OVIN — R&D Partnership Fund – Advanced Charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Stream
ON, Canada
Co-invests up to $1,000,000 for Ontario-based projects advancing connected and autonomous vehicle and smart mobility technologies.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
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grant_card_status|open
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The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 Program provides up to $1,000,000 in co-investment for projects focused on developing, testing, validating, and demonstrating connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies in Ontario. Eligible activities include technology development, demonstration, product/service validation, testing, and piloting.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant include a variety of activities focused on the development and demonstration of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies.
- Technology development
- Demonstration
- Product/service validation
- Testing
- Piloting
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500,000
Toronto
Development of a connected vehicle software platform for urban mobility optimization in Toronto.
$750,000
Vancouver
Testing and validation of autonomous drone delivery systems in downtown Vancouver.
$450,000
Montreal
Development and demonstration of a smart pedestrian crossing system in Montreal.
$800,000
Calgary
Piloting an advanced autonomous shuttle service in downtown Calgary.
$650,000
Ottawa
Testing an AI-driven traffic management system in downtown Ottawa.
$480,000
Edmonton
Demonstration of integrated smart parking solutions in downtown Edmonton.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
This grant requires that applicants and their projects meet specific criteria related to the type of organization, location, type of project, and partnerships.
- Applicants are Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) defined as having fewer than 500 global, full-time employees.
- Applicants are required to have operations in Ontario and carry out their project in Ontario.
- Eligible partners include 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, and Transit Authorities.
- One applicant and a minimum of one eligible partner are required for each project.
- Projects should be at Technology Readiness Level 3-9.
- Projects must demonstrate actual products that can be showcased in Ontario.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The eligible applicants and partners primarily include small and medium enterprises (SMEs), national and multinational enterprises, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees
- National Enterprises (NEs)
- Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)
- Academic institutions (as clients only)
- Municipalities
- Indigenous communities
- Not-for-profit organizations representing industry
- Crown Corporations
- Transit Authorities
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible geographic zones for this grant are in Ontario, Canada. Applicants must have operations in Ontario and carry out their projects in Ontario.
- Operations in Ontario
- Project implementation in Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 grant. The criteria include project relevance, potential for commercialization, partnership strength, technological readiness, and alignment with program objectives.
- Project relevance to the development, testing, validation, and demonstration of connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies
- Potential for commercialization of Ontario-made technologies
- Strength and scope of the partnerships involved in the project
- Technological readiness level (TRL 3-9)
- Alignment with intended program benefits, such as increased road safety, better road condition monitoring, and reduced environmental footprint
- Ability to demonstrate actual products that can be showcased in Ontario
- Budget feasibility and the ability to meet the minimum 2:1 funding contribution requirement
- Scalability of outcomes with high potential for commercialization and competitive advantage
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Complete the client intake form.
- Step 2: An OCI Business Development Manager (BD) will contact you to discuss the opportunity and assist you.
- Step 3: Submit an expression of interest (EOI).
- Step 4: If the EOI is accepted, proceed to submit a Full Proposal.
- Step 5: Utilize reference documentation such as the Program Guidelines, OCI Funding Agreement, Eligible Expenditures Guide, Full Proposal Questionnaire, Letter of Support Template, and Data and Information Sharing Protocol (DISP) documents available on the OVIN Resource Document Page for the Full Proposal.
- Step 6: Maintain communication with your OCI BD who will oversee the OCI components of any approved project.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility – Stream 2 helps finance projects related to smart mobility technologies in Ontario with the goal of commercialization and public-private collaboration. The funding is contingent on a minimum 2:1 matching contribution from applicants and/or private sector partners.
- Eligible applicants must have fewer than 500 global, full-time employees and operate in Ontario.
- Eligible partners include SMEs, national and multinational enterprises, academic institutions (as clients), municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, Crown Corporations, and Transit Authorities.
- The program supports projects with a total budget of up to $3,000,000 over 24 months.
- Projects should be at Technology Readiness Level 3-9 and must include the demonstration of actual products in Ontario.
- Typical project activities include technology development, demonstration, validation, testing, and piloting.
Apply to this program
R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 Overview
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 Program offers co-investment of up to $1,000,000 to support the development, testing, and demonstration of innovative connected and autonomous vehicle technologies and smart mobility solutions in Ontario. The program aims to facilitate public/private partnerships, enhance road safety, and reduce environmental impacts by promoting the commercialization of Ontario-made technologies.
Understanding the R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 2
The R&D Partnership Fund – Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 is an exciting initiative designed to support the forward momentum of technological advancements in the mobility sector. This comprehensive program, focused on facilitating the growth and commercialization of innovations in connected and autonomous vehicle technology and smart mobility solutions, aims to position Ontario as a global leader in this critical industry.
Program Overview
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 is dedicated to projects that address the development, testing, validation, and demonstration of cutting-edge technologies in several key areas. Specifically, the program supports initiatives involving:
- Mass light vehicles such as cars, trucks, and vans
- Heavy-duty vehicles including commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, and recreational vehicles
- Transportation infrastructure
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
- Transit-supportive systems and vehicles
These areas are critical for modernizing the transportation sector, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability in how people and goods get from one place to another.
Objectives and Benefits
The program has clearly defined objectives aimed at achieving significant benefits for both the participants and the wider society. For eligible projects, applicants, and partners, the program seeks to:
- Promote the commercialization of Ontario-made technologies
- Enable the demonstration of these technologies to potential customers
- Facilitate partnerships with researchers to extend company R&D
- Create marketable solutions to existing challenges
- Encourage public/private partnerships and collaborative ventures
For society at large, the program aims to:
- Increase road safety
- Improve road condition monitoring
- Enhance the collection and analysis of transportation-related information
- Advance the development of innovative products and services to improve driver performance
- Reduce the environmental and carbon footprint of transportation
Funding and Co-Investment
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 provides up to $1,000,000 in funding, which must be matched by a minimum 2:1 contribution from the applicants and/or their private sector partners. The total budget for supported projects can go up to $3,000,000 over a maximum period of 24 months. This funding structure is designed to ensure that projects are well-resourced and capable of delivering high-impact outcomes within a manageable timeframe.
Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for prospective applicants. Here we outline who can apply and the type of projects that qualify:
Eligible Applicants
The primary applicants must be Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees. Additionally, these SMEs must have operations in Ontario and carry out their project within the province.
Eligible Partners
The program allows for a broad range of partners, including:
- 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
There is no limit on the number of partners, encouraging robust collaboration and expansive project scopes that can yield significant commercial opportunities for all parties involved.
Eligible Projects
Projects must involve at least one applicant and a minimum of one partner. They should focus on technology that is between Technology Readiness Level 3 and 9, indicating a move beyond basic research to more practical, scalable solutions. Typical project activities eligible for funding include technology development, demonstration, product or service validation, testing, and piloting.
Moreover, eligible projects must include the demonstration of actual products that can be showcased in Ontario at various events, on the road, to the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and its partners, and/or at customer sites.
Application Process
To participate in the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 Program, applicants must go through a structured application process comprising two main stages: an Expression of Interest (EOI) and a Full Proposal.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
The EOI stage involves completing a client intake form, which initiates the process. Once submitted, an OCI Business Development Manager (BD) will get in touch with the applicant to discuss the opportunity further and provide assistance. The BD will also take on responsibility for overseeing the OCI components of any approved project.
All necessary reference documents, including 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) documents, are available on the OVIN Resource Document Page.
Stage 2: Full Proposal
If the EOI is successful, the applicant will be invited to submit a Full Proposal. This stage requires a more detailed description of the project, including its objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and alignment with the program's goals. The Full Proposal will also need to demonstrate how the project meets the eligibility criteria and how the co-investment will be used to achieve the project's aims.
How to Apply
Applicants interested in the R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 can begin the process by submitting a client intake form. You can find his form and additional information on program guidelines and required documentation on the OVIN Resource Document Page. It is highly recommended to subscribe to the program's monthly newsletter for the latest insights and highlights from Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector.
Conclusion
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility: Stream 2 Program is a robust funding opportunity for SMEs and their partners who are pioneering connected and autonomous vehicle technologies and smart mobility solutions. By fostering collaboration, supporting commercialization, and driving technological innovations, the program plays a pivotal role in transforming Ontario's transportation landscape. Interested applicants should prepare thoroughly, ensuring their projects align with the program objectives and eligibility criteria to take full advantage of this beneficial funding opportunity.
