OTTAWA, August 28, 2023 –
As part of its work to shape and drive the future of Ontario’s auto and mobility sector, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is investing $2.5 million in the Ottawa Regional Technology Site, Area X.O. This funding will help Area X.O, which is operated by Invest Ottawa, accelerate the safe and secure development, testing and application of next-generation smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies in Ottawa and the surrounding region.
“A key part of growing Ontario’s end-to-end electric vehicle supply chain is working with innovators to develop made-in-Ontario solutions for connected, autonomous and electric vehicles,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through OVIN, our government is proud to support Invest Ottawa’s Area X.O as they expand their programs and services to helping Ontario businesses launch, scale up and succeed.”
Through OVIN, a Government of Ontario initiative led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), the province is providing Area X.O with $2.5 million in funding to support small and medium-sized businesses working in the connected, autonomous cybersecurity and electric vehicle (EV) sector. This funding will help more businesses in the Ottawa region access specialized hardware, software and advisory services to help accelerate product and technology development and commercialization.
“On behalf of our team, and the innovators and companies we serve, I would like to thank OCI and the Government of Ontario for this renewed funding through the OVIN program. It is helping to fuel critical technology development, testing and commercialization at Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity. Together, we are accelerating the safe adoption of new solutions, job creation, and the growth of Ontario’s economy,” said Michael Tremblay, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa.
Invest Ottawa’s Area X.O is one of seven Regional Technology Development Sites across the province that are helping to drive growth in Ontario’s auto sector. These sites help small and medium-sized businesses develop, test and prototype their advanced automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions, and tap into specific advice, expertise and knowledge around key focus areas for the sector.
“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.”
Over the last three years, Ontario has attracted over $25 billion in automotive, electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery-related investments. These investments will create thousands of jobs across the province. The province’s strength in innovation was highlighted earlier this year with the unveiling of Project Arrow, the first, all-Canadian, zero-emission connected vehicle, designed and built in Ontario.
Quotes
“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.” – Claudia Krywiak, President, and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation.
“Today I am proud to support our government providing 2.5 million in funding for Invest Ottawa and Area X.O. 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.” – Lisa MacLeod, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nepean
“This announcement will solidify the position of both Ottawa and Ontario as worldwide leaders in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility. This is a tremendous opportunity to grow and diversify our local economy, as well as showcasing and testing local innovation that will impact the lives of people in Ottawa, Ontario and around the world.” – Goldie Ghamari, Member of Provincial Parliament for Carleton
For media inquiries, please contact:
Alicia Pereira, Director, Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation
About Invest Ottawa:
Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion, and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization, and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life. Invest Ottawa is also the manager of Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub and one-stop business acceleration shop; and founder and operator of Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies. Since 2013, Invest Ottawa has supported almost 14,000; contributed to the creation of more than 14,700 jobs; helped domestic companies raise $1.86 billion in capital; and attracted $1.47 billion in domestic and foreign direct investment to Ottawa. For more information, please visit: www.investottawa.ca
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.