The City of Oshawa and the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem have received a combined $7 million investment to help local small businesses grow in the automotive and technology sectors. This announcement, made on March 3, 2026, in Oshawa, Ontario, marks a major step in providing local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build new vehicle technologies locally.
The funding package includes $2 million from the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, $2.4 million from industry partners, and $2.5 million from broader public sector support. As part of this project, the Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem has been named one of nine specialized technology sites in the province.
Local small- and medium-sized businesses will now have better access to specialized equipment, advanced testing facilities, and professional mentorship. This support system is designed to help local technology companies test their ideas and grow their businesses without having to leave the community.
The project also provides workspace for innovators to work on smart mobility and clean energy projects. Much of this technical work and testing takes place at Ontario Tech University, which hosts the Automotive Centre of Excellence.
The City of Oshawa is leading the effort to move the local economy toward advanced manufacturing and cleaner vehicle technologies. By offering these resources, the program aims to make it easier and less risky for local entrepreneurs to turn their new ideas into successful businesses.
