OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Funding for autonomous vehicles and smart mobility technologies
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $100,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 24, 2022
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Transportation and warehousing
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Receive up to $100,000 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.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides co-investment opportunities to support the advancement of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies and smart mobility solutions in Ontario. The funding structure is designed to ensure applicants and private partners contribute significantly to the project costs.
- Co-investment of up to $100,000 towards approved projects.
- Funding must be matched with a minimum 2:1 contribution from applicants and/or private sector partners.
- Grant supports project costs over a maximum period of 12 months.
Activities funded
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility – Stream 1 focuses on advancing connected and autonomous vehicle technologies through collaborative and innovative projects. Projects are required to demonstrate high potential for commercialization and should contribute to the development and validation of cutting-edge smart mobility solutions.
- Development and demonstration of connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) technologies for mass light and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Enhancement of transportation infrastructure to support intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
- Development of transit-supportive systems and vehicles.
- Demonstration and validation of Ontario-made smart mobility technologies to potential customers.
- Projects geared towards commercializing marketable solutions to current mobility challenges.
- Projects that involve close collaboration with researchers and other partners for scalable outcomes.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 70,000
Validating an AI-based ride-sharing platform for rural areas
$ 50,000
Developing a proof-of-concept for an autonomous delivery robot
$ 65,000
Testing a new smart parking solution in a busy downtown area
$ 80,000
Pilot testing a scalable smart traffic management system
$ 70,000
Development and testing of a real-time pedestrian safety alert system
$ 75,000
Demonstration of autonomous bus technology in a public transit system
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 1 are as follows:
- Applicants are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees.
- Applicants must have operations in Ontario and carry out their project in Ontario.
- Eligible partners include SMEs, national and multinational enterprises, academic institutions (as clients only), municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations representing industry, Crown Corporations, and Transit Authorities.
- The project must involve at least one applicant and a minimum of one partner.
- The project must support a total budget of up to $300,000 over 12 months.
- Projects should be at Technology Readiness Level 3-9 and focus on activities like technology proof-of-concept development, demonstration, product/service validation, testing, and piloting.
- Applicants and partners should demonstrate close collaboration, scalable outcomes, high commercialization potential, strong commercial pull, competitive advantage, and alignment with intended program benefits.
Who is eligible?
Yes, there are specific eligible types of companies for this grant. Here is the list of eligible applicants and partners:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees
- 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
Who is not eligible
There are specific eligibility criteria for this grant, and certain types of companies do not meet these requirements.
- Companies with more than 500 global, full-time employees
- Companies that do not have operations in Ontario
- Companies undertaking basic technology research or feasibility studies
Eligible expenses
There are no eligible expenses mentioned for this grant.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is primarily available to businesses that operate and execute their projects in Ontario. The program focuses on supporting initiatives within the province to foster technological advancement and commercialization.
- Businesses operating within the province of Ontario, Canada.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Commercialization potential of Ontario-made technologies
- Demonstration to potential customers
- Relationships with researchers to extend company R&D
- Marketable solutions to current challenges
- Public/private partnerships and collaboration
- Increased road safety
- Better road condition monitoring
- Innovative products and services for driver performance improvement
- Reduced environmental and carbon footprint
How to apply
1
Complete the client intake form. This will determine if the program is the right fit for your business.
2
An OCI Business Development Manager (BD) will contact you to discuss the opportunity and assist you with your application.
3
Work with your OCI BD to prepare and submit a full proposal. This stage includes filling out the Full Proposal Questionnaire and securing Letters of Support as required.
Additional information
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility – Stream 1 provides up to $100,000 in funding for projects related to connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, with a 12-month duration. Eligible projects must have a minimum of one applicant and one partner, and demonstrate significant commercial opportunities and scalability.
- Applicants must match the funding with a minimum 2:1 contribution from themselves and/or private sector partners.
- Eligible projects should be at Technology Readiness Level 3-9.
- The program is not intended for basic research or to prove feasibility.
- Applicants must complete a client intake form and be contacted by an OCI Business Development Manager for the Full Proposal stage.
- The program supports activities like technology proof-of-concept development, demonstration, product/service validation, testing, and piloting.
- The program aims for commercialization, road safety, improved transportation data analysis, and reduced environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1 Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1?
Who is eligible for the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1 program?
Who can I contact for more information about the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1?
Where is the OVIN — C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1 available?
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