FedDev Ontario invests in Canada's first car accelerator in Windsor-Essex

Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor and Tecumseh, on behalf of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister of FedDev, Ontario, Mélanie Joly, announced the provision of 7.5 million Canadian dollars in unpaid donations to FedDev, Ontario, Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) Established Canada's first world-class car accelerator.

The $7.5 million for Invest WindsorEssex will support 1,350 entrepreneurs and scaling firms in the automobility sector and attract $40 million in foreign direct investment.

Automobility refers to the secure, zero-emission movement of people, goods and services using advanced information technologies. It includes emerging automotive technologies, such as electric, autonomous and connected vehicles, as well as related enabling sectors such as cyber security.

Leveraging the region’s roots in automotive manufacturing, IWE will bring together key stakeholders in the Windsor-Essex region to support the development of secure, zero emissions vehicles technologies.

“Today’s announcement furthers the local economic development strategy of the Windsor-Essex region to anchor its growth around a developing automobility cluster—one that will support 1,350 entrepreneurs and companies and attract $40 million in foreign direct investment here to Windsor-Essex. The far-reaching results of FedDev Ontario’s investments can be seen in small-and medium-sized businesses across the region that are successfully weathering COVID-19 and building resilience for the future,” said Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh.

With this investment, IWE will offer a full spectrum of first-in-Canada training and other programming to support the upskilling of 1,350 automobility entrepreneurs and scaling firms. Tailored to the needs of start-ups and scale-ups in the automobility ecosystem, with a focus on electric vehicles (EV), connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV), and cyber security firms, this support will help entrepreneurs to accelerate the commercialization of their technologies while positioning the region as a hub for automobility innovation and investment.

“With FedDev Ontario support, entrepreneurs and SMEs in the automobility sector across Windsor-Essex will have access to a full spectrum of programming at the first automobility accelerator in Canada. Our government is committed to advancing the world-class automobility innovation cluster in the region, while doing what is necessary to accelerate the transition to net zero future. We continue to make investments to create jobs, help Canada build capacity and stay at the forefront of technology as we build back better,” added The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

“This substantial new funding will help Windsor stay competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace and continue the excellent work already started to position Windsor-Essex as a leader in the fourth industrial revolution. It also aligns perfectly with Windsor Works, our new strategy to diversify and strengthen our economy,” added Drew Dilkens, Mayor, City of Windsor.

The project also comes with environmental benefits, such as new technologies for EV and CAV. It is this type of innovation and action that will help Canada achieve its plan for a green recovery that fights climate change and builds a net-zero economy by investing in world-leading technologies that make industry cleaner.

FedDev Ontario’s investment will also leverage an additional $12.3 million in private sector and other matching funding, and attract $40 million in new foreign direct investment to the region.

“Today’s announcement recognizes the unique position of the University of Windsor in supporting the Windsor-Essex region as the “Automobility Capital of Canada,”” said Robert Gordon, president and vice-chancellor, University of Windsor. “With a mandate of secure, zero-emission movement of people, goods and services, using advanced information technology, the University of Windsor will expand on collaborative efforts with academic and industry partners in such areas as vehicle cybersecurity and safety; electric vehicle powertrain commercialization; Next-Gen Chief Technology Officer (CTO) programming to train students and entrepreneurs in the fundamentals of intellectual property; and the development of degree-related programs and courses in V2X, simulation and other associated technologies. The funding announced today not only acknowledges the tremendous potential of University of Windsor research and teaching—it is a vote of confidence for the Windsor-Essex region.”

The investment builds on an initial $5-million FedDev Ontario investment, announced in September 2019 to help IWE establish and catalyze the growth of a next-generation automobility cluster, attract investment to the region and create jobs of the future. The project initiated over 30 partnerships and projects to date, resulting in more than 300 new jobs created and nearly $50 million in funds leveraged for the region.

The investment aligns priorities outlined in Budget 2021 to accelerate the transition to net-zero future and decarbonize industrial supply chains. It also aligns with priorities outlined in Budget 2021 that build on the Strategic Innovation Fund’s existing resources, including $3 billion over five years to target investments in important areas of future growth over the coming years to advance multiple strategic objectives for the Canadian economy.

"This investment will help consolidate Windsor-Essex's position as the "Car Capital of Canada". We will build a stronger and more diversified economy based on automotive excellence. This investment will create jobs, promote innovation, support our growing entrepreneurial sector, and work to reduce emissions and serve a greener, sustainable economy," said Warden Gary McNamara of Essex County.