Oshawa and Ontario Tech launch DRIVE mobility program at ACE facility

The City of Oshawa and Ontario Tech University launched a new mobility and transportation program called the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem (DRIVE) on Sept. 29, 2026, at Ontario Tech’s Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) facility in Oshawa.

The program is intended to connect small- and medium-sized businesses with testing space and other supports as transportation-related projects move ahead in Durham Region.

Ontario Tech describes DRIVE as Durham Region’s hub within the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). The university says the hub is meant to help participating companies develop, test and commercialize mobility technologies by providing access to research expertise, facilities and business support.

Other partners in DRIVE include the 1855 Whitby Accelerator, the Region of Durham and the Town of Whitby.

Dr. Les Jacobs, Ontario Tech vice-president of research and innovation, said the program is meant to give smaller companies access to “advanced testing environments and specialized expertise.”

According to Ontario Tech, DRIVE will focus on electric and smart mobility, advanced manufacturing, rail, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and micromobility.

DRIVE is expected to provide business development and testing opportunities to more than 60 Ontario-based mobility and transportation small- and medium-sized enterprises over the next four years, Ontario Tech said.

Ontario Tech said participating companies will be based in the Innovation Garage at the ACE facility and will receive discounted access to ACE equipment and controlled testing environments.

Ontario Tech said it will lead DRIVE’s day-to-day operations and deliver programs through Brilliant Catalyst, the university’s entrepreneurship and innovation unit. Ontario Tech said participating startups and small- and medium-sized businesses will have access to the Mobility Accelerator, Brilliant Incubator and investment opportunities through Brilliant Catalyst.

Industry partners include Alstom, Protexxa, IlluminexAI and Scooty. Those partners are expected to contribute expertise in rail, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and micromobility, Ontario Tech said.