Closed
Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC)
Support for Ontario automotive talent and learning
Last Update: May 1, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 15, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The program provides up to $200,000 to support Ontario post-secondary institutions and industry partners. It funds challenge-based learning and experiential learning projects in the automotive and mobility sector.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : September 15, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Educational services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Challenge-based learning projects tied to real industry problems.
- Experiential learning placements such as co-ops, internships, and embedded placements.
- Career readiness sessions and industry engagement activities.
Documents Needed
- Completed application or proposal form
- Project budget and justification
- Letters of support from industry partners
- Supporting documents, if referenced in the proposal
- Signed funding agreement after approval
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario-based publicly funded post-secondary institutions
- Ontario automotive and mobility industry partners
Who is not eligible
- Organizations not based in Ontario.
- Applicants without an industry partner.
- Businesses outside the automotive and mobility sector.
Eligible expenses
- Operating expenses directly related to program delivery.
- Salaries for coordination and administration roles.
- Travel related to program execution.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Institutional overhead.
- Travel outside Ontario.
- Meals and incidentals.
- Costs related to proposal or application development.
- Incentives such as cash or gift cards for students.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Applicant experience in applied learning and employability programming.
- Ability to engage the target number of students.
- Strength of industry partnerships and career-readiness links.
- Innovation in program design and delivery format.
- Quality of the data collection and evaluation plan.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact OCI BDCM
- Reach out to your OCI Business Development and Commercialization Manager.
- If new to OCI, complete the Program Enquiry Form to be connected.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the full proposal and required supporting materials.
- Include the project design, logistics, outreach, evaluation, and budget details.
- Step 3: Submit through AccessOCI
- Submit the full application package through AccessOCI before the deadline.
- Use separate applications for Stream 1 and Stream 2.
- Step 4: Sign the agreement after approval
- Review the funding agreement sent after approval.
- Have all contracting parties sign it electronically.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance.
- An external review panel evaluates eligible applications.
- Applicants may be invited to present to the review panel.
- OVIN makes the final funding decision and notifies applicants.
- A funding agreement must be signed before project activation.
Additional information
- Applicants may apply to both Stream 1 cohorts, but each application must propose a distinct program.
- Funding is released only after the agreement is signed by all parties.
- OVIN’s contribution may be reduced if matching funds are not met or if the project is underspent.
- Applicants must use OVIN’s pre- and post-program surveys and submit required progress and final reporting.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) Program
What is the Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC)?
The program provides up to $200,000 to support Ontario post-secondary institutions and industry partners. It funds challenge-based learning and experiential learning projects in the automotive and mobility sector.
How much funding can be received?
Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) program?
To be eligible for the Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) program, you must:
Ontario post-secondary institution
Ontario-based industry partner
No-cost student program
What expenses are eligible under Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC)?
Challenge-based learning projects tied to real industry problems.
Experiential learning placements such as co-ops, internships, and embedded placements.
Career readiness sessions and industry engagement activities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC)?
You can contact Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) by email at clundgren@oc-innovation.ca.
Where is the Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) available?
The Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) is a Grant and Funding