Ontario Tech Launches Initiative to Boost Small Business Access

The City of Oshawa and Ontario Tech University have unveiled a new initiative aimed at making high-tech research facilities more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario. Announced on October 10, 2023, the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem (DRIVE) program is backed by a $2 million investment from the provincial government, complemented by support from local governments including Oshawa, Whitby, and Durham Region.

This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden associated with accessing advanced research facilities, which often feature high operational costs. According to Dr. Les Jacobs, Ontario Tech’s Vice-President of Research and Innovation, “It’s only the biggest companies in the country that have $100 million research labs. It’s not the norm. For small companies, we are opening the door.”

Access to Advanced Facilities

At the heart of the DRIVE program is the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE), a specialized research facility equipped with a wind tunnel capable of simulating extreme winds and temperatures. While its name suggests an automotive focus, ACE also provides testing services for a variety of sectors, including architecture, aerospace, and technology. The facility has catered to major corporations such as Toyota, Honda, and Google.

Jacobs emphasized the facility’s unique capabilities, stating, “In advanced manufacturing, there’s nothing like it in the country.” The funding model for ACE typically shifts the majority of operating costs onto the customer, making it challenging for smaller businesses to utilize its services. The DRIVE program aims to change that.

Provincial Support for the Automotive Sector

The DRIVE initiative is part of a broader provincial commitment, with $17.5 million allocated to support nine sites across Ontario that aim to enhance access to specialized equipment for local automotive enterprises. This funding is designed to foster collaboration within the automotive sector and strengthen connections between industry players and community partners.

As the automotive landscape faces uncertainty, particularly with the emergence of electric vehicles from companies like China, Jacobs noted the importance of the DRIVE program. He stated, “We’re beginning to wonder whether there are going to be Chinese electric vehicles in Canada. The DRIVE program will be a way in which Canadian companies can get involved in the supply chain as well.”

In addition to providing access to advanced facilities, the DRIVE program will also offer advisory services and pathways to funding for participating businesses. This comprehensive support system is expected to help Ontario’s automotive sector remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

As businesses navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing, initiatives like DRIVE represent a crucial step towards fostering innovation and growth in Ontario’s economy.