We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of September. See below to read our top highlights.
Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation team hit the road
Over the past month, the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation team has been actively participating in various conferences and events to promote the Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS), its programs and services.
Invest Windsor Essex attended Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) Annual Conference, a premier automotive and mobility event as the Project Arrow Experience Partner. Canada’s first zero-emission electric concept vehicle was in action alongside 60 exclusive supplies and partners of the project. Representing the Windsor-Essex region, President and CEO, Stephen Mackenzie participated in a roundtable discussion with Minister Tassi and other community leaders from London and Niagara regarding the transition to ZEVs and the support needed. Our team was also pleased to sit in on a fireside chat about Canada’s auto industry with APMA President, Flavio Volpe and Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. WATCH
Invest WindsorEssex’s (WE RTDS), funded through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), attended and exhibited at the TCXpo in Ottawa at Area X.O. Through the Regional Technology Development Site Participant Funnel Program, WE RTDS brought seven RTDS clients (AWOS Technologies, Optimotive, Oryptic, Hover, Fertherstill, NavMobility and Monerus) along with them to exhibit and promote their services and technologies. It was a successful event discovering the endless possibilities of technology and connecting with companies that are shaping the future of smart mobility.
Meet Invest WindsorEssex’s Automobility and Innovation Technical Program Manager, Kassem Nizam
Kassem Nizam is the Technical Program Manager at Invest WindsorEssex. With a solid educational foundation in Mechanical Engineering, Kassem earned his Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Ottawa.
Kassem’s professional journey has been a diverse and dynamic one. He initially began his career as a Manufacturing Engineer, specializing in the construction of capsule machines. Later, he transitioned into a role as a Consultant at Baker Tilly, where he focused on crafting grants for automotive companies and handling SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) claims for engineering clients.
Driven by a passion for automotive technology and economic development, Kassem joined Invest WindsorEssex, where he actively participates in the OVIN (Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network) program. In this role, he oversees programs related to simulation, digital twin technology, and software bundles. Kassem is dedicated to working closely with clients to ensure they access the right programs and receive the technical support necessary to succeed.
Kassem’s unique blend of engineering expertise, grant writing proficiency and his commitment to fostering growth in the automotive and technology sectors make him an invaluable asset to the team at Invest WindsorEssex. Contact Kassem, knizam@investwindsoressex.com
Successful utilization in funding for expanding EV charger infrastructure
The regional interest to build a sustainable future is only growing and making investments in charging stations will help get more Canadians into an electric vehicle and on the road to a net-zero future.
Through Natural Resources Canada Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, $4.3 million has been invested to help support the installation of electric vehicle chargers across Windsor-Essex.
A new program, Charge Up Windsor-Essex, was developed by Essex Powerlines to distribute the funds. Applications will be accepted from qualified recipients who would like to install charging stations. There are many successful applicants from the region, including the University of Windsor which recently installed 24 new EV chargers across its campus. READ MORE