We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of October. See below to read our top highlights.
Upcoming Future of Transportation and Mobility Series
Future of Transportation and Mobility Series (FTMS) is back for its 7th year with its exciting virtual conference,
“Build, Scale and Adopt Innovations in Automotive Technology,” hosted by the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) and Durham Regional Technology Development Site (Durham RTDS). Explore innovations and developments reshaping the future of mobility and transportation across Ontario’s automotive landscape. From artificial intelligence to sustainable solutions in the electric vehicle revolution, hear new perspectives from entrepreneurs and global industry experts driving innovation across these sectors. READ MORE
Launch of OVIN Demonstration Zone Challenges: Open call stream
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s (OVIN) Demonstration Zone provides a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with groundbreaking technologies to showcase their latest mobility solutions in
real-world environments and join an innovative community. Space will be offered to companies looking to test, pilot and demonstrate their mobility solutions, including connected, autonomous, shared and integrated mobility, robotics and electric vehicle solutions. Applications are now open for the general call stream. Be among the first to demonstrate and help shape the future of mobility solutions.
OVIN’s Demonstration Zone is an initiative led by the Cities of Markham and Vaughan is supported by the Government of Ontario. Submit your application by Dec. 2, 2024; please visit OVIN Demonstration Zone Application.
‘Pivotal landmark’: Windsor’s NextStar Energy starts production on battery modules
Exciting news for NextStar Energy with the start of the battery module production this month at their Windsor plant. Invest WindsorEssex is proud to have supported this investment and the growing EV supply chain in Windsor-Essex. This $5-billion investment will create 2,500 jobs and spur the local supply chain, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while strengthening the municipalities it supports and regional economy. READ MORE
ENWIN ushers in fleet vehicle electrification
ENWIN has made an essential move, electrifying its fleet starting with a fully electric 55-feet bucket truck, a first of its kind in Canada. The $1-million investment marks one of the initial steps toward fully electrifying their vehicle fleet. It is a quieter alternative for crew members conducting repairs, allowing for better communication and can travel from 250 kilometres to 300 kilometres on a full charge. In addition, ENWIN has ushered in a variation of hybrid vehicles, representing 10 per cent of its entire fleet. Crew members will be able to try out the new vehicles through rotation to see how they affect their everyday lives and provide feedback. Windsor-Essex continues to be a hub for electrification, with a growing number of businesses replacing traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles with electric vehicles. READ MORE
Mercedes-Benz bringing incubator program to Windsor
Mercedes-Benz has partnered with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and the Government of Ontario to launch a new incubator program. Windsor will be one of the first three locations to help startup companies develop their innovative business concepts and technologies on a smaller scale. The pilot phase will consist of startup scouting, empowering these startups to engage with industry while gaining international access to its ‘Startup Autobahn’ network for selected projects.
Ed Dawson, executive director of automobility and innovation at Invest WindsorEssex, who oversees
one of the OVIN Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS), states:
“This latest partnership adds another piece to the plan to make the local area Canada’s automobility capital.
This fits perfectly and provides more opportunity to build on the investments the province (and Ottawa have)
made here in Windsor-Essex.”“It’s helping us build an end-to-end supply for zero-emission vehicles. They (Mercedes and OVIN) see this as a great region to do that,” said Dawson.
Ford stated that the partnership between OVIN and Mercedes-Benz will significantly boost Ontario’s automotive and mobility sectors by uniting top industry, research and entrepreneurial talent to drive innovation in next-generation automotive and mobility technologies. READ MORE
Emerging technologies conference attracts hundreds to experience the latest in automation and artificial intelligence
Invest WindsorEssex hosted the region’s largest automation conference on Oct. 23, 2024. The Emerging Technologies in Automation Conference and Trade Show: Transformation Through Automation attracted over 350 attendees, 45 exhibitors and 30 world-class presenters to experience the latest developments in Industry 4.0.
Windsor-Essex suppliers showcased cutting-edge automation and technology solutions to international purchasers and delegates from various industries. Keynote Speaker Paul Zikopoulos, vice president of IBM technology sales – skills vitality and enablement, delivered an impactful discussion on “AI for Business: The Business Opportunity of a Lifetime.” Highlights included a Start-Up Zone, which showcased emerging innovators in automation and mobility and provided a networking platform for companies and job seekers to explore advancements in manufacturing, agri-business, construction, defense, next-generation vehicle production and more.
“From its beginning in 2016 as a regional gathering, this event now welcomes attendees, exhibitors and speakers from across Ontario, Michigan and beyond, while still highlighting the world-class automation cluster in Windsor-Essex. It provides a platform to unite innovators in AI, robotics, and IT/OT convergence across many sectors to shape the future of industry and drive transformative change,” stated Wendy Stark, director of business retention and expansion, Invest WindsorEssex.
This dynamic event fostered collaboration among professionals and innovators to help shape the future of emerging technologies, leaving attendees with fresh perspectives and new partnerships. READ MORE