Ontario Tech Launches DRIVE Program to Support Small Businesses

A new initiative aimed at enhancing access to high-tech research facilities for small businesses has been announced by Ontario Tech University and the City of Oshawa. The program, known as the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem (DRIVE), is backed by a substantial investment of $2 million from the provincial government, alongside support from local municipalities including Oshawa, Whitby, and Durham Region.

This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with utilizing advanced research facilities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. According to Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President of Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech, “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 Cutting-Edge Facilities

At the heart of the DRIVE program is access to Ontario Tech’s Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE). This specialized research facility features a state-of-the-art wind tunnel capable of simulating extreme weather conditions. Although it is primarily associated with the automotive sector, ACE has also been utilized for testing in architecture and aerospace, as well as serving technology companies and film productions.

Dr. Jacobs emphasized the unique capabilities of ACE, noting, “In advanced manufacturing, there’s nothing like it in the country.” The facility’s operational model typically requires customers to cover the majority of its high operating costs, limiting access mainly to large corporations, including major car manufacturers like Toyota and Honda, as well as tech leaders such as Google.

With the DRIVE initiative, Ontario Tech aims to democratize access to these facilities for smaller businesses that may otherwise struggle to afford such services. The funding model, supported by the provincial government’s commitment of $17.5 million across nine sites in Ontario, is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the local automotive sector.

Supporting the Future of Manufacturing

The DRIVE program not only provides access to ACE but also offers advisory services and pathways to funding for participating businesses. Dr. Jacobs remarked that this support is crucial for Ontario’s automotive industry, which faces challenges amid uncertainties in manufacturing. He raised concerns about the potential influx of Chinese electric vehicles into the Canadian market, stating, “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.”

By fostering innovation and collaboration within the automotive sector, the DRIVE initiative seeks to position Ontario as a competitive player in the evolving landscape of manufacturing. This strategic investment is expected to empower local businesses, helping them to leverage advanced technologies and research capabilities that were previously accessible only to larger corporations.

As small and medium-sized enterprises begin to capitalize on this opportunity, Ontario Tech and its partners aim to ensure that the region remains at the forefront of technological advancement and industrial growth.