WinterTech Development
ON, Canada
Money to develop automotive winter weather related technologies.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 03, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 07, 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 $500,000 in funding to validate, test and prototype your winter weather automotive technology and mobility solutions.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant which include technology/product/service development, validation, testing, piloting, demonstration, commercialization, and deployment of mobility products and services in severe winter weather conditions.
- Technology development
- Product/service validation
- Testing
- Certification
- Piloting mobility products and services
- Commercialization
- Demonstration
- Deployment in severe winter weather conditions
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$450,000
Winnipeg
Commercialize an intelligent ice road navigation system
$400,000
Montreal
Pilot a winter tire monitoring system using real-time data analytics
$500,000
Toronto
Develop and validate a new autonomous snow removal vehicle in severe winter conditions
$450,000
Calgary
Validate a new thermal management system for electric vehicles
$450,000
Halifax
Deploy a new winter weather electric vehicle battery
$450,000
Edmonton
Test and certify a new anti-icing technology for vehicles
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant encompass the requirements for the applicant, primary partner, secondary partners, and the project itself.
- A small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees.
- Must have registered operations (R&D, manufacturing, product management, etc.) in Ontario.
- Applicants who have received over $500,000 of funding from OCI administered programs in their lifetime (excluding TalentEdge) require OCI approval before a new application.
- Primary Partner must demonstrate "market pull" for the Applicant's technology.
- Primary Partner may participate in multiple concurrent projects.
- Primary Partner may include SMEs, large enterprises, academic institutions, municipalities, transit authorities, Crown corporations, Indigenous communities, and relevant NPOs.
- Secondary Partners directly contributing matching leverage to the project. They can include SMEs, large enterprises, and relevant NPOs.
- Project must have one Applicant and at least one Primary Partner.
- Project activities must be carried out in Ontario with a minimum 2:1 contribution match by Applicants and/or private sector Partners.
- Projects can last up to 24 months and focus on technology development at Technology Readiness Level 5-9.
- Eligible projects must include demonstration of actual products/services that can be showcased in Ontario.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, the grant is available for specific types of companies. Here is a summary followed by a list of eligible types:
- Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
- National and Multi-National Enterprises (NEs and MNEs)
- Academic institutions (as clients only)
- Municipalities
- Transit Authorities
- Crown Corporations
- Indigenous Communities
- Not-For-Profit Organizations representing industry
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses mentioned for this grant.
- Technology/product/service development
- Validation
- Testing
- Piloting
- Demonstration
- Commercialization
- Deployment of mobility products and services in severe winter weather conditions
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are regions within Ontario. All project activities must be performed within Ontario unless written approval has been obtained from OCI before submission of an application.
- Project activities must be carried out in Ontario
- Written approval needed for activities outside Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Commercialization of Ontario-made technologies
- Demonstration of Ontario-made technologies 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
- Better collection and analysis of transportation-related information
- Innovative new products and services to improve driver performance
- Reduced environmental and carbon footprint
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Complete a client intake form.
- Content: Provide preliminary project and company information.
- Implications: An OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) will contact you to discuss the opportunity and assist in developing the Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Step 2: Develop and submit the EOI using OCI’s AccessOCI web portal.
- Content: Detailed project description and initial assessment criteria.
- Implications: The EOI will be reviewed internally and externally.
- Step 3: Review by EOI External Review Panel (ERP).
- Content: External experts will evaluate the EOI.
- Implications: Applicants with successful EOIs will be invited to submit a Full Application.
- Step 4: Submit Full Application to OCI.
- Content: Comprehensive proposal including detailed project plan, budget, and partnership letters of support.
- Implications: The application must be endorsed by the BDM for eligibility and suitability.
- Step 5: Internal and External Review.
- Content: Detailed evaluation by internal and external reviewers.
- Implications: Applicants may be invited to present their proposals in person or via video conference to the ERP.
- Step 6: Presentation to ERP.
- Content: Presentation and Q&A session on the Full Application.
- Implications: ERP makes funding recommendations to the OCI’s Internal Review Panel (IRP).
- Step 7: Final Decision by IRP.
- Content: IRP comprised of senior OCI staff reviews ERP recommendations.
- Implications: Final decision on funding approval.
- Step 8: Notification and Project Activation.
- Content: Successful applicants receive conditions and additional information necessary to activate the project.
- Implications: The OCI Funding Agreement must be executed within 30 days.
- Step 9: Reporting and Reimbursement.
- Content: Submit quarterly interim progress reports, final report at project end, annual metrics survey, and retrospective survey.
- Implications: Required for reimbursement of funds and maintaining good financial standing.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The OVIN R&D Partnership Fund – Wintertech Development program aims to support the development and commercialization of mobility products and services suitable for severe winter weather conditions by offering funding and encouraging collaboration.
- This program can fund up to one-third of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $500,000.
- Applicant must be an SME with fewer than 500 global full-time employees and have operations in Ontario.
- Projects must achieve a minimum 2:1 private sector contribution match.
- The program supports technology/product/service development, validation, testing, piloting, demonstration, commercialization, and deployment.
- All project activities must be carried out in Ontario, and contributions from public entities are not considered as matching funds.
- Project duration can be up to 24 months.
- Eligible projects must include the demonstration of actual products or services that can be showcased.
- The application process includes an Expression of Interest, a Full Application, and requires an OCI Business Development Manager's endorsement.
- Funding decisions are based on an evaluation process by an External Review Panel and OCI’s Internal Review Panel.
- Interim and final project reporting are required, including progress, financial contributions, and project metrics.
Apply to this program
Summary of the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund – WinterTech Development Grant
The OVIN Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Fund – WinterTech Development program offers funding up to one-third of eligible project costs (up to a maximum of $500,000) for technology development, validation, testing, piloting, commercialization, and deployment of mobility products and services in severe winter weather conditions. This initiative aims to support advancements in mass light vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, transportation infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, and transit-supportive systems and vehicles while fostering public-private partnerships and promoting Ontario-made technological innovations.
Detailed Explanation of the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund – WinterTech Development Grant
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Fund – WinterTech Development is a significant funding initiative aimed at fostering innovation and advancements in the transportation sector, specifically targeting the challenges posed by severe winter weather conditions. This fund provides a unique opportunity for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate with various partners, including large enterprises, municipalities, transit authorities, and academic institutions, to bring cutting-edge mobility solutions to market. Below, we delve into the specifics of the grant, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, the application process, and reporting obligations.
Overview and Benefits
The WinterTech Development program under the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund contributes up to one-third of eligible project costs for approved projects, capped at $500,000. The remainder of the funding must come from the applicant and/or private sector partners. The funding can be used for:
- Technology/product/service development
- Validation and testing
- Piloting and demonstration
- Commercialization and deployment
The focus is on mobility products and services that operate in harsh winter conditions and fall under the following priority areas:
- Mass light vehicles (cars, trucks, vans)
- Heavy-duty vehicles (commercial vehicles, buses, RVs)
- Transportation infrastructure
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
- Transit-supportive systems and vehicles
How Funding Works
The program operates on a reimbursement basis, where OVIN reimburses up to one-third of the total eligible project costs. The remaining two-thirds must come from private sector contributions. An illustrative example is provided for clarity:
If the total eligible project costs are $400,000, the maximum OVIN contribution would be $133,000, and the minimum private sector contribution must be $267,000.
Eligibility Requirements
The program sets specific eligibility criteria for applicants, partners, and projects:
Applicant
- Must be a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees.
- Should have registered operations in Ontario.
- May only have one active R&D Partnership Fund project at a time.
- If the applicant has previously received over $500,000 from OCI-administered programs, OCI approval is required before a new application.
Primary Partner
A Primary Partner should demonstrate "market pull" for the applicant's technology and can be:
- SMEs
- National and Multi-National Enterprises (NEs and MNEs)
- Academic institutions (as clients)
- Municipalities, Transit Authorities, Crown Corporations
- Indigenous Communities, Not-for-Profit Organizations
Secondary Partners
Secondary Partners also contribute matching funds and can include SMEs, NEs, MNEs, and Not-for-Profit Organizations that possess non-public sources of funding.
Project
- Must involve one Applicant and at least one Primary Partner.
- Can include unlimited Secondary Partners or Other Partners.
- Projects should be conducted in Ontario.
- Ensure a minimum 2:1 contribution match by the applicant or private sector partners.
- Projects can last up to 24 months.
- Should be at Technology Readiness Level 5-9.
How to Apply
The application process is divided into several stages to ensure thorough assessment and selection:
- Complete a client intake form and consult with an OCI Business Development Manager (BDM).
- Develop and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- EOIs are reviewed internally and externally, and selected applicants are invited to submit a Full Application.
- Applications must be endorsed by a BDM before submission.
- Applicants present their proposal to an External Review Panel (ERP).
- ERP makes recommendations to OCI’s Internal Review Panel (IRP), which makes the final decision.
- Successful applicants are notified and provided conditions and additional information for project activation.
Assessment Process and Criteria
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including:
- Clarity of challenges, market opportunities, and expected economic benefits.
- Technical merit, novelty, and feasibility of the innovation.
- Expertise and experience of the project team.
- Potential impact on the automotive and smart mobility sector.
- Feasibility and appropriateness of the project plan and budget.
- Strategy and capacity to bring the solution to market.
Project Activation, Funds and Reporting
Project Activation
To activate the project, the Applicant, Primary Partner, and Secondary Partners must execute the OCI Funding Agreement within 30 days of the award announcement.
Flow of Funds
Funds are reimbursed to the Applicant upon submission and approval of reports. An advance payment of up to 10% may be released upon project activation. A 10% hold-back is remitted upon approval of the final report.
Project Reporting
Regular reporting is mandatory to ensure project accountability:
Interim Progress Reports
Quarterly reports, including progress, project metrics, data, proof of expenditures, and a reimbursement request, must be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter.
Final Report
A final report is required at the project’s completion, including metrics, data, proof of expenditures, and partnership contributions.
Project Metrics and Retrospective Survey
Metrics must be submitted every fiscal year end (March 31) and retrospective surveys are conducted one, two, and three years after project completion to assess commercial outcomes.
Project Changes
Applicants must request extensions, milestone variances, or budget changes exceeding 10% using the Project Change Request form. Such requests should be made before implementing changes.
Conclusion
The OVIN R&D Partnership Fund – WinterTech Development Grant provides a vital opportunity for SMEs and their partners to innovate and address the transportation challenges posed by winter conditions in Ontario. By fostering collaboration and leveraging private sector contributions, the program aims to deliver impactful, market-ready solutions that enhance road safety, infrastructure, and the overall transportation ecosystem.
