Ontario Tech Launches DRIVE Initiative to Boost Small Business Innovation

A new initiative aimed at supporting small businesses in Ontario has been unveiled by Ontario Tech University in collaboration with the City of Oshawa. The program, named the **Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem** (DRIVE), aims to significantly reduce the financial barriers for local companies seeking access to advanced research facilities. This initiative is backed by a **$2 million** investment from the provincial government, with additional support from local governments including Oshawa, Whitby, and Durham Region.

The DRIVE program will specifically subsidize the operating costs of Ontario Tech’s high-tech facilities, making them accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President of Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech, this initiative is crucial for smaller companies that typically lack the financial resources to invest in expensive research labs.

Access to Cutting-Edge Facilities

At the heart of the DRIVE initiative is the **Automotive Centre of Excellence** (ACE), a state-of-the-art research facility equipped with a wind tunnel capable of simulating extreme weather conditions. Although its name suggests a focus on automotive research, ACE serves a broader range of industries, including architecture, aerospace, and technology. Dr. Jacobs emphasized that the facility’s engineering staff and specialized equipment provide unparalleled services that are not readily available elsewhere in Canada.

Historically, the high operating costs of ACE have restricted its services to major companies, such as Toyota, Honda, and Google. The DRIVE initiative aims to democratize access to these resources, ensuring that smaller businesses can leverage advanced technology for innovation. “It’s only the biggest companies in the country that have **$100 million** research labs. It’s not the norm,” Dr. Jacobs stated. “For small companies, we are opening the door.”

Provincial Support for the Automotive Sector

The funding for the DRIVE initiative is part of a broader provincial commitment to support the automotive sector, with a total investment of **$17.5 million** across nine sites throughout Ontario. This funding is designed to facilitate access to specialized equipment and foster connections between local automotive businesses and industry partners.

In addition to physical access to ACE, the DRIVE program will offer advisory services and pathways to funding, further empowering Ontario’s automotive businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Dr. Jacobs highlighted the initiative’s importance in light of uncertainties facing the manufacturing sector, particularly with the potential influx of electric vehicles from China. “The DRIVE program will be a way in which Canadian companies can get involved in the supply chain as well,” he noted.

By providing essential resources and support, the DRIVE initiative is poised to transform the landscape for small businesses in Ontario, enabling them to innovate and thrive in a competitive environment.