We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of June. See below to read our top highlights.
IWE’s Automobility and Innovation team attend the 2023 Collision Conference in Toronto
The Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation team attended the 2023 Collision Conference from June 26 to June 29 in Toronto. Our Program Manager, Mackenzie Habash, and our Technical Program Manager, Kassem Nizam, provided onsite OVIN Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site support and resources. Collision Conference brings together the people and companies redefining tech, gathering them for three days of content, deal-making and meaningful connections.
As Ontario’s flagship initiative for the automotive and mobility sector, OVIN, is driving economic development and catalyzing a future that builds safer, cleaner and more efficient transportation. The Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS) support SMEs to develop, test and prototype their advanced automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions and tap into specific advice, expertise and knowledge around key focus areas for the sector.
The Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS) is one of seven RTDSs in Ontario, funded by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and the Ontario Center for Innovation (OCI). The WE RTDS provides free programs and services to companies working in automobility. The services range from products and software to assistance with R&D, business development and mentorship. The team made several connections with companies who want to pursue WE RTDS programming at the 2023 Collision Conference. LEARN MORE
Meet IWE’s Senior Manager of Automobility and Innovation, Ed Dawson
Ed is the Senior Manager of Automobility and Innovation, leading the Simulation Team at Invest WindsorEssex. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Windsor, specializing in Political Science and Economics. Following a 12-year career in finance, Ed shifted gears and joined Sylectus, a transportation management software company that was created in Windsor by two local entrepreneurs and was sold to tech giant Qualcomm. He spent four years in a variety of roles that allowed him to gain an in-depth knowledge of the transportation and logistics sector, specifically through the software and technology side.
With his passion for local government and supporting the Windsor-Essex region, Ed joined Invest WindsorEssex as a Business Attraction Specialist. During his short time in this role, Ed helped to attract a variety of new companies to the region and supported investment growth and job creation on many levels. When Windsor-Essex was designated a Regional Technology Development Site as part of the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), Ed internally pivoted to become the region’s first Mobility Analyst.
Today, Ed leads a dynamic team supporting the newly established Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) program which includes providing access to Canada’s largest publicly accessible VR CAVE that was designed for the testing of C/AV technologies. Having accurate simulation testing capabilities and high-fidelity test tracks supports companies and academics pursuing automobility technologies that will shape the future of what the next generation of infrastructure and vehicles will look like, especially as they relate to crossing international borders. The Invest WindsorEssex VR CAVE team welcomes anyone interested in learning more and collaborating. Contact Ed Dawson, edawson@investwindsoressex.com
Akash Charuvila, IWE lead engineer of VR and simulation services, speaks at ITS Canada 2023 annual conference and expo panel
Our lead engineer of VR and simulation services attended and spoke at ITS Canada 2023 annual conference and expo on June 14 to 16. Akash provided input regarding the discussion topic of “Using Technology for Greater Growth” and how it will ultimately affect the Windsor-Essex region now and in the future.
ITS Canada defines Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as the application of advanced and emerging technologies (computers, sensors, control, communications and electronic devices) in transportation to save lives, time, money, energy and the environment. Goals of ITS include moving towards a fully integrated transportation management system, improving efficiency, safety, productivity and general mobility, while reducing threats to travel safety and security as well as the negative effects to the environment such as pollution.
Akash was able to leave the conference with a wealth of information and understanding of achieving many of today’s transportation objectives: mobility, safety, efficient transportation, providing a financial base for new infrastructure. LEARN MORE
Ontario expands electric vehicle charging stations
The Ontario government is making it more convenient for electric vehicle (EV) owners to travel the province with EV fast chargers now installed at all 20 renovated ONroute stations along the province’s busiest highways, the 400 and 401.
The new fast charging stations are part of a historic EV charger roll-out announced in Dec. 2021 by the Ontario government, Ivy Charging Network, ONroute, Canadian Tire and Natural Resources Canada. All stations are now equipped with at least two EV chargers at each site, with busier areas equipped with more. The chargers are available to all drivers on a pay-per-use basis and serve all vehicle types.
This initiative builds on the government’s Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan to create a domestic EV battery ecosystem in the province and position Ontario as a North American automotive innovation hub, by working to support the continued pivot to electric, low carbon, connected and autonomous vehicles. LEARN MORE