C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 2

The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 offers up to $1,000,000 in co-investment to Ontario-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop, test, and demonstrate connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies. This fund aims to promote the commercialization of innovative technologies that enhance road safety, reduce environmental impact, and improve transportation infrastructure.

The rapid advancement of connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) technologies and smart mobility solutions has revolutionized the transportation sector. Recognizing the potential of these innovations, the Government of Ontario has introduced the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2. This program aims to support Ontario-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by offering up to $1,000,000 in co-investment for eligible projects over a maximum of 24 months. Below, we explore the detailed facets of this grant and its implications for the future of mobility.

To be eligible for the R&D Partnership Fund, applicants must meet specific criteria that ensure the program effectively benefits Ontario’s economic and technological landscape. Eligible applicants are SMEs with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees and operations based in Ontario. The projects must also be conducted within Ontario’s jurisdiction. The program mandates that projects should not be at the feasibility or basic research stage but should fall within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 9. The objectives of the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 are multi-faceted, aimed at fostering innovation, commercialization, and societal benefits. For applicants and partners, the program seeks to: - Commercialize Ontario-made technologies - Demonstrate these innovations to potential customers - Extend R&D through collaborations with researchers - Develop marketable solutions to current transportation challenges - Form public/private partnerships that can lead to significant commercial outcomes For broader societal benefits, the grant aims to: - Increase road safety through advanced technologies - Enhance road condition monitoring and data analysis - Introduce innovative products and services to bolster driver performance - Reduce the environmental and carbon footprint associated with transportation

The R&D Partnership Fund supports projects with up to $1,000,000 in funding, contingent upon a minimum 2:1 matching contribution from the applicants and/or their private sector partners. The total budget for a project can reach up to $3,000,000, and the funding spans a maximum period of 24 months. A key requirement is the demonstration of actual products that can be showcased in Ontario at events, on the road, or at customer sites. This practical demonstration underscores the program’s emphasis on tangible outputs and real-world applications.

The grant prioritizes a variety of sectors within the C/AV and smart mobility umbrella: 1. **Mass Light Vehicles**: Innovations in cars, trucks, and vans that enhance connectivity and autonomy. 2. **Heavy Duty Vehicles**: Commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles (RVs), and other goods movement solutions. 3. **Transportation Infrastructure**: Technologies that support the physical infrastructure needed for advanced transportation. 4. **Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)**: Systems that improve traffic management, safety, and efficiency through automation. 5. **Transit-supportive Systems and Vehicles**: Solutions that enhance public transit systems and the vehicles that operate within them. Eligible projects must involve a minimum of one applicant and one partner. The partners can span various sectors including SMEs, national and multinational enterprises, academic institutions (as clients only), municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, Crown Corporations, and transit authorities.

The application process for the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 is divided into two stages: an expression of interest (EOI) and a Full Proposal. To start, applicants are required to complete a client intake form. Once submitted, an Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) Business Development Manager will reach out to discuss the opportunity, offer guidance, and oversee the OCI components for any approved project. Essential documentation to support the application includes the Program Guidelines, the OCI Funding Agreement, the Eligible Expenditures Guide, the Full Proposal Questionnaire, the Letter of Support Template, and the Data and Information Sharing Protocol (DISP). These resources can be accessed via the OVIN Resource Document Page.

The significance of the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 extends beyond funding. It represents a strategic initiative to position Ontario as a leader in the burgeoning field of connected and autonomous vehicles and smart mobility. By fostering an ecosystem where SMEs can thrive through innovation and collaboration, the grant aims to create a ripple effect that benefits both the economy and society. For SMEs, this funding provides an invaluable opportunity to scale their R&D efforts, bring their technologies closer to commercial viability, and gain exposure to potential customers and partners. The focus on demonstration and real-world validation ensures that the innovations have practical, scalable applications that meet market needs. From a societal perspective, the advancements supported by this grant promise to enhance public safety, reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve overall urban mobility. As cities grow and evolve, intelligent transportation systems and autonomous vehicles will play a critical role in shaping sustainable and efficient urban environments.

The R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 is a forward-thinking initiative that provides significant financial support to Ontario-based SMEs working on innovative transportation solutions. By aligning technological advancements with commercial and societal objectives, the grant aims to solidify Ontario’s position as a hub for cutting-edge mobility solutions. Through strategic partnerships, rigorous demonstrations, and a clear focus on commercialization, the program hopes to unlock a future where connected and autonomous vehicles and intelligent transportation systems pave the way for safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transport solutions. For SMEs in Ontario, this grant is not just a funding opportunity but a catalyst for innovation and growth in the dynamic field of smart mobility.