses, as well as connecting these companies to the tools and partners needed to build capacity for their growth and the growth of this emerging technology area.”

“Researchers are excited to see their work play a foundational role in the OCI-QIC partnership,” said Dr. Anne Broadbent, University Research Chair in Quantum Information and Cryptography at the University of Ottawa. ” Researchers will continue to work alongside Canadian industry and other stakeholders, discovering novel solutions to challenges and training the quantum workforce.”

“Canada has been a world leader in quantum research and innovation which creates tremendous potential for prosperity”, said Dr. Michele Mosca, Board Chair of Quantum Industry Canada. “With the support of OCI, we will grow our partner network, and translate that potential into economic impact for Canadians.”

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About Quantum Industry Canada

Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) is a consortium of Canadian quantum technologies companies that includes developers of technologies for quantum computing, quantum communications and cryptography, quantum sensing and quantum-safe cryptography as well as companies using and developing applications of these technologies. QIC’s mission is to ensure that Canadian quantum innovation and talent is translated into Canadian business success and economic prosperity.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Made-in-Ontario technologies. A pan-provincial collaboration platform, with a broad and deep network across industry, academia and government, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/

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Contact:

Alicia Pereira
Director, Communications & Strategy, Ontario Centre of Innovation
416-888-4088

New Talent Strategy & Roadmap Aims to Strengthen Ontario’s Automotive and Mobility Sector, with a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

January 24, 2022

A series of initiatives will focus on supporting Ontario talent, driving further collaboration, and improving equity, diversity, and inclusion in the auto and mobility sector.

January 24 – Toronto, Ontario – Today, on World Education Day, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is continuing to strengthen and grow Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector, while responding to the needs of its labour force.

Today, OVIN released a Talent Strategy & Roadmap.

The Talent Strategy & Roadmap is positioning Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector for long-term success by outlining key objectives and initiatives to help achieve OVIN’s 2030 vision for Ontario’s automotive and mobility workforce: to have a highly skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce in the sector, reinforced by a global-leading network that provides tailored and responsive initiatives that meet the workforce’s evolving needs.

“This Roadmap outlines the objectives and initiatives that will drive talent development and promote Ontario’s automotive and mobility industry – ensuring the province remains at the forefront of a sector that generated $64B in GDP in 2019 and has grown 28% in the last decade,” said Minister Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Training, and Skills Development.

Coupled with this, OVIN also released a Skills & Career Navigator platform. This tool is a centralized source of information designed to help Ontarians who are interested or currently working in the automotive and mobility sector to better understand the sector’s transition, and to navigate learning and career pathways based on their unique experiences and skillsets.

The free-to-use Skills & Career Navigator tool includes a range of resources targeted to current employers and employees in the automotive and mobility sector, people interested in joining it, and other stakeholders like industry, education providers and government. The aim is to help build a talented automotive and mobility workforce in Ontario that is equipped with the skills that are in demand for jobs both now and into the future.

The Talent Strategy & Roadmap and the Skills & Career Navigator were created in collaboration with Invest Ottawa and a broad range of sector stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, private training institutions, not-for-profits, government, and industry – each having a significant role to play in the long-term strength and success of the sector.

“The goal is to help everyone, whether you’re a student or already in the workforce, to learn more about these emerging opportunities and our shared connected, autonomous, and electric future,” added Minister McNaughton.

“Ontario’s 300 companies and organizations pioneering connected and autonomous vehicle technologies will play a vital role in our government’s Driving Prosperity auto plan,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “OVIN’s Talent Strategy & Roadmap and Skills & Career Navigator strengthens our auto ecosystem and ensures Ontario has the talent we need to build the next generation of vehicles.”

“Our government understands that when the automotive sector succeeds, our province succeeds. The Talent Strategy & Roadmap will strengthen and diversify the pool of talented workers who will help design and create the next generation of transportation technologies, supporting innovation and economic growth in Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.

About the Talent Strategy & Roadmap
The Talent Strategy & Roadmap contains four objectives, supported by nine initiatives, to help achieve Ontario’s 2030 vision. The objectives cover the following themes:

1. Collaboration and Coordination Across the Province
2. Talent Sourcing and Attraction
3. Workforce Development and Retention
4. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

To read the full Talent Strategy & Roadmap, and associated initiatives for each objective, click here:
English | French. To view the OVIN video, click here.

About the Skills & Career Navigator
The tool houses interactive data on Ontario’s labour market, such as the demand for skills today, anticipated future skills needs, and includes a breadth of resources on training opportunities across the province. Using a built-in algorithm, the tool also provides personalized recommendations for training opportunities and career pathways, helping prospective talent identify necessary skills to help secure a career in the sector, based on their experience and skillset.

You can access the Skills & Career Navigator here.

About OVIN
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is the Government of Ontario’s flagship initiative on the future of automotive and mobility.

OVIN is led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. OVIN aims to be the global leader in accelerating the development, testing, commercialization, and deployment of the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies.

OVIN’s five objectives are to: foster the commercialization of Ontario-made advanced automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions; showcase Ontario as the leader in the development, testing, piloting and adoption of the latest transportation and infrastructure technologies; drive innovation and collaboration among the growing network of stakeholders at the convergence of automotive and technology; leverage and retain Ontario’s highly skilled talent; and harness Ontario’s regional strengths and capabilities to support its clusters of automotive and technology.

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Contact:

Alicia Pereira
Director, Communications & Strategy, Ontario Centre of Innovation
416-888-4088