The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is accelerating advanced automotive technologies, electrification, battery manufacturing and smart mobility innovations in southwestern Ontario through renewed Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) funding announced June 23, 2026.
The Windsor-Essex RTDS is being led by WETech Alliance, in partnership with Automate Canada, Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association (APMA), City of Windsor, County of Essex, Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge (GAMIC), Invest WindsorEssex, St. Clair College, University of Windsor, Wallonia Export-Investment Agency, Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation, and Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce.
"As a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector, Ontario is driving the transformation towards a connected, electric future," said Raed Kadri, Windsor native and Head of OVIN. "The OVIN Regional Development 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 to meet not only Ontario's needs, but those of customers across the globe, to drive our economy forward."
The Ontario Government, through OVIN, is investing up to $1.5 million in the Windsor-Essex RTDS, supported by nearly $3.35 million in private sector contributions and $1.75 million in broader public sector supports, for a total commitment of $6.6 million.
Windsor-Essex RTDS will continue to support startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), researchers and industry partners in developing, testing and commercializing advanced automotive and mobility technologies across the region.
"Windsor-Essex is uniquely positioned to help shape the future of mobility, bringing together world-class automotive and manufacturing expertise, a strategic cross-border location, and a growing innovation ecosystem," said Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WEtech Alliance. "We are proud to build on the strong foundation established by Invest WindsorEssex and our regional partners, whose leadership helped position the region as a key destination for mobility innovation."
"Through the OVIN Regional Technology Development Site program, we will continue connecting SMEs to the infrastructure, industry expertise, testing environments, and commercialization pathways they need to develop, prototype, validate, and bring next-generation mobility technologies to market faster," Pilon said. "Together, we are strengthening Ontario's innovation economy while creating new opportunities for investment, talent, and economic growth in Windsor-Essex."
St. Clair College received funding through the RTDS which will go towards its annual Ford Innovation Showcase, where student-generated ideas get exposure to industry and can serve as a launchpad for ideas and knowledge expression.
"St. Clair College is proud to partner with WEtech Alliance and regional leaders on this important initiative that strengthens Windsor-Essex's role in shaping the future of mobility," said Michael Silvaggi, President of St. Clair College. "Through the Regional Technology Development Site, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students, researchers and industry to collaborate on cutting-edge automotive and advanced manufacturing technologies."
"This investment not only accelerates innovation and commercialization in our region but also reinforces our shared commitment to developing the skilled talent and applied solutions needed to drive Ontario's next generation economy," President Silvaggi added.
Through a provincially coordinated approach and leveraging Ontario's regional strengths and expertise in automotive manufacturing, technology, and critical minerals, the regional technology development sites provide a network for Ontario-based SMEs to drive the development, testing, and commercialization of automotive and smart mobility solutions across the province.
Learn more about the Windsor-Essex RTDS at www.wetech-alliance.com/rtds.
