Apply for a program

OVIN programs support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop, test and validate innovative technologies and connect them with partners to advance the commercialization of products and solutions.

Supporting innovative solutions

Each OVIN program supports the development and demonstration of automotive technologies and mobility solutions such as connected, autonomous, electric, and smart mobility technologies in areas such as: 

  • Commercially ready technologies for application in mass light vehicles (cars, trucks and vans) 
  • Heavy duty vehicles (commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, and others used for goods movement) 
  • Transportation infrastructure 
  • Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) 
  • Transit-supportive systems and vehicles 

SMEs must work with an industry partner, or in some cases, an academic partner, to help bring their technology closer to commercialization. 

R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) & Smart Mobility

This program is ideal for small- and medium-sized companies that require co-investment and the support of strategic partners to develop, test, validate and demonstrate connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies.

R&D Partnership Fund – Electric Vehicle (EV)

This program is ideal for small- and medium-sized companies that require co-investment and the support of strategic partners to develop, test, validate and commercialize electric vehicle (EV) and battery-focused technologies, including EV related technologies.

R&D Partnership Fund – Advanced Charging & Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

This program is ideal for small- and medium-sized companies that require co-investment and the support of strategic partners to develop, test, validate and commercialize advanced charging and V2G technologies needed to accelerate the shift to electrification.

Talent Development

OVIN’s talent development program supports post-secondary students and graduates to apply their knowledge and expertise on automotive and smart mobility technology such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) technologies, Electric Vehicles (EV), battery technologies, metallurgical (metal & mining) technologies, and other related areas.

OVIN Technology Pilot Zones

With support from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones provide Ontario SMEs with real-world environments to pilot their automotive and mobility solutions, unlocking opportunities for commercialization and supporting the call for Canada’s zero-emissions future.

QEW Innovation Corridor

Supported by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and led by OVIN, the QEW Innovation Corridor Program provides small and medium sized enterprises up to $150,000 to pilot innovative and advanced mobility technologies, with a focus on smart mobility and connected vehicles, on a 40km section of the QEW between Burlington and Toronto.

Ongoing Intake

  • Talent Development Programs
  • Stream 1: Research & Development (R&D) Partnership Fund C/AV & Smart Mobility
  • Stream 1: Research & Development (R&D) Partnership Fund EV

Scheduled Intake Rounds

R&D Partnership Fund Advanced Charging & V2G

Round 1 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    April 1, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    May 1, 2024
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    May 6, 2024
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    June 4, 2024
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of August 5, 2024
Round 2 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI) :
    September 1, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    October 2, 2024
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    October 7, 2024
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    November 5, 2024
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of January 13, 2025
Round 3 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    December 10, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    January 14, 2025
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    Week of January 20, 2025
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    February 20, 2025
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of March 24, 2025

Stream 2: R&D Partnership Fund C/AV & Smart Mobility

Round 1 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    May 21, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    June 20, 2024
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    June 25, 2024
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    July 23, 2024
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of September 23, 2024
Round 2 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    October 4, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    November 6, 2024
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    November 11, 2024
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    December 9, 2024
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of February 17, 2025
Round 3 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    December 10, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    January 14, 2025
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    Week of January 20, 2025
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    February 20, 2025
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of March 24, 2025

Stream 2: R&D Partnership Fund EV

Round 1 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    July 8, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    August 8, 2024
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    August 13, 2024
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    September 11, 2024
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of November 11, 2024
Round 2 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    November 4, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    December 4, 2024
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    December 9, 2024
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    January 14, 2025
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of March 17, 2025
Round 3 2024/2025
  • Open for Expressions of Interest (EOI):
    December 10, 2024
  • EOI Submission Deadline:
    January 14, 2025
  • Invitation for Full Proposal:
    Week of January 20, 2025
  • Full Proposal Submission:
    February 20, 2025
  • Decision Notification:
    Week of March 24, 2025

OVIN Technology Pilot Zones

Round 1 2024/2025
  • Start:
    May 30th, 2024
  • Deadline:
    September 15, 2024
Round 2 2024/2025
  • Start:
    November 15, 2024
  • Deadline:
    January 31, 2025

QEW Innovation Corridor

Round 1 2024/2025
  • Start:
    December 11, 2024
  • Deadline:
    January 31, 2025