archived
Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)
Funds innovative auto manufacturing projects creating or retaining jobs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Archived
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) offers up to $500 million to support advanced auto manufacturing projects that involve investments over $300 million or create/retain more than 300 jobs. Eligible activities include advanced skills training, innovation in environmental and energy technologies, public infrastructure, and research and development in the automotive sector.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Advanced skills training programs for automotive workers.
- Implementation of new or improved environmental and energy technologies in manufacturing processes.
- Development and adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques.
- Automotive research and innovation projects, including the testing and marketing of new products.
- Upgrades to public infrastructure to support advanced auto manufacturing operations.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Automotive manufacturing companies proposing projects in Ontario
- Auto parts manufacturers
Eligible expenses
- Advanced skills training for workers in the automotive sector.
- Implementation of improved environmental and energy technologies.
- Investment in public infrastructure supporting manufacturing upgrades.
- Research and innovation activities within the auto manufacturing industry.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Demonstration of significant financial investment.
- Capacity to create or retain a significant number of jobs.
- Strategic skills training initiatives to keep pace with new technologies and techniques.
- Innovation initiatives focused on developing, testing, and marketing new products, including adoption and improvement of new and more efficient technologies.
- Projects contributing to improved energy efficiency and environmental technologies, as well as enhancement of public infrastructure to support new manufacturing techniques.
How to apply
- Step 1: Develop Project Proposal
- Prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining the automotive manufacturing project, including its financial investment and projected job creation or retention.
- Highlight how the project addresses skills training, innovation, adoption of new technologies, and improvements in environmental and energy performance.
- Step 2: Submission to Ministry
- Submit the proposal to the Investment Division of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT).
- Step 3: Evaluation Process
- The MEDT, in collaboration with other relevant ministries, will evaluate proposals based on financial investment, job creation, strategic skills training, innovation, and infrastructure impact.
Additional information
- The program aims to leverage up to $5 billion in private-sector investments over five years.
- Automotive companies must submit proposals through the Investment Division of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
- The program emphasizes public investment's role in supporting skills training and innovation for a globally competitive workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) Program
What is the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?
The Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) offers up to $500 million to support advanced auto manufacturing projects that involve investments over $300 million or create/retain more than 300 jobs. Eligible activities include advanced skills training, innovation in environmental and energy technologies, public infrastructure, and research and development in the automotive sector.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) program, you must:
Support is for automotive companies proposing leading-edge manufacturing projects
Project must involve more than $300 million in investment or create/retain over 300 jobs
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?
Advanced skills training programs for automotive workers.
Implementation of new or improved environmental and energy technologies in manufacturing processes.
Development and adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques.
Automotive research and innovation projects, including the testing and marketing of new products.
Upgrades to public infrastructure to support advanced auto manufacturing operations.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?
You can contact Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (ON).
Where is the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) available?
The Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?
Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) is funded by Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (ON)