OVIN Incubators

Leveraging regional resources and the capabilities of leading post-secondary institutions, the OVIN Incubators program is designed to meet the following objectives:

• Establish a framework that fosters a collaborative ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, startups and scale-ups can systematically engage with industry on collaborative research. 
• Support research and the commercialization of IP through interdisciplinary projects, to create new ventures across the province. 
• Generate a robust pipeline of companies that will deliver the next generation of breakthroughs in connected, autonomous, electric, and mobility technologies and solutions. 
• Catalyze the entry of these innovations into global markets and value chains, supporting the growth of Ontario companies and further creating driving economic growth across the province.

For Participants:

Selected entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups and researchers will have unparalleled access to:

• Key automotive and mobility ecosystem players: Participants will have opportunities to engage with buyers, decision-makers and technical experts from industry partners with a focus on facilitating collaborative R&D and demonstration/integration projects, and create opportunities for long-term procurement and supply chain integration.
• State of the art facilities: Partners of the OVIN Incubators will provide access to cutting-edge research and lab facilities to support participants in refining and advancing their technologies.
• Engaging and informative programming: From protecting IP to refining R&D and commercialization plans, OVIN Incubators will offer valuable sessions and workshops on topics critical to participants.
• A wide-reaching regional network: OVIN Incubators are further supported by OVIN’s provincial network of resources such as the Regional Technology Development Sites and economic development clusters, demonstration zones and piloting programs.

For Partners:

Partners, including industry, post-secondary institutions, and regional affiliates are invited to become a member of the incubator to:

• Meet and collaborate with researchers, scale-ups and start-ups developing innovative automotive and mobility technologies. 
• Expand opportunities for tech scouting, ventures, supply chain development & procurement. 
• Connect with other automotive and mobility ecosystem players to broaden existing networks and form new partnerships. 
• Help shape the future of the automotive sector by providing input on the latest technologies being developed.

• Successful applicants will have the opportunity to participate in programming and receive support from the OVIN Incubators.
• Programming will include tailored mentoring and insights from industry partners and OVIN sector experts, as well as group sessions and workshops on relevant topics
• Upon completion of the programming, selected participants will pitch to the innovation and R&D teams of the industry partner for an opportunity to conduct collaborative research, demonstration, and integration projects, while also leveraging procurement and funding opportunities.

Technology Scouting Stream

• A small- and medium- sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees.
• Must have registered operations (R&D, manufacturing, product management, etc.) in Ontario.
• Developing a unique technology that caters to one of the challenge areas. 
• Challenge areas for Cohort #1
  • Autonomous Driving
  • Passenger Well-being

Technology Scouting Stream Cohort #1 Timeline

• January 31^st, 2025: Application deadline
• February 2025: Participants selected
• February-March 2025: Programming delivered including individualized and group sessions
• Late March 2025: Final pitches to industry partner to conduct collaborative research projects

Industry-Academic Stream

• Academic, researcher or research group affiliated with a partner post-secondary institution
• Conducting fundamental research that could be commercialized to cater to one of the challenge areas identified by industry partners

Industry-Academic Stream Cohort #1 Timeline

• To be announced

• OVIN Incubators will periodically accept applications from Ontario-based SMEs developing technologies relevant to the challenge areas identified by industry partners.
• To begin the process, please complete a client intake form. An OCI Business Development Manager (BD) will contact you to discuss the opportunity and assist you.