Ontario’s automotive technology cluster is driving the research and commercialization of a comprehensive range of mobility technologies that are helping us travel more safely, protect our environment, and enhance the way products are manufactured and moved to market.

The province offers a unique combination of skillsets required to transition the next generation of vehicle technologies from the development lab, to the testing facility, and ultimately to our connected transportation networks:

  • 3rd largest vehicle-producing jurisdiction in North America
  • One of the largest IT clusters in North America
  • The number 1 cleantech sector in Canada

Today, more than 400 companies are pioneering connected, autonomous and mobility technologies in Ontario. Find out why Ontario is the best place for your company to shape the future of mobility.

Who’s here – just some of the companies developing and testing in Ontario:

  • Acerta
  • Gatik
  • Untether AI
  • GaN Systems
  • Visionary Semiconductor
  • Betterfrost
  • Inmotive
  • ELeapPower
  • Autzu
  • Waabi
  • Pitstop Connect
  • SalesChoice

R&D ecosystem

Ontario has an advanced network of research and testing facilities that are supporting pioneering work on the next generation of mobility technologies.

A small autonomous pod car being tested at Area X.O in Ottawa, Ontario
Area X.O test facility demos in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Oct 6, 2020. Photo by David Kawai

This supportive ecosystem has nurtured Ontario expertise and leadership in a wide range of technologies, including:

A grey Lexus being tested at the AREA X.O facility in Ottawa
Area X.O test facility demos in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Oct 6, 2020. Photo by David Kawai
  • Artificial intelligence and quantum computing
  • Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications
  • Cybersecurity and data encryption
  • Smart charging infrastructure
  • Sensors Vehicle diagnostics
  • Robotics
  • Fleet management technology
  • High-definition (HD) 3D mapping
  • Transportation logistics
  • Human machine interface (HMI) and user experience
  • Winterized connected and autonomous technologies

Talent

Auto tech companies locating in Ontario find the reliable talent pipeline they need to drive innovation and growth:

  • Over 65,000 STEM graduates per year.
  • 12 universities and 24 colleges with auto research and training programs.
  • Toronto is the top-ranked tech talent market in North America after San Francisco and Seattle.
  • University of Waterloo is Silicon Valley’s second-leading source of tech talent after UC Berkeley.

Leadership and collaboration

As a leading automotive and technology cluster, Ontario took early and proactive steps to ensure the province remained at the forefront of industry innovation.

With Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program launched in 2016, the province became the first in Canada to allow on-road testing of autonomous vehicles. The program was updated in 2019 to keep pace with developments in automated vehicle technologies.

As part of an integrated, continent-wide supply chain, Ontario and Michigan have a longstanding track record as innovation partners. In 2017, the province and state collaborated on North America’s first cross-border automated vehicle test drive. Ontario and Michigan are now working together on a cross-border testing environment for mobility technologies that will enhance crossings by land, air and water.

A conceptional rendering of a connected City of Stratford
A conceptional rendering of a connected City of Stratford

Supportive government

Ontario’s innovation ecosystem is strengthened by strategic collaboration between industry, the education and research sector and government. It’s a value-added partnership spearheaded by Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).

Fueled by a $56.4 million investment over the next four years, OVIN will create a new, regionally diverse network that incorporates electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies into its existing mandate of connected and autonomous vehicles.

Meanwhile, small and medium- sized manufacturers can save up to 50% on their after-tax R&D expenditures, further enhancing the province’s attractiveness for innovation.