C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 2
ON, Canada
Funding for autonomous vehicles and smart mobility technologies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 07, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 28, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Transportation and warehousing
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant requires participating companies to have operations in specific geographical areas within Canada. Eligible companies must be located within Ontario to qualify for the funding.
- Companies must operate within the province of Ontario, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$600,000
Piloting autonomous shuttle services for elderly
$500,000
Testing connected vehicle infrastructure
$550,000
Development of a pedestrian safety alert system
$500,000
Development of an AI-powered traffic management system
$700,000
Validation of a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology
$350,000
Demonstration of a smart parking solution
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and project execution details.
- Applicants must be Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees.
- Applicants are required to have operations in Ontario and must conduct their project activities within Ontario.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees that operate and plan to execute their projects in Ontario. Eligible applicants can partner with SMEs, national and multinational enterprises, academic institutions, municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations representing industry, Crown Corporations, and transit authorities. Partnerships should aim for significant commercial opportunities and collaborations with a minimum of one partner joining the applicant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Companies without operations or project implementation in Ontario.
- Enterprises with 500 or more global, full-time employees.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible projects for this grant center around the advancement and commercialization of connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) technologies. These projects must involve collaboration between at least one applicant and one partner and aim to deliver scalable outcomes with strong potential for marketability.
- Technology development within C/AV and smart mobility sectors.
- Demonstration of products in Ontario, including at events and customer sites.
- Validation of products and services to show commercial ready status.
- Testing of C/AV technologies to ensure reliability and compliance.
- Piloting of innovations related to C/AV and smart mobility.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Personnel salaries and benefits for project-related roles.
- Purchase of equipment and materials necessary for project execution.
- Travel and accommodation expenses directly associated with the project.
- Consulting fees for external expertise or technical support.
- Marketing and outreach costs for promoting project outcomes.
- Facility rental costs for demonstration events.
- Data collection and analysis expenses.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 grant include aspects related to project feasibility, collaboration, commercialization potential, and alignment with program objectives.
- Feasibility of the project
- Nature and extent of collaboration between the applicant and partners
- Potential for commercialization of Ontario-made technologies
- Degree of technology readiness (TRL 3-9)
- Alignment with intended program benefits such as increased road safety, better road condition monitoring, and reduced environmental footprint
- Demonstration of close collaboration and scalable outcomes
- Strong commercial pull and competitive advantage
- Potential for innovative products and services to improve driver performance
- Eligibility as per project and partner criteria
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility – Stream 2 grant:
- Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
- Complete and submit the client intake form available on the program's website.
- Engage with an OCI Business Development Manager who will contact you after submission.
- Discuss your project with the OCI BD to assess suitability and alignment with program goals.
- Step 2: Review and Feedback
- Receive feedback from the OCI Business Development Manager on your EOI submission.
- Make any recommended modifications to your project proposal if necessary.
- Step 3: Full Proposal Development
- Access the necessary documentation such as the Program Guidelines, OCI Funding Agreement, and Full Proposal Questionnaire from the OVIN Resource Document Page.
- Develop a comprehensive Full Proposal detailing project objectives, partnership roles, and expected outcomes.
- Include supporting documents such as a budget, timelines, and letters of support.
- Step 4: Final Proposal Submission
- Submit the completed Full Proposal and all supporting documents as per the instructions provided by your OCI Business Development Manager.
- Ensure the proposal is submitted in the format requested by the fund provider.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive confirmation of submission from the fund provider.
- Follow up with the OCI Business Development Manager if further information or clarification is required during the evaluation process.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- All funds provided by the program must be matched by a minimum 2:1 contribution from applicants and/or private sector partners.
- The projects supported must have scalable outcomes with high potential for commercialization.
- Demonstration of actual products that can be showcased in Ontario is mandatory.
- Aligning projects with program benefits like increased road safety and reduced environmental impact is crucial.
- Applicants are encouraged to explore partnerships that represent significant potential commercial opportunities for all parties involved.
Apply to this program
Unlocking Innovation in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
This grant offers financial co-investment for projects focused on connected and autonomous vehicle technologies and smart mobility solutions. It aims to both commercialize Ontario-made technologies and demonstrate them to potential customers, fostering public/private partnerships.
Detailed Overview of the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2
The R&D Partnership Fund—Stream 2 is a strategic initiative designed to accelerate the development and demonstration of connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) technologies, along with smart mobility solutions, by providing substantial financial backing. This program is a beacon for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ontario who are at the forefront of innovation in mobility technologies. Eligible projects are afforded the opportunity to receive up to $1,000,000 in funding, provided they align with the program's priorities and can showcase technological solutions in real-world settings.
This particular stream of funding has several specific objectives aimed at boosting both technological advancement and public-private collaboration. By commercializing and demonstrating Ontario-made technologies—particularly in mass light vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, transportation infrastructure, transit-supportive systems, and intelligent transportation systems—the program seeks to create market-driven solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in modern transportation. In doing so, it encourages partnerships between a diverse array of stakeholders including industry players, academic institutions, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. Such partnerships are expected to not only extend research and development (R&D) capacities but also enhance commercialization efforts.
Applicants are expected to work closely with partners and demonstrate scalable, market-ready outcomes. The program highlights the importance of these collaborations in achieving a strong commercial pull and competitive advantage, ensuring that supported technologies have a clear path towards market success. The mandate also emphasizes reducing environmental impacts, improving road safety, and enhancing the efficiency of transportation systems.
Eligible projects must be poised for significant commercial opportunities and must involve the demonstration of tangible products. Demonstrations are a critical part of the program, showcasing these innovations within Ontario at events, on the road, or through stakeholder engagements. These activities are crucial for applicants to not only prove the viability of their technologies but also to gain traction in both local and potentially international markets.
Applicants start the process by submitting an expression of interest (EOI), followed by a comprehensive full proposal. This methodical approach ensures that only the most promising projects receive support, maintaining the integrity and focus of the fund. With the backing of the R&D Partnership Fund, businesses have the rare opportunity to leap forward in their development cycles, supporting innovative breakthroughs in the C/AV field and contributing to sustainable advancements in the mobility sector.
The program is not just a financial aid tool but a catalyst for broader industry transformation. By fostering innovation through strategic partnerships and aligning with market needs, it supports the development of smarter, safer, and more environmentally friendly transportation solutions. As Ontario positions itself as a leader in automotive and mobility sectors, this grant serves as an essential instrument for driving progress and cementing the province's position on the global innovation map.
