OVIN Demonstration Zones in Markham and Vaughan Now Open for Applications

MunicipalInfoNet.com
Dec. 13, 2023

The City of Vaughan and the City of Markham, with funding from the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), are inviting businesses to apply to demonstrate their innovative mobility technology solutions within the newly launched OVIN Demonstration Zone.

Interested businesses are encouraged to apply for one of the following streams at ovindz.ca:

Challenge Area Stream: Specifically targeting two challenge areas identified by the Cities of Vaughan and Markham.

For Vaughan, the emphasis has been placed on “Cycle Lane Maintenance.” The City of Vaughan is seeking ideas from businesses with innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency and uphold safety standards in cycle lane maintenance operations.

For Markham, the spotlight is on “First and Last Mile Solutions.” The City of Markham is seeking ideas from technology providers who can help bridge the gap between Markham Centre and the Unionville GO Station, with the aim of enhancing the commuting experience and connecting residents to public transportation.

Applications for Vaughan’s Challenge Area Stream are being accepted until Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.

General Open Call Stream: Open to all applicants with mobility technology solutions that meet at least one of the five mobility goals set for the program:

1. Create resilient transportation infrastructure
2. Maximize value from transportation infrastructure
3. Support sustainable goods movement
4. Investigate future mobility
5. Collect and leverage data

Applications for the General Open Call Stream are being accepted until Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.

The first round of selected businesses will demonstrate their technologies in early 2024. Applications for the second intake round will open with newly selected challenge areas in the spring of 2024.

Through the OVIN Demonstration Zone, entrepreneurs, innovators and visionaries can safely test their automotive and smart mobility solutions in the real world. It offers startups, scaleups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) an opportunity to showcase their solution within sites across Vaughan and Markham– and leverage the support of key industry partners. Startups, scaleups and SMEs that may not have the resources to do so on their own will benefit from the opportunity to demonstrate and promote their technologies to potential customers and industry partners.

The OVIN Demonstration Zone supports the advancement of technology to improve the way we move people and goods, all while generating new economic opportunities for Ontario-based businesses. The call for applications comes after the Government of Ontario announced $2.5 million in funding awarded to the Cities of Vaughan and Markham through OVIN to develop automotive and smart mobility demonstration zones. The funding came as part of the Ontario government’s $56.4-million commitment over four years to support 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 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.

More information on the OVIN Demonstration Zone, including application guidelines, can be found at ovindz.ca.

QUOTES
“The City of Vaughan is committed to building a world-class city where residents and businesses can thrive. Innovative technologies are changing how road users think about and use roadways, transit and other transportation services, and Vaughan is ready to harness these new technologies as we look ahead and support a future transportation system. I encourage businesses with innovative ideas for how we can improve cycling infrastructure in Vaughan to submit solutions for consideration. This is a chance to further develop our interconnected transit system and keep Vaughan moving. Vaughan’s automotive sector is thriving, and I look forward to seeing what innovations will arise from this exciting new initiative.”
Mayor Steven Del Duca

“As the automotive and mobility sectors continue to evolve, it is essential that innovators, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized businesses across Ontario have the tools and resources to ensure their success. Through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, and in partnership with the City of Vaughan, our government launched the Demonstration Zone initiative to ensure that companies are able to take their mobility and technology solutions to new heights through practical application and demonstration. We look forward to seeing the first round of technologies piloted.”
Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

"This is a significant milestone in the development of sustainable mobility technologies in Ontario. The launch of the OVIN Demonstration Zone in partnership with the City of Markham and the City of Vaughan is a testament to our Ontario’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving positive change in the transportation sector. With $2.5 million in funding provided by from the Government of Ontario through OVIN, this initiative paves the way for businesses to showcase their groundbreaking solutions. We invite forward-thinking companies to join us on this transformative journey, as we work together to shape the future of mobility and lead the way in automotive innovation."
Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN.

QUICK FACTS
The Cities of Vaughan and Markham are now accepting applications for innovative mobility and transportation solutions through the Demonstration Zone.
Applications for Vaughan’s Challenge Area Stream are being accepted until Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.
Applications for the General Open Call Stream are being accepted until Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.
The first round of selected businesses will pilot their technologies in early 2024.
The next challenge areas will be announced in spring 2024.

LEARN MORE
Mayor Steven Del Duca’s Demonstration Zone statement
OVIN Demonstration Zone launch announcement
City of Vaughan’s Economic Development Automotive Sector webpage
City of Vaughan’s Transportation Innovation Program webpage
City of Vaughan’s Economic Development website
City of Vaughan’s Economic Development department’s eNewsletter
City of Vaughan’s Economic Development department’s eNewsletter