Significant partnership investment accelerates smart mobility innovation
The Regional Municipality of York has been named an Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS). The York Region RTDS will assist entrepreneurs and businesses bridge the gap between research and development and commercialization.
Supported by an investment of up to $2.5 million from the Government of Ontario through OVIN, the York Region RTDS will include a $4.4 million contribution from York Region and other public sector partners and more than $8 million from private sector partners for a total investment of nearly $15 million.
“York Region is proud to be named one of OVIN’s Regional Technology Development Sites,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “This multi-million dollar investment strengthens our position as a leader in Ontario’s innovation and smart mobility ecosystem, creating environments where technology can be developed, tested and brought to market, ensuring York Region remains a place where businesses and talent thrive and grow.”
The York Region RTDS is one of nine locations in Ontario. The sites help small and medium-sized enterprises develop, test and prototype new automotive and smart mobility technologies.
The York Region RTDS is supported by the Region’s nine municipalities in addition to a network of private-sector partners.
York University’s YSpace offers the SmartTO stream where companies can access cutting-edge labs, research and talent in areas like smart materials, electrification and system reliability. With ventureLAB, firms benefit through the Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI), Canada’s only hardware and semiconductor-focused lab and accelerator program enabling deep-tech entrepreneurs to commercialize transformative technologies.
The mayor is excited about the potential for these investments to better the local community.
“This collaborative investment positions York Region for long-term success by fostering innovation and preparing our communities for the future of mobility,” said Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt.
York Region complements strong resources from strategic partners with critical infrastructure and real-world testing environments, including YorkNet’s dark fibre network, municipal fleet vehicles, open data sets and promotional support to help businesses pilot, validate and scale their technologies.
Photo: “York Region is proud to be named one of OVIN’s Regional Technology Development Sites,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe.