The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and Mercedes-Benz launch first-of-its kind automotive and mobility-focused incubator program across Ontario
(Toronto, ON—October 8, 2024) Today, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Mercedes-Benz to launch a new incubator program aimed at advancing next-generation, Ontario-made automotive and mobility technologies. The first three OVIN – Mercedes incubators will be located in Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto, connecting industry leaders, post-secondary institutions, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and scale-ups in partnership with municipalities and regional stakeholders.
“This new partnership between the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and Mercedes-Benz is going to be a significant boost for our province’s automotive and mobility sectors,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By bringing together the best of industry, research, and entrepreneurial talent, we’re fostering innovation that will strengthen our economy, create good jobs and position Ontario as a leader in the auto and electric vehicle technologies of the future.”
“Ontario continues to build its reputation as a world leader in manufacturing the cars of the future, with $44 billion in new investments by automakers, EV battery manufacturers and parts suppliers coming into the province over the last four years,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The launch of OVIN Incubators represents another link in our growing end-to-end, fully integrated, EV supply chain. With a new platform for our world-class tech ecosystem to develop homegrown mobility innovations, Ontario talent will continue to be on the forefront of creating the technologies that will power vehicles all over the world through the Mercedes-Benz the STARTUP AUTOBAHN network.”
As the first incubator program of its kind across the province and Canada, the OVIN Incubators will provide support to bridge gaps between applied research and the commercialization of IP to enable the rise of new, Ontario-based automotive and mobility companies and connect them with global customers.
“Innovation is part of Mercedes-Benz DNA. In our global R&D strategy, open innovation gives us rapid and direct access to the latest ideas and developments around the world,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. “We are therefore delighted to further expand our activities in Canada as a founding partner of the OVIN Incubators. In a fast-paced environment, it is another important channel for developing exciting future products and elevating our customer experience through new technologies.”
The OVIN Incubators will leverage regional resources and the capabilities of leading postsecondary institutions, including infrastructure, research equipment, and academic experts. As a founding partner, Mercedes-Benz’s industry knowledge and deep insight into global automotive market trends will further bolster this unparalleled combination of resources and expertise.
The OVIN Incubators will become part of the international Mercedes-Benz STARTUP AUTOBAHN network, an open innovation platform for startups in the field of mobility. By joining this network, the OVIN Incubators will also contribute to a global pool of ideas, innovations, and technologies whereby Ontario SMEs can participate in Mercedes-Benz’s supply chain and form part of future product offerings. Through the OVIN Incubators, Ontario expects to generate a robust pipeline of new Ontario-made companies that will deliver the next generation of breakthroughs in connected, autonomous, and electric vehicle technologies and mobility solutions, building the supply chain of the future in the auto and mobility sector.
“As Ontario sets its sights on the next decade of growth of its automotive and mobility sector, it is vital that we continue to foster the talent, technical expertise, and capacity for innovation to achieve this future,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “The OVIN Incubators build a robust foundation for nurturing the next generation of innovators by providing a clear pathway from research and development to commercialization and industrialization, in partnership with Ontario’s leading postsecondary institutions and major industry players. This platform will further cement the foundation for sustainable economic growth within the sector and beyond, across the entire province.”
Beginning as a pilot program, the OVIN Incubators are set to expand across the province. As these new ventures scale up, the OVIN Incubators will facilitate connections to Mercedes-Benz’s global startup network, as well as with other global industry players across a number of sectors including automotive and auto components, telecommunications, semiconductors, and technology.
Quotes
“This collaboration between the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and Mercedes-Benz is a testament to Ontario’s leadership in fostering innovation and driving the future of mobility. By connecting global industry expertise with Ontario’s entrepreneurial and academic talent, this incubator program will accelerate the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies right here in our province. We are proud to support initiatives that not only strengthen our economy but also position Ontario at the forefront of the next generation of automotive and mobility advancements.”
– Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
“The City of Windsor is proud to support the launch of the OVIN Incubators Program. This groundbreaking initiative will continue to position Windsor as a leader in automotive innovation and create new opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and our talented workforce. By fostering collaboration between global industry leaders and our region’s new and longstanding partners in the automotive sector, Windsor will play a vital role in shaping the future of connected, autonomous, and electric vehicle technologies.”
– Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor
“We’re thrilled to welcome one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands, Mercedes-Benz, who has chosen to #MakeItKitchener. Mercedes-Benz is joining many other global organizations that are part of our world class automotive and innovation ecosystems. I offer them our heartfelt support as they invent the future of mobility and bring new jobs to our community.”
– Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener
“The Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Mercedes-Benz to Waterloo Region’s globally significant autotech ecosystem. In partnership with OVIN, we look forward to their joining our growing list of innovative companies focused on inventing the future of mobility.”
– Tony LaMantia, President and CEO, Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation
“As Mayor, I am excited to welcome an OVIN Incubator and Mercedes-Benz to Toronto. Our city has some of the brightest minds in the tech and auto sector, always looking for a launchpad for their great ideas. I look forward to seeing the new pipeline of Toronto-based automotive and tech companies, and all the innovation this new partnership creates. Toronto is a leader in the tech sector and has the right market conditions for these new ventures to thrive. Today’s announcement makes Toronto’s tech ecosystem stronger.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow, City of Toronto
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.