Regional Technology Development Site of Simcoe County, Barrie, and Orillia

What is OVIN?

Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network

A key component of the Government of Ontario’s plan for positioning Ontario as a North American leader in developing emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing processes, OVIN harnesses Ontario’s regional strengths and capabilities and bridges its automotive and technology clusters to promote the development of Ontario-made electric vehicles, advanced automotive technologies, and smart mobility solutions. The Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) of Simcoe County, Barrie, and Orillia is one of nine OVIN regional technology development sites.

Who does the RTDS of Simcoe County-Barrie-Orillia help?

Supported by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, we support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing, testing and commercializing automotive, electric vehicle and ground transportation technologies through our partner network.  Our partner network supports SMEs overcome barriers, scale and succeed by providing access to specialized equipment, advisory services and pilot environments.

Eligibility criteria – For an SME applicant to be eligible, it must:

• operate in Ontario.
• have fewer than 500 employees.
• Have a proposed project focused on testing, and commercializing automotive, electric vehicle and ground transportation technologies.
• Have a proposed project aiming to advance technologies toward commercialization (targeting Technology Readiness Levels 3–9).
• Provide a sufficient cash contribution towards the project.

How do I access funding and services?

Ontario SMEs can express an interest in accessing funding and services offered through the RTDS of Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia through Simcoe County’s Economic Development Office by submitting an intake form (Get Started). SME applicants are encouraged to explore the RTDS services to identify the specialized equipment, expertise and resources best suited to their project needs.

Program intake is open.

Program Intake Process

1. Complete the Get Started form.
2. Host an introductory meeting with the applicant and RTDS Program Lead to discuss the opportunity, confirm eligibility and identify appropriate delivery partners.
3. Decide on whether to proceed to project scope development.
4. Complete a project scope form in consultation with an applicable delivery partner. For both Georgian College and Lakehead University partners, the applicant will complete a project scope form using their own institutional process.
5. Complete the OVIN Registration Survey
6. Services from delivery partner can begin for the project.

Funding Support

Funding is paid directly to the technology development support partner (i.e. Georgian College, Lakehead University) and not through the RTDS Program Lead. Funding will be provided to the partner for successful applicants of up to 50% of the project costs based on actual, eligible costs incurred for approved projects.

Timeframe

Projects will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. They must be completed by March 31^st, 2029.