Ontario Tech University expanding opportunities for mobility innovators in Durham Region

Durham Region is experiencing rapid infrastructure expansion, including the GO East Extension, Highway 401 improvements and Ontario Power Generation’s small modular reactor initiative. As these projects move forward, new opportunities are emerging to transform how people and goods move across the region.

Ontario Tech University is strengthening its leadership in this evolving mobility landscape through a new partnership led by the City of Oshawa to oversee the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem (DRIVE). Other partners include 1855 Whitby Accelerator, the Region of Durham, and the Town of Whitby.

DRIVE is Durham Region’s hub within the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), supporting companies in developing, testing and commercializing next-generation mobility technologies by providing access to research expertise, specialized facilities and business support.

“DRIVE represents the best of what can happen when universities, municipalities and industry come together with a shared purpose,” says Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University. “Ontario Tech is opening doors to advanced testing environments and specialized expertise that many smaller companies cannot normally access, which is helping create the conditions innovators need to advance the next generation of transportation technologies.”

“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,” says Dan Carter, Mayor, 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.”

Advancing mobility innovation

Over the next four years, DRIVE will provide business development and testing opportunities to more than 60 Ontario-based mobility/transportation small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“As a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector, Ontario is driving the transformation towards a connected, electric future,” says 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 startups and companies to create homegrown solutions.”

As a key DRIVE partner, Ontario Tech will contribute research expertise, technical capabilities and access to its world-class facilities. Participating companies will be based in the Innovation Garage, located in the university’s ACE facility. They will receive discounted access to ACE’s highly advanced research facility and equipment, which enables companies to test mobility technologies in controlled environments that replicate real-world conditions.

The university will also lead DRIVE’s day-to-day operations and deliver core programs designed to accelerate innovation and strengthen collaboration between industry, researchers and government partners. Startups and SMEs will have access to the Mobility Accelerator, Brilliant Incubator, and investment opportunities, delivered by Brilliant Catalyst, Ontario Tech’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub.

Connecting innovators with expertise

Through DRIVE, participating companies will benefit from the expertise of Ontario Tech researchers as well as key industry players.

Industry partners including Alstom, Protexxa, IlluminexAI and Scooty will contribute expertise in rail, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and micromobility, further strengthening opportunities for collaboration and applied innovation.