DRIVE, led by the City of Oshawa, named one of OVIN’s Regional Technology Development Sites advancing next-gen mobility

The City of Oshawa is proud to announce that the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem (DRIVE) has been designated as one of OVIN’s nine Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS).

The City of Oshawa and its partners thank the Government of Ontario for their investment in DRIVE, announced today at Ontario Tech University’s Automotive Centre of Excellence. The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) will invest up to $2 million in DRIVE, which has also secured over $2.4 million in matching industry investment and over $2.5 million in broader public sector supports that includes access to municipal pilot opportunities for real-world demonstration zones, mentorship, workspace and co-location services, and acceleration support. This establishes a total investment of nearly $7 million providing small- and medium-sized enterprises access to specialized equipment, advanced testing, opportunities to capital and advisory support to drive advanced automotive technologies, and smart mobility solutions forward.

The entire RTDS network, announced on February 6 by the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, is made possible through a $17.5 million investment by the Government of Ontario through the OVIN. This investment is supported by $32.8 million in matching industry investment and over $19.3 million from the broader public sector, for a total of nearly $70 million.

These investments position Oshawa and Durham Region as leaders in next-generation mobility, advanced manufacturing, and smart transportation innovation.

About Drive

DRIVE is led by the City of Oshawa in partnership with Ontario Tech and is supported by key regional partners including the ACE Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel, Brilliant Catalyst, 1855 Technology Accelerator, the Region of Durham, and the Town of Whitby.

About the RTDS Network

These combined investments strengthen Ontario’s mobility ecosystem and support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to state-of-the-art testing facilities, advisory services, and commercialization pathways.

About DRIVE RTDS

As Durham Region undergoes unprecedented expansion – from the GO East Extension through Oshawa to Bowmanville, Highway 401 improvements to Ontario Power Generation’s SMR initiative, and the proposed Alto high-speed rail corridor – new opportunities are emerging to transform how people and goods move across the region. DRIVE offers SMEs access to specialized equipment, advanced testing through the ACE Climate Wind Tunnel, funding pathways, and hands-on business and technical advisory support. Industry leaders including Alstom, Protexxa, IlluminexAI, and Scooty further strengthen DRIVE’s ecosystem with expertise in rail, cybersecurity, AI, and micro-mobility.

Looking to invest or grow in Oshawa? Explore sector insights, data tools and supports at oshawaecdev.ca or connect with the Oshawa Economic Development team at business@oshawa.ca or 905‑436‑5617.

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. For more information, visit www.ovinhub.ca.

Quotes:

“As a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector, Ontario is driving the transformation towards a connected, electric future,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “The OVIN Regional Technology Sites provide Ontario-based SMEs access to an extensive network of support and expertise and reduce barriers for start-ups and companies to create homegrown solutions to meet not only Ontario’s needs, but those of customers all across the globe, to drive our economy forward.”

“Through OVIN, Ontario is creating a province-wide network that turns regional innovation into real economic impact,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “By establishing nine Regional Technology Development Sites, we’re giving SMEs access to world-class infrastructure and expertise that helps them commercialize faster, strengthen supply chains, and compete globally. This investment ensures that made-in-Ontario mobility solutions drive jobs, growth, and long-term competitiveness across the province.”

“The City of Oshawa and Durham Region are at the forefront of Canada’s mobility transformation, and OVIN’s support for DRIVE is a powerful endorsement of the region’s strengths,” said Mayor Dan Carter, City of Oshawa. “By bringing together industry, academia and government, DRIVE is helping entrepreneurs accelerate innovation in electric and smart mobility, advanced manufacturing, rail, AI, cybersecurity, and micromobility – areas where Durham already excels.”

“We thank the Government of Ontario and OVIN for their support. This investment strengthens Oshawa’s position as a global leader and driving force in Ontario’s innovation economy – accelerating job creation, supporting our local SMEs and driving long-term economic growth across our metropolitan city and the broader Durham Region,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair of the City of Oshawa’s Economic and Development Services Committee.”