We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of January. See below to read our top highlights.
University of Windsor secures $5-million partnership with TELUS
January started out with another big investment for one of the region’s top economic institutions. The University of Windsor has recently secured a $5-millon partnership with TELUS to establish the University as a go-to centre for innovation by setting in motion a 5G connected campus and commercial lab to support research in connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), advanced manufacturing and agriculture. This collaboration will also transform the University’s campus to enhance teaching and innovation.
Students and researchers will gain a greater ability to build on solutions that meet today’s global changes, especially within our region by building on local research in the growing automobility sectors. This partnership will offer multiple opportunities including, working with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and policy makers to better equip connected vehicles to help solve border challenges. In addition provide opportunities to explore developing new cybersecurity applications for CAVs by working in collaboration with Mitacs, a nonprofit national research organization.
LEARN MORE on how this investment will help to grow the local economy of Windsor-Essex and its position in the region as an automobility and technology leader.
Invest WindsorEssex invites you to Canada’s automobility capital
WindsorEssex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS) welcomed Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Raed Kadri, Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives and Head of OVIN and MPP, Windsor-Tecumseh, Andrew Dowie to Invest WindsorEssex’s Automobility and Innovation Centre to announce the recent investment for renewed support for Ontario-based SME’s working with connected autonomous, cybersecurity and electrified automobility.
Are you familiar with Invest WindsorEssex’s WE RTDS? WE RTDS is one of seven RTDS in Ontario, funded by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and the Ontario Centre for Innovation (OCI). The WE RTDS provides free programs and services to companies working in automobility. The services range from products and software to assist with R&D, business development and mentorship. The WE RTDS specializes in advanced simulation, virtual reality, automotive cybersecurity and cross-border technology.
There are multiple ways that WE RTDS can help! If you are a company looking for assistance with product development, simulation testing and skills training, the Invest WindsorEssex Virtual Reality (VR) CAVE provides support while reducing prototyping and testing costs in a safe environment. The Automobility and Innovation team can also assist with creating a virtual model for product design and can develop a simulated process to predict maintenance patterns. Note – all these services are free. LEARN MORE about the opportunities.
Companies are invited to join an employer networking event
Invest WindsorEssex’s WindsorEssex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS) in partnership with OVIN, St.Clair College and the University of Windsor would like to invite regional companies to join the Future Mobility Challenge – Employer Networking Event on Feb. 11 at St. Clair Centre for the Arts. Employers will have the opportunity to meet and connect with some of the brightest students studying supply chain, STEM and data analytics. There is also an opportunity for all regional employers to have access to a free booth (upon availability).
A series of challenges were launched to hundreds of students focused on the mobility and cybersecurity industry to compile solutions, make predictions and create interactive platforms for a chance to win prizes. At the event students will have an opportunity to network with potential employers, hear from keynote speakers and find out if they have won their challenge.
All students and employers are encouraged to join! REGISTER HERE
FedDev Ontario Minister Filomena Tassi visits Windsor-Essex
Invest WindsorEssex was pleased to welcome FedDev Ontario Minister Filomena Tassi for a roundtable discussion with local MP Irek Kusmierczyk on regional FedDev Ontario support and programming, following the meeting Minister Tassi joined our Automobility and Innovation team for a demonstration in the IWE Virtual Reality (VR) CAVE.
During the Minister’s visit to the region, it was also announced that three local manufacturers will split $10.375-million in interest-free loans. Leamington’s Uni-Fab, an automotive supply company, Lakeshore’s pharmaceutical firm, CapsCanada Corp. , along with whole food manufacturer and one of our Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre’s devoted clients Cedar Valley Selections, creating over 100 new jobs between the three companies. LEARN MORE
Invest WindsorEssex joins APMA at CES to unveil Project Arrow
Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) showcased the Windsor-Essex region on a global stage at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas – one of the largest tech events in the world. The conference was an excellent opportunity to sell the region as an ideal place for automotive innovation as well as, showcase the technological advancements and programming available to companies looking to partner, invest and expand into Canada’s Automobility Capital.
The Automobility and Innovation team was thrilled to have joined the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) for the unveiling of Project Arrow – Canada’s first zero-emission concept vehicle. The prototype was made possible in part to the support of Windsor-Essex suppliers, along with virtual reality innovations being created in the region.
IWE is proud to be recognized as the official eXtended Reality Partner for Project Arrow, having brought the virtual design to life using the IWE’s Virtual Reality (VR) CAVE: Canada’s largest publicly accessible VR CAVE designed for the development and testing of automotive technologies.
“The IWE contribution to Project Arrow was critical in bringing the original idea to life through extended reality and in providing additional leadership to ensure innovative local technology found itself on the concept prototype buildout,” said Flavio Volpe, President, APMA. “We could not have done this without them.” READ MORE
PM Justin Trudeau visits Windsor-Essex
The Windsor-Essex region had a visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to position Canada at the centre of the EV revolution and what better place than the Automobility Capital of Canada.
During his time in the region the PM toured Stellantis’ Windsor Assembly Plant and said the federal government is sticking to the “really ambitious” target of ensuring every new vehicle in Canada be zero-emission by 2035.
The Prime Minister also met with University of Windsor students and stopped by the Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy (CHARGE) lab. READ MORE