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

Ontario Launches Flagship Initiative to Lead Development of EV and Smart Transportation Technologies

December 02, 2021

Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network will help province attract investments in next-generation auto and mobility solutions.

MARKHAM – The Ontario government has launched a flagship program to drive innovation and investment across Ontario’s electric, connected and autonomous vehicle sector. Its $56.4 million investment in the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is part of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, the government’s 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 electric vehicle (EV) innovation hub.

At GM Canada’s Canadian Technical Centre (CTC) in Markham, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced the province’s latest commitment to putting Ontario at the forefront of global demand for cleaner, safer, more sustainable transportation solutions.

Delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre for Innovation (OCI), OVIN is Ontario’s response to the rising global demand for EV and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technologies and infrastructure. Building on the success of previous programs that encourage partnerships between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry, academia and municipalities – OVIN will help to strengthen Ontario’s auto industry and make the province more competitive for new investments in EV and CAV technologies. It will act as Ontario’s hub for the province-wide coordination of activities and resources related to EV and CAV research and commercialization.

OVIN is anchored by six main objectives:

• Bridge Ontario’s technology and manufacturing clusters to support the growth of Ontario’s automotive sector.
• Advance the growth of regional clusters and world-class testing locations to drive the deployment, adoption, and piloting of smart mobility technologies across the province.
• Deliver ongoing support for SMEs in commercializing technologies, scaling-up, attracting investment, and accessing global markets.
• Strengthen Ontario’s automotive and mobility workforce and talent pipeline through skills development and training programs.
• Drive public education, research, analysis, thought leadership activities, and raise awareness of the opportunities for Ontario – and our global competitive advantages.
• Convene stakeholder groups, act as a bridge for collaborative partnerships, and serve as a concierge for new entrants into Ontario’s thriving ecosystem.

Combined with the province’s $85 million investment in the previous Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), Ontario’s total investment in this flagship initiative is almost $142 million.

Bold new initiatives include:

• An R&D Partnership Fund stream focused on electric vehicle and battery technologies
• Regional Technology Development Sites, with a new site to be established in Northern Ontario
• An OVIN Demonstration Zone, that will support real-time, on-road demonstrations to help Ontario firms showcase made-in-Ontario technologies to potential customers
• A Talent Development Program expanded to help attract and develop world-leading talent in the EV and CAV sector.

As a key element of the province’s Driving Prosperity Phase 2, OVIN will be the driving force behind the programming, province-wide coordination of activities and resources, and Ontario’s push to lead in the future of the automotive and mobility sector globally.

Together, Driving Prosperity and OVIN will position Ontario as a leading jurisdiction for new investments in for EV, CAV, battery technology, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing – reinforcing Ontario as the manufacturing hub of Canada.

“Together, OVIN and Driving Prosperity Phase 2 will support domestic parts producers, workers, and innovators across the province in responding to the global demand for electric and autonomous vehicles, and related technologies and infrastructure,” said Fedeli. “Right now across our province, over 300 businesses are already working on inventing the future of clean, connected transportation. Through OVIN, we’re continuing to invest in Ontario’s innovation ecosystem − making sure our innovators, entrepreneurs, and SMEs have the capital and support they need to bring Ontario-made EV and CAV solutions to the world.”

Positioning Ontario as a leading jurisdiction for investment in electrified and less carbon-intensive transportation technology is also part of the province’s plan to meet emission reduction targets and build a stronger, more sustainable Ontario.

“Ontario’s wheels are in motion to create a more sustainable future for the transportation sector. A critical pillar in our plan is strengthening Ontario’s position as an electric vehicle production hub, making these vehicles more accessible to drivers across the province,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Our new flagship program will go a long way towards supporting our talented workforce, driving electric vehicle research and development, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

“The OVIN initiative is a key component of propelling Ontario as a global leader in innovation,” said Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham-Thornhill. “As one of Canada’s top technology hubs, Markham-Thornhill has been at the forefront of driving innovation. Through OVIN, we will be better positioned to create a diverse innovation ecosystem led by collaboration, skill, and excellence.”

“Ontario’s OVIN initiative will drive made-in-Ontario electric and low-carbon vehicle technology development through collaborations with our many partners to help transform the province’s auto tech sector to build safer, cleaner and more efficient transportation,” said Dr Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of Ontario Centre of Innovation.

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Quick Facts

• The 2021 Budget Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy announced the government’s $56.4 million investment from 2021 to 2024 to launch the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). Combined with the province’s $85 million investment in the previous Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), Ontario’s total investment in this flagship initiative is almost $142 million.
• OVIN builds on the success of the AVIN initiative, which has already supported 372 SMEs, attracted $108 million in follow-on investment, supported 68 commercialization partnerships and created or retained 1,880 jobs.
• OVIN is part of Ontario’s Driving Prosperity Phase 2 auto strategy and builds on the significant momentum of almost $6 billion of investments into the province since fall 2020, much of it in the electric vehicle space.
• By 2030, it is estimated that one out of every three automobiles sold globally will be electric.
• Over the next five years, the size of the global autonomous car market is expected to nearly triple from $23B USD to $65B USD.
• More than 300 Ontario companies and organizations are active in the development of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
• In North America, Ontario ranks as the number two auto producer (after Michigan) and the number two Information Technology cluster (after California).

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Additional Resources

• Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
• Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector
• Invest Ontario
• Open for Business
• Ontario Centre of Innovation

Government of Ontario supports innovators creating made-in-Ontario solutions for future challenges though the Ontario Innovation Showcase

November 26, 2021

TORONTO – Throughout the pandemic the Government of Ontario has helped identify and support made-in-Ontario solutions to address the challenges and impact of COVID-19 on communities and build a more resilient province in responding to current and future challenges, through the Ontario Together Fund. Some of these innovative solutions were highlighted at the Ontario Innovation Showcase on October 20 and 21.

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), supported by the Ontario Together Fund, delivered the virtual Ontario Innovation Showcase which provided a platform for 19 companies to highlight their solutions that responded to various COVID-related challenges, such as virtual mental health supports and optimization of supply chain efforts.

Innovators were connected to public and private sector receptors to further a procurement dialogue and to foster collaboration. Over the course of the two-day event, more than 70 one-on-one meetings between potential adopters of the technology and participating companies were held.

The virtual Showcase provided a forum to address the gap between the commercialization of solutions and available procurement opportunities by providing access to new, made-in-Ontario solutions.

Companies were also invited to participate in a Pitch Competition, of which five were awarded $50,000 to undergo feasibility studies or economic impact assessments to measure the current or future impact of their solutions.  These projects will be completed by February 2022.

“Congratulations to all the innovative companies that received funding through the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s Pitch Competition,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Your innovative solutions celebrate the Ontario Spirit and will help us rebuild our province as we emerge from the pandemic and continue on our path to economic recovery.”

“The Showcase reinforces how much talent, creativity, drive and innovation Ontario companies have to offer. Congratulations to all 19 companies that highlighted their solutions for responding to various COVID-related challenges. This Showcase brought companies together during challenging times to help build a more resilient future for Ontario,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, OCI.

The following is a list of the awarded companies and project focus areas:

Cloud Diagnostics Canada – Kitchener: Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring platform called Connected Health delivers virtual mental health services for those who are vulnerable or living in remote communities.

Drone Delivery Canada – Vaughan: Customizing, deploying, and operating commercially viable drone delivery systems, focusing on remote northern Ontario communities.

Kama.AI – Toronto: The kama DEI system uses natural language understanding to learn, recognize, and respond to customers based on their own personalities, focusing on first nations communities.

MindBeacon – Toronto: Virtual web-based platform provides Therapist-Assisted Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, focusing on primary care in the province of Ontario.

ShiftLink – Markham: Leveraging mobile application technology to maximize the effectiveness of the total skilled labour pool by distributing shifts to qualified and available staff based on their professional credentials and personal preferences; focusing on the South Simcoe OHT and community.

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About the Ontario Centre of Innovation

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), formerly the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), maximizes the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and research hospitals, and accelerates the commercialization of Made-in-Ontario intellectual property and technologies. Having 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.

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Contact:

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