Receive up to $1 million in co-investment funding and support of strategic partners to develop, test, validate and demonstrate connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies. Eligible projects will have to include demonstratio

Eligibility criteria

The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility - Stream 2 program supports projects related to connected and autonomous vehicles and smart mobility technologies. The eligibility criteria for this grant include:

Applicants must be Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees.
Operations and projects must be based in Ontario.
Eligible partners include SMEs, NEs, MNEs, academic institutions, municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, Crown Corporations, and Transit Authorities.
Projects should focus on technology development, testing, validation, and commercialization with tangible outcomes.
Projects must demonstrate collaboration among partners and high potential for commercialization.

Who is eligible

Eligible companies for this grant must be Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees, have operations in Ontario, and conduct their project in Ontario.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
National and multinational enterprises (NEs and MNEs)
Academic institutions (as clients only)
Municipalities
Indigenous communities
Not-for-profit organizations representing industry
Crown Corporations
Transit Authorities

Eligible expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:

Technology development
Demonstration of product/service
Validation testing
Piloting activities
Actual product demonstration in Ontario

Eligible projects & activities

There are eligible projects for this grant:

Development, testing, validation, and demonstration of connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies
Projects related to mass light vehicles, heavy duty vehicles, transportation infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, and transit-supportive systems and vehicles

Evaluation & selection criteria

Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are:

Alignment with program objectives and priorities
Demonstrated collaboration with partners
Commercial potential and market pull
Technology readiness level (TRL) of the project
Potential for commercialization and societal benefits

How to apply

Step 1: Complete the expression of interest (EOI) submission process by filling out a client intake form.
Step 2: An OCI Business Development Manager will contact you to discuss the opportunity and assist you.
Step 3: Your OCI BD will maintain oversight responsibility for the OCI components of any approved project.
Step 4: Reference the necessary documentation available on the OVIN Resource Document Page for detailed program guidelines and templates.

Documents and links

C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 2

Apply to this program

R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 Grant Summary

R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 Program Overview

The R&D Partnership Fund – Stream 2 supports projects focused on developing and demonstrating connected and autonomous vehicle technologies in Ontario, with a co-investment of up to $1,000,000. Eligible applicants and partners include SMEs, academic institutions, municipalities, and more, aiming to achieve objectives like commercialization, road safety improvement, and environmental impact reduction through innovative solutions. Projects should be at Technology Readiness Level 3-9, emphasizing technology development, validation, testing, and piloting to showcase actual products in Ontario for potential customers and partners. The program encourages collaboration, partnerships, and co-investment between applicants and private sector partners, with the goal of enhancing Ontario's automotive and mobility sector with marketable solutions and societal benefits. To apply, interested parties can submit an expression of interest followed by a full proposal, ensuring alignment with the program's requirements and demonstrating the potential for commercialization, competitiveness, and compatibility with the intended program outcomes.